Say what you will about hipsters, but one thing that can’t be disputed is the keen eye for art and design that they possess. Whether you’re furnishing a new home or apartment or trying to breathe life into an existing space, our crash course in hipster art is all you need to turn your place into a veritable modern art mecca.
But what is hipster art, exactly? Hipster art is inspired by everything from urban graffiti to kitschy Americana, and all points in between. From Banksy to Basquiat, here’s everything you need to know to select the perfect canvas for your place.
The Top Hipster Art Styles
From the bedroom to the living room and everywhere in between, these art styles are sure to breathe new life into your home.
Pop Art
Since it first emerged in the 1950s, Pop Art has been one of the defining trends in modern art culture. While most people think of Andy Warhol or Roy Lichtenstein when they think of pop art, there are scores of other artists who helped popularize the style. Today, their works and the works of other pop artists are prominently displayed in museums and living rooms throughout the world.
Pop art often makes use of a bright color palette and borrows much of its subject matter from the advertising world. A departure from abstract expressionism, pop art features hard edges and subject matter borrowed in part from Dadaism. However, where Dadaism leaned towards destruction and anarchy, pop art is instead an affirmation of mass-produced western culture.
drowning girl fine art print
Drowning Girl by Roy Lichtenstein Comic Woman Funny Humor Poster with overall size of 11x14, and image size of 8x8.
Classics like Roy Lichenstein’s Drowning Girl or Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans adorn the walls of the hippest living rooms throughout the world. Perhaps even more notable than the paintings themselves are the techniques they helped to spawn, and the artists they inspired.
andy warhol's campbell's soup cans
Campbell's Soup I, 1968 Art Print is digitally printed on archival photographic paper resulting in vivid, pure color and exceptional detail that is suitable for any museum or gallery display.
Today, the influence of pop artists can be seen in the work of others, especially graffiti artists like Banksy or ABOVE. These modern artists distill the themes of pop art through a 21st-century lens.
Digital editing programs like Photoshop and Illustrator have also made it easier than ever for designers and artists to create pop art masterpieces. Using the tools given to us by the genre’s most notable painters, today’s pop art is one of the easiest and most fun ways to express yourself.
The work of artists like Banksy is essentially the vandalism of a public place; it was never intended for display at home. But enterprising Etsy stores and print shops are happy to repurpose their work on canvas for you to hang in your home.
Embroidery Hoop Art
Embroidery hoop art is a popular style, especially among the hipster set. This DIY art form allows you to add a personal touch to any room in your home.
Whether you do it yourself or purchase from another artist, embroidery hoop art allows you to perfectly capture your personality and the things you’re most interested in. As a hobby, embroidery hoop art is fun and educational, and it’s a great way to make personal gifts for friends and family.
Etsy, eBay, and Amazon are great places to start if you’re looking to buy some embroidery hoop art. Or, if you’d prefer to make your own, your local craft or fabric shop will have everything you need to get started.
embroidery hoop art
Silk colors shimmer when light hits and softly glow in dim-dark areas. Truly unique wall art for gifts and home decor.
Steampunk Art
The steampunk movement is inspired by the industrial revolution and the Victorian era in equal parts. While it’s mostly considered a genre of science fiction, art and design are also central to the steampunk philosophy. Steampunk art is favored by hipsters everywhere, as it exists as a sort of commentary on modern urban life.
The style was codified through movies such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Time Machine. Steampunk designs balance form and function while also providing a commentary on modern technology.
steampunk kitty cat art print
This Steampunk "Clockwork" kitty design is printed on beautiful vintage dictionary paper. These prints are definitely a conversation starter and look fabulous as a wall hanging. Each design is carefully selected and then printed on vintage dictionary paper giving it that beautiful golden color that only comes from age.
As for the art, the steampunk movement has left its mark through traditional canvases, sculptures, and even toys and collectibles. If you’re looking for a fun and intriguing conversation piece to add to your home, consider a steampunk sculpture, or a steampunk-inspired painting or print, like this collection of Tesla patent prints.
Tattoo Art
Tattoo art has been at the center of counterculture for centuries. As a result, it’s no wonder that tattoo art is prominently displayed not only on skin, but in homes as well. A cultural tradition that takes many forms and styles, tattoo art is the perfect thing to include in your hip living room. Regardless of the styles you're interested in, you'll have no trouble finding something you love.
From centuries-old styles like Japanese traditional to more modern styles like geometric or contemporary black and grey, tattoo art borrows from an endless pool of influences including, nature, fantasy, and life and death.
esh7 modern hip-hop tattoo women canvas painting
This high quality painting is a waterproof matt canvas and environmental friendly, giclee ink, and non-fade easily.
The key to selecting the best tattoo art to adorn your walls is first to pick the style or styles you gravitate towards most. From there, you should have no problem finding tons of different pieces you can add to your home.
After all, tattoo artists are artists above all, and they often commit their artwork to a framed canvas instead of a human one. Chances are, your favorite tattoo artist has several different prints or original canvases available for purchase.
Geometric Abstraction and Fractal Art
Normally, many don't think of mathematics when it comes to creating artwork. However, mathematics is the primary driving force behind styles like geometric abstraction and fractal art. As a result, these styles normally lack people, places, or things, and are primarily appreciated for their beauty.
Fractal art, in particular, relies on complex non-linear or polynomial equations, and it’s extremely precise. For these reasons, artists rarely design geometric art on their own. Instead, computers are usually the “artist” in this situation.
This style of art is quite modern, and often abstract in its design and subject matter. If you’re unsure what type of art you’d like to incorporate into your home, take a closer look at artwork like this beautiful fractal canvas collection.
qicai 5 panel blue flower canvas wall art
High definition giclee modern canvas printing artwork, picture photo printed on high quality canvas. A perfect wall decorations paintings for living room, bedroom, kitchen, office, hotel, dining room, bathroom, and bar.
Photography
It doesn’t need to be a beautiful painting to be art, you know. Photography is an impressive art form in and of itself. It's also a great way to share your personality and passions in your own way.
Whether you’re into portraits or landscape, there’s no shortage of beautiful photography to adorn your walls with. And if you’re a photographer, there’s a variety of companies that specialize in printing your photos on canvas. As a result, this allows you to display your own photos professionally in your home.
wildlife photography art
High quality print published exclusively by Culturenik in the USA. Can be a great wall decor and also a perfect gift.
Graphic Art
Thanks to programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, it’s easier than ever for artists to transfer their creativity to new mediums. A graphic artist can create almost any form of art, whether its interpretations of classic paintings or video game landscapes.
Whether you want to display your favorite band’s album artwork, a bold piece of concept art, or anything in between. No matter what it is, you’ll find tons of inspiration in the graphic art world.
Transfer Decals
Transfer decals have taken the world by storm. This art form allows you to easily add a hand-made artwork to stick to your belongings.
Due to this, decals are especially popular for those living in apartments and rental properties. They allow you to instantly beautify your living area without the risk of damaging your walls. This feature comes in handy when you’re trying to get your security deposit back from your slummy landlord.
You can also easily reposition and reuse transfer decals because they’re usually made from vinyl. The designs on these decals are usually simple and feature only one or two colors, but can be a variety of designs. Floral decals, like this one for example, are just some of the decals you can choose. That’s all you need to create a bold statement in almost any room in your home.
wilderness nature stickers
Adventure stickers are made of high quality PVC, sun protection, waterproof function, and 50 pieces of no-duplicate vinyl wilderness outdoors stickers.
Modern Art
Finally, no hipster art roundup would be complete without a nod to modern art.
Modern art encompasses a variety of different styles and periods. Other styles, like pop art and abstract impressionism, also fall under the umbrella of modern art, as well. As a result, everyone can find something they love about modern art. The colorful execution of these paintings also makes it easy to find one that looks beautiful in your home.
Artists from Pablo Picasso to Jackson Pollack have created scores of awe-inspiring artwork to adorn your home with.
framed abstract canvas wall art
HD print on high quality canvas with hand painted detail texture. The canvas frames is made of nature wood.
Final Word
So, art is the ultimate form of personal expression for the artist. But, it’s every bit as much an act of expression for the person who displays the artwork. Perhaps the primary reason art so special is that it allows you to place your personal stamp on a room. Likewise, it not only makes a statement about what catches your eye artistically but may inspire others too.
When it comes to hipster art, you can’t go wrong with any of the examples on our list. Whether you’re looking to add a contemporary vibe to your place or strike a distinctive mood with photographs or graphic art, you’ll find something on our list that’s perfect for you.