Throughout history, artists have produced art in a variety of media and styles following different philosophies and ideals. Although labelling may often result in being reductive, different artistic tendencies or styles can be grouped in collective titles known as art movements.

Art movements are periods of time characterized by a shared aesthetic, philosophy, or approach to creating art. These movements often emerge as a response to societal, cultural, and technological changes and have had a significant impact on the development and evolution of art throughout history.

Here are explanations of some famous art movements:

Renaissance (14th-17th century): The Renaissance was a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in Italy and later spread across Europe. It celebrated the revival of classical Greek and Roman art and emphasized humanism, scientific inquiry, and individualism. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael created works that showcased technical mastery, realistic representation, and a focus on human anatomy and expression.

Rococo: Rococo is a movement in art, particularly in architecture and decorative art, that originated in France in the early 1700s. Rococo art characteristics consist of elaborate ornamentation and a light, sensuous style, including scrollwork, foliage, and animal forms.

Baroque (17th-18th century): The Baroque movement emerged in Europe as a reaction against the simplicity and restraint of the Renaissance. Baroque art is characterized by grandeur, drama, and ornate detail. It sought to evoke strong emotions and create a sense of awe through elaborate compositions, rich colors, and dramatic lighting. Artists like Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Bernini were key figures of this movement.

Impressionism (19th century): Impressionism originated in France and marked a departure from the highly detailed and precise representation of earlier art movements. Impressionist artists sought to capture fleeting moments, the effects of light, and the atmosphere of a scene. They used loose brushwork, vibrant colors, and often painted en plein air (outdoors). Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas were prominent Impressionist painters.

Art Deco: Emerging in France before the First World War, Art Deco exploded in 1925 on the occasion of the Exposition des Arts Décoratifs (Exhibition of Decorative Arts). Blurring the line between different mediums and fields, from architecture and furniture to clothing and jewelry, Art Deco merged modern aesthetic with skillful craftsmanship, advanced technology, and elegant materials.

Street Art: Evolving from early forms of graffiti, Street Art is a thought-provoking art movement that emerged in the 1960s and peaked with the spray-painted New York subway train murals of the 1980s. Street artists use urban spaces as their canvas, turning cities around the globe into open sky museums and have often found their way into the mainstream art world.