Here are our art trend predictions for 2026 based on collector history, design trends and the social economic forecast:

  1. The Mythical: In terms of both art buying behaviour and artwork subject matter, we predict that the relationship between mythology and art will get stronger as human beings seek whimsical escapism, childlike comfort and nostalgia.
  2. The Surreal: Whilst the popularity of surrealist art is not new, we think that both artists and collectors will lean even more into surrealist pieces as the world gets stranger, more violent and less relatable.
  3. Tradition: As the world becomes more driven by technology, we believe that the art world will revolt against this by popularising more traditional art movements such as impressionism, neoclassicism or realism.
  4. Small but Mighty: As we’ve seen over the last year, our pockets are becoming tighter. Therefore, we predict the continued rise of the purchase of small but mighty artworks.
  5. Say No to Pantone: The world is bleak enough without Pantone’s colour of the year… white. Perhaps more of a hope than a prediction, we think buyers and artists will go big on colour.
  6. Human Craft: We will continue to reject AI in the art world as a society, placing importance on human craft and therefore, human-created artworks (thank goodness). 

These are just our humble opinions! What do you think?