Art meets Design

Here at the Affordable Art Fair, we’re fascinated by the way that different creative worlds collide. From photography, music and performance, our fairs include arty programmes and bespoke tours that incorporate disciplines aside from the visual arts, giving us new ideas and techniques to help inspire our marvellous visitors!


Similarly, in a digital world where design inspiration is literally at our fingertips, we’re equally intrigued by the love affair between art and design. As Instagram and interior bloggers give us new inspiration on a daily basis, we took a look at how these interior trends have informed the work that’s being produced, whether its within prints, sculpture or paintings – and discover our pick of artworks which effortlessly incorporate those interior trends into their aesthetic — a simple and effective way to update your home with what’s hot in the design world.

FLORA AND FAUNA

One real interior design trend we’ve noticed over the last few years is the implosion of succulents, cacti and greenery within the home. Bringing the outdoors in has never been so popular; whilst flora and fauna in the home used to be reserved for a pretty bunch of tulips or a few potted plants, we now see masses of greenery — from cacti and potted plants to elegant hanging baskets — besiege our interior world. Instagram feeds such as @scraperka and @houseplantclub are a green-fingered delight for any cactus-enthusiast, and more so than ever, we’re noticing that greenery creep into artist works.

Take artist Este Macleod, who exhibits with Will’s Art Warehouse at our London fairs. Este’s leafy canvases inject a blast of nature into the home, and over the years, her work has become steadily greener, packed with flowers, leaves and unusual plants.

PASTEL PALETTES

Her work also relates to another trend we keep spotting — the use of pastel shades. Mint greens, soft pinks, cool lilacs and blues increasingly are finding a place within home decorating schemes; similarly, more and more we see these tones in artworks, as trendy, popular colours that collectors like to hang on their walls to match their interiors. We love the addition of pinks and blues in artist Bonnie & Clyde’s work, represented by Liberty Gallery, which add a playful edge to her contemporary prints, using flat geometric shapes to give that little extra intrigue into an already interesting work.

SCANDI STYLE

It’s hard not to notice the plethora of Scandinavian inspired design which has flooded high streets, Instagram and even art fairs in recent years. Taking its cue from simple colours, patterns and lines, the Nordic trend relies on a chic, simplified aesthetic; think exposed wood, pops of blue, cacti, graphic prints, monochrome and grey walls. According to House and Garden magazine, Scandi design relies on simplicity, minimalism and functionality, characterised by a very clean, decluttered interior. We’re seeing these characteristics inspire a smattering of artworks which embrace minimal colours and simplistic forms. Works by artist Marcella Sinclair, such as her powerful ’Tropical Ghosts’ shown by Artemisa Gallery at the Affordable Art Fair’s New York edition — easily introduces that sought-after slice of serenity into any space. Likewise, sculptures like ‘Quince I’ from Kaleidoscope Arts, or Cesar Oricco’s stunning ‘Hikari’ from Galerie Calderone, both bring a touch of Scandi to our fairs – and can infuse that same style into your home. For more scandi inspiration, check out design studio Morten&Jonas, myscandanavianhome or scandinavianretreat – or head to our very own Scandinavian fair in Stockholm!

NEW NEONS

We’ve seen a real resurgence in neon artworks within printmaking at recent fairs, as homemakers rely on artwork to add a bright splash of colour to their space without a full-blown redecorating project. Take the brilliantly bright (and aptly named) ‘Zing 2’ from Frea Buckler from Smithson Gallery, whose snappy prints burst with energy and fun. Or, for a more laid-back approach to the neon trend, we love Sophie Smallhorn’s screenprint ‘Layer 1’. Represented by London-based gallery Eyestorm, her print is both on-trend and a beautiful addition to a collection looking for something unusual. These works are in line with trends in the interior design world, as designers and bloggers wax lyrical about the popping impact of a bright cushion, neon kitchenware or accessories – check out how @interior_wonderland seamlessly weaves a touch of neon within many of the interiors she features.

So whether it’s Scandi-minimalism and a chic, laid-back vibe you’re after, or some additional oomph through a popping, neon print, if you’re a fan of a design trend but don’t want to commit to a whole home makeover, why not try adding a piece of art instead?