What is Mixed Media Art?

Mixed media artwork has captivated art lovers around the world for over a century, but what exactly is mixed media art? When did artists begin to create mixed media art? And who are some of the most influential mixed media artists?

That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. Read on to learn more about the world of mixed media art, and to find out whether it’s a wise investment choice.

The Origins of Mixed Media Art

Mixed media artwork is a relatively modern form of art - mixed media began in the early 1900s. In the early 20th century, artists began to break free from the traditional artistic boundaries that were in place and began to explore artwork in a whole new light.

Prior to this change, paintings and sculptures were distinct - they were two different forms of art. However, mixed media artwork began to combine these different art forms. Artists began experimenting with different materials and techniques, creating different types of mixed-media art.

For example, German artist Kurt Schwitters began to incorporate everyday objects such as paper, wood and newspaper scraps into his art. He called this ‘Merz’ - a ‘nonsense’ term used to describe his artwork created using scrap materials.

The Dada Movement had a strong influence on mixed media during WWI. Dada artists embraced chaos and absurdity, using a wide range of materials and techniques to create art that defied conventional standards.

Today, mixed media art is still extremely popular. Contemporary artists continue to combine traditional and digital mediums, photography, sculpture, and more to create captivating and diverse artworks.

Notable Mixed Media Artists

Now you have an understanding of how mixed media art originated and what exactly mixed media art is, let’s explore some of the most notable mixed media artists. These artists have made a permanent mark on the art world, combining different mediums, techniques and materials to create iconic works of art.

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso was one of the earliest mixed media artists, creating cubist collages and constructions. This is just one of Picasso’s many artistic periods. Picasso’s cubist collages involved the use of musical scores, fabric, metal, newspaper clippings, and more. His unique style paved the way for various different art movements. His collage works, like "Still Life with Chair Caning," pushed artistic boundaries.

Andy Warhol

Most notably known for spearheading the Pop Art movement, Andy Warhol often combined painting, printmaking, and photography. Warhol’s unique artwork involved several types of media, including photography, painting, silkscreening, film and sculpture.

His iconic Marilyn Monroe silkscreens and Campbell's Soup Cans are perfect examples of mixed media in contemporary art. To learn some interesting facts about Warhol’s artwork, check out this blog post!

George Braque

George Braque was another early mixed-media artist. He invented collage techniques around the same time as Picasso, in 1912. Braque explored collage in a slightly different way; his art featured advertisements on his canvases, as well as stencilled lettering. Braque’s artwork featured many textures to add dimension, such as wood grain and sand.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a hugely popular artist, known for his graffiti-inspired art. His artworks combined painting, text, and imagery to explore issues of race, identity, and society. As well as painting and drawing on paper and canvas, he often painted on scrap materials that he found on the streets.

For example, he’d paint on doors, rubber, and windows - and cover entire surfaces with paint and pieces of scrap (for example, crumpled paper).

He used different products to create his work, including oil, spray and acrylic paint. Basquiat's expressive and layered art continues to influence contemporary artists, making him a prominent figure in the art world.

Barbara Kruger

Kruger's art combines photography, text, and graphic design. Her artwork explores and comments on topics such as consumerism and gender politics. Her bold, black-and-white compositions with red text are instantly recognisable.

David Hockney

Hockney is known for blending painting and photography, often creating collages that tell stories through a combination of images and vivid colours. His work "Joiners" exemplifies his mixed media approach. Hockney, much like Warhol, was a prominent figure in the 1960s Pop Art movement.

Anish Kapoor

Kapoor's mixed media sculptures combine materials like steel, stone, and pigment to create immersive and thought-provoking installations. His iconic "Cloud Gate" in Chicago is a testament to his mastery of mixed media.

These artists have left an indelible mark on the art world, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Their innovative use of mixed media continues to inspire and shape contemporary art, making them true icons in the field.

Should You Invest in Mixed Media Art?

Mixed Media artwork can make a great investment. Work by mixed media artists often performs well at art auctions. For example, some of Picasso’s paintings have exceeded $100 million at auction.

Likewise, Picasso prints can sell for around $5 million at auction. Warhol, another popular mixed media artist, also exceeds expectations at auction. His top-selling piece of art is ‘Shot Sage Blue Marilyn’, which sold for $195,040,000 at Christie’s in 2022.

Ultimately, the value of mixed media art depends on factors such as the reputation of the artist, the demand for their artwork, and market trends. When investing in visual art, be sure to research thoroughly, and consult with experts. At Grove Gallery, you can utilise our team of art advisors to guide you through the process and help you to make an informed decision.

Mixed media art investment can be a wise choice and a great way to diversify your portfolio. If you’re looking for a medium to long-term investment opportunity, mixed media art is definitely worth consideration.

Invest in mixed media artists such as Cubist master Pablo Picasso and multimedia art icon Andy Warhol today with Grove Gallery. We have blue-chip artwork from a range of artists available to invest in - download our investment guide today to learn more.