Galerie Stein Blog

For the modern art enthusiast, the world is a vast and exciting canvas. Beyond the well-trodden paths of the MoMA and the Tate (noted in Part 1), lie hidden gems and innovative spaces showcasing the best in contemporary art. Here are another 5 must-visit galleries to add to your art-loving itinerary:   1. Serpentine (aka Serpentine Galleries) — London, UK Nestled in Hyde Park, Serpentine (formerly known as the Serpentine Galleries) offer a unique blend...

Despite its inherently radical foundation, abstract expressionism often celebrates a masculine bravado in both its art and artists. Significant contributions from some artists, however, injected the movement with alternative narratives. While male figures like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning dominated the abstract expressionist landscape, artists like Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, and Helen Frankenthaler challenged its male-centric discourse and representation. 'Imperative' by Lee Krasner, 1976. Lee Krasner (married to Pollock) developed a unique style...

Jackson Pollock's "drip paintings" were more than just a new way to apply paint—they were a radical act of artistic liberation. How?  Well... to start, Pollock abandoned the traditional artist setup (e.g., propping a canvas on an easel). By embracing the canvas as a horizontal plane (i.e., on the floor), Pollock transformed the fundamental method of painting. He moved around the canvas, dripping, pouring, and flinging paint, allowing the process to become a performance of...

The interplay of modern art and architecture has resulted in some truly radical structures around the world. Abstract art has undoubtedly influenced modern architecture in profound way, enabling the blurring of boundaries between aesthetics and structure. 'Intersecting Lines' by Wassily Kandinsky, 1923. Early abstract artists like Wassily Kandinsky (above), with his bold, non-representational works, resonated with architects who wanted to break free from traditional classical forms. Kandinsky's theories on color and form, along with other early...

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...