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Edgy Art is Here to Stay

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Edgy Art is Here to Stay

Take heart artists! Some paintings are selling these days, and most of them are “edgy.” If that’s a new term for you, you’re not alone. My first experience with this novel art form was when I saw two paintings gobbled up by art collectors; one a blue labrador retriever, and the other a calico pit bull. The odd-color themes are not only being played out in animals, flowers and birds, but in landscape and seascape compositions. Humor is also part of the mix, and labels like “whimsy” or “fantasy” no longer cut it.

“Edgy” is perhaps the best way to describe artists who push their creativity beyond the bounds of traditional realism in style, color, and medium. It’s funky, groovy, and extremely popular right now. The colors are bright and bold; the lines are hard and well-defined and design elements play a large role in adding texture, patterns, and interest.

Sometimes humor plays a large role either in the title or through a play on words or elements in the painting. Edgy paintings become huge conversation pieces and the focal point of interest in any room by virtue of their commanding color or design. But is it really any different from the “Modernist” movement in the last century?

Henri Matisse and Joan Miro come to mind. Matisse's "Blue Nude" would look completely comfortable among the new “Edgy.” They certainly meet that definition; most of the modern and contemporary artists of the last century do. On this basis, will Edgy remain a viable art form or will this popular trend become yesterday’s fad? Will the public continue its current love affair, or will they grow tired of Edgy’s outrageous, sometimes nonsensical tirades?

I toy with the idea of trying the genre, but I’m torn between following fashion or sticking with what I know and do best. Still, the craze continues to catch on and the sounds of “ca-ching” are pulling me in that direction. I’d love to hear your opinions and feelings on the subject.