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Here's What's Next for Miniature Art. These 2021 Trends are so Beautiful!

June 05, 2021

August 6, 2:57PM a pastel painting by Lori Goll

By Chelsea Reed

As we venture into 2021, you might be wondering, “What’s next for miniature art?” Well, after examining the art trends currently cropping up, we realized something powerful is happening in the miniature art scene! It’s all about bold, fresh, and colorful perspectives, and for the Miniature Art Show’s 30th Anniversary that couldn’t be more fitting. You don’t want to miss these beautiful trends! Let’s dive in.

Trend #1: Categories are Crossing Over

Is it a painting or a sculpture? Maybe it’s both! The art world, both in miniature and regular-sized form, is making bold creative moves. No longer is the artist confined to a certain art genre. Framed paintings are becoming three-dimensional. Sculptors are experimenting with 2D. Turn a fashion buckle into framed art on the wall? Why not! When genres cross over into hybrids, anything is possible.

Trend #2: Local Art Appreciation is Center Stage

As travel limitations were in place for most of last year, more people became interested in the local culture of their communities. Now, an appreciation for supporting local artists continues to rise. The Outer Banks certainly is not lacking in local artwork, and that includes minis. There are several local and regional artists in this year’s Miniature Art Show.

Trend #3: African Art Becomes Popular

Wild safaris are usually the first thought when Africa comes to mind, but fine art may be the next runner-up! Miniature art reflects this on a more personal level. Exciting things are happening in the African art scene for both African artists and art inspired by African culture. Plans are underway for prestigious art institutes to open in Cape Town and other big cities on the continent.

Trend #4: Science Merges with Art

From animal studies to landscapes to realistic wood carvings, science will continue to deepen its relationship with art, and that’s perfectly fine with us. This trend fits the miniature art sizes very well, as creating the pieces to scale is a science in itself. The result is an amazing feat of accurate detail that the viewer can gaze upon in a variety of angles.

Trend #5: Art Online is More Important Than Ever

Baby Turtle is a wood carving with mixed media by Jim Carpenter

Miniature art, of course, will continue to be important online for both artists and their patrons this year. This is a trend that is not changing anytime soon. The intimate nature of miniature art is easily viewable on a computer screen or smartphone, making it a hot commodity anytime and literally anywhere.

A Bold, Beautiful World

Who isn’t excited about the 30th International Miniature Art Show? It’s the perfect opportunity for artists around the world to showcase their talents and appreciate life’s beauty. There are tons of pieces in this show! All of them are only available for a limited time, so act fast if you see something you like before it’s gone for good.

Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes online content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina.

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