Genres

Genre Categories is broadly defined as a medley of particular styles, movements, subjects, and groups. Some are related but with key differences. For example, Cubism is also Abstraction, but not all Abstraction is Cubism. Abstract Expressionism is also Abstraction, but not all Abstraction is Abstract Expressionism. Even though Graffiti can stand alone it is almost always Urban. Visionary, Spiritual, and Fantasy artists may all seem to elicit the dreamlike images of Surrealism but the difference lies in both intent and expression.

Some of the genre categories featured here flourished during a particular period, became historical movements, and have remained as strong expressive voices in contemporary art. However, the market has its own definition for style-period, particularly influenced by the auctions. For example, the broader Modern versus Contemporary is always changing as their parameters keep undergoing redefinition by the auction market.  In general, Modern has long been recognized as beginning in the last quarter of the 19^th century and extending to the mid 20^th century. Contemporary covers a broad swath of 50 years from about 1970 to now. In between is the explosive Post-War period (1945–1970) when new styles and isms multiplied.

The possibilities are endless, so we selected those Genre Categories that we felt were the most popular.