NEW YEAR, NEW TRENDs

In 2026, we’re expecting the conversation about art to move well past Cloud Dancer. The trends for this year are bolder, more human, and more emotionally charged than the color white, emphasizing tactility, nostalgia, and unique uses of space. Artists are pushing beyond atmosphere into attitude, expressing a more complex cultural moment. 2026 is about establishing presence, not retreating from the world, and it’s anything but subtle.

New Retro Optimism

A new nostalgic vision is surfacing as a sentimental yet forward-looking aesthetic that blends the feeling of a happy memory with contemporary sensibilities. Drawing from the psychedelic 60s and 70s and analog techniques, artists are reimagining elements of the past through soft, stylized forms and evocative color palettes. Unlike in previous years where this trend prioritized digital design, the style has been updated for 2026 with an emphasis on handmade processes.

The Joy of the Handmade

A renewed appreciation for handmade and ‘imperfect’ art is emerging as a counterpoint to the last few years' digital prominence, with artists rediscovering the joy found in the physical act of making a mark. Irregular lines, visible brushstrokes, and an emphasis on raw tactility signal presence and intention. The return to the handmade reflects a broader cultural desire for slowness, authenticity, and connection, where meaning is found not only in the finished work, but in the expressed pleasure of creating it.

Reflecting Light, Casting Shadows

Art that incorporates mirrors, lighting and shadow play is emerging as a powerful way to extend work beyond the physical object and into the surrounding space. Reflections, cast shadows, and shifting light become active elements, evolving with movement and the point of view of the observer.The technique blurs the line between object and environment, emphasizing perception and interaction, where the artwork is not only what is seen directly, but also what is reflected, projected, and momentarily transformed.