Art has been part of everyone’s existence for as long as humans have been around. The first art found on the caves’ walls was the rudimentary drawings with clay using their fingers. Art has since come a long way, and many various art forms have emerged over time. Two of these art forms would be icon and indie art. Vastly different, but these styles have a certain appeal as they decorate walls worldwide.
Icon and indie both have a place in the art community, and they have their audiences who would appreciate them for what they are, but which one is better for wall art? To explore this, we have to look at a few points mentioned below.
What Is Icon Art?
This style focuses on one specific object that would have a distinct meaning to the artist. The icons could be people or other non-living things that draw attention. Icon art is generally used for religious figures or famous people that lived over time. However, it has been known that buildings, mountains, or the ocean are also used as focus elements. Some great examples could be found at Fine Art America and other websites.
The colors used in these paintings would usually be true to their original color or more muted, making this art perfect for a more formal setting. This could be in a setting like an office or in a minimalist environment where bright colors are not the focal point for the room.
Artists with this style would most likely use more refined techniques and be very precise in their rendition of the actual icon. This feature makes the icon art more life-like in its appearance. Images on this wall art will have more form and depict function while being accurately compared to their real-life counterparts. Icon art could also bring life to a minimalist space or center the other décor.
What Is Indie Art?
Indie art is the shortened version of independent art, a name not connected to a gallery or other formal platform for exhibition. One would find these art pieces displayed at markets or on streetside stalls to observe the art’s bright colors and exotic designs. The artists go against the norm as contrasting colors and mythical creatures are often used as the theme.
Precise technique and color matching are not high on the priority list of these artists, and they would often create an image that would be how they see the object. This may not necessarily exactly be what it looks like in real life. Due to the more imaginative images, they won’t always have a clear function or meaning. The indie style would instead draw out the imagination rather than be historically or otherwise correct.
The more informal tone of the art could be expected in homes to brighten the mood and give a magical ambiance to the room it is displayed in. This art form would suit a different kind of personality than icon art.
How Can Wall Art Be Used?
There’s a wide variety of mediums used for wall art, including drawing, painting, and many others. The way the art is displayed also varies significantly, with some art being done on canvas and some artists painting directly on the wall.
Icon art would usually be on canvas or framed, adding to the more formal style. On the other hand, indie art would be displayed in a more relaxed manner such as propping it against the wall. Moreover, wall art could be used to add character to a space, be the focal point, or add an element to an open wall. Both icon and indie art can be used for this purpose, but each will give a unique feel to the room.
Deciding which style would suit best would be dictated by the rest of the décor in the room or the other way around. Find the art piece that would fit into your home or space and connect with the rest of the items in the room for the perfect addition.
The Verdict
Art should speak to the viewers depending on the individual’s style. Existing decorative elements of the room could influence people to choose icon or indie art. Having a more iconic, life-like art piece in the office and a playful, indie artwork at home is not uncommon either. It all comes down to the ambiance and feel of the space.
Deciding between the two styles could prove to be challenging and sometimes impossible. If you would prefer to have both, look at adding them to different rooms in the home or spaces in the office. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the choice will have to be yours.
