Galerie Stein Blog

In the 20th century, China experienced tremendous social and political upheaval, from the fall of the Qing Dynasty to the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to Mao's Cultural Revolution. Amid this turmoil, abstract art emerged as a subtle yet powerful form of resistance. While traditional Chinese art focused on representational landscapes and calligraphy, abstract art provided a creative means to express dissent, navigate censorship, and reflect on their complex realities. 'To the Front!' by Hu...

If you think about it, the beautiful, intricate geometric patterns found in Islamic art and architecture represent some of art history's earliest examples of abstraction. I'm talking about patterns of shapes that are rooted in mathematical precision and created with spiritual intention. Such abstract art has been a central feature of the Islamic aesthetic since Islam's inception in the 8th century. Geometric patterns on tiles at the beautiful Alhambra palace/fortress in Grenada, Spain. Construction of the Alhambra began in 1238.   Islamic Geometric Patterns:...

Music and abstract art share an expressive, boundary-pushing quality that allows artists to explore beyond traditional forms. Rhythm and composition—two essential elements in both music and abstract art—create connections that are often reflected in the work of abstract artists, especially those who intentionally draw inspiration from music’s emotional and structural aspects as they paint.   Rhythm in Abstract Art Rhythm in music—whether steady or syncopated—creates an energy that moves through a piece, guiding the listener’s...

Guest article by Beth W. Stewart. Beth is a Vancouver-based scholar-activist abstract artist, and one of our own here at Galerie Stein. Beth has shared her process of abstract artivism at academic institutions and events worldwide and has published on the subject in academic journals. Her own practice as an abstract painter began out of an urgent need to express the complexities she encountered in her academic research in post-conflict northern Uganda. Abstract artivism. I feel the world needs it...

Designing small spaces with abstract art can make a big impact, but selecting and arranging the right pieces requires a strategy. Here are four tips to help you choose the right abstract art for your compact space:   Choose the Right Scale In small spaces, size matters. Avoid oversized pieces that overwhelm the room, and opt instead for medium or small-scale artworks that add depth without overpowering. Consider a series of smaller pieces arranged in a grid...

Integrating abstract art into your home’s interior design can impact the aesthetic value of surrounding furniture and fabrics... and vice versa. With thoughtful pairing, abstract art can bring depth, warmth, and personality to any room by combining the textures present with the right abstract art. Create Contrast with Textures in Interior Design Abstract art’s bold colors, shapes, and textures can add exciting contrast to various types of furniture and fabrics. Pairing a glossy abstract painting...

Here’s Part 2 of my global tour of must-visit modern art museums!  For abstract art enthusiasts (like you and I), visiting modern art museums can be the highlight of any holiday trip. These institutions around the world offer a unique glimpse into contemporary creativity and cultural expression. Check these out: 1. Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai (MoCA) – Shanghai, China Nestled in People’s Park, MOCA Shanghai is a leading force in China’s contemporary art scene. Since its founding in...

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Galerie Stein honors the contributions of Indigenous artists whose work reflects the rich cultural traditions, histories, and contemporary experiences of Indigenous identities and communities. Here are three Indigenous artists whose work I love: 1. Norval Morrisseau (Anishinaabe) Known as the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada, Morrisseau's (1931-2007) art blends traditional Indigenous symbolism with modern techniques. His vibrant, spiritual works often depict the interconnectedness of nature, animals, and humanity, and he remains one...

Abstract art played an important role in post-World War II reconstruction. How? Abstract art provided artists and societies with a way to process the trauma of the war and rebuild cultural identities. After the devastation of the war, many artists moved away from traditional representational art, and instead embraced abstraction as a means of emotional expression and healing. As allied troops enter Paris on 26 August, 1944, celebrating crowds on place De La Concorde scatter for cover from small bands...

Technology has dramatically transformed art. By offering new tools and mediums, technology has challenged traditional artistic boundaries. Here's a quick look at the role of technology in shaping modern art movements. First, early innovations like photography and film revolutionized how artists approached representation and composition, inspiring movements such as Cubism and Futurism. These art forms embraced the fragmented, dynamic perspectives that photography and cinema introduced. Doing so opened up new avenues of creative experimentation and artists began...

For abstract art enthusiasts (like you and I), visiting modern art museums can be the highlight of any holiday trip. These institutions around the world offer a unique glimpse into contemporary creativity and cultural expression. Here’s Part I of my global tour of must-visit modern art museums: 1. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – New York, USA MoMA is one of the world’s most iconic institutions, showcasing masterpieces from Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and many more. Its diverse...

Want to build a personal abstract art collection? Your options are endless, so where do you even start? The prospect may feel overwhelming or exciting, or both. Ultimately, curating your own collection of abstract art for your home is a highly personal endeavor. Here are my top four tips to get you started: 1. Define Your Aesthetic What's your style? Abstract art has many, from geometric to expressive and minimalist styles. Figure out which ones...