Are you looking for alternative art that stands out and breaks away from traditional styles? My abstract portraits offer a fresh take on alternative art, blending different influences to create something truly unique. While some artworks can easily fit into well-known art categories, modern alternative art often challenges these labels. I don’t consider myself an expert in art movements, but I believe my abstract portraits touch on a variety of alternative styles. Whether intentional or not, these influences shape my work in interesting ways.
Shop my Alternative Art Collection - Art Prints | Original Art
How would you define my alternative art?
I'm Watching Art Prints | Original painting
When I start each piece, I have no idea how it will evolve. I begin with a reference photo of a real face, but from there, the process is completely intuitive. These abstract portraits grow naturally, starting with loose ink marks that gradually form into the final image. It feels like meeting a new person for the first time once the painting is complete. One recurring element in my alternative art is the falling lines and blocks around a single eye, which is a nod to my favourite sci-fi film, The Matrix. I often paint one eye as if viewed from the side, even when the face is looking straight ahead. I think these features make my alternative art stand out.
Melting Soul, Alternative Art Style - Art Prints | Original Art
My alternative art is shaped by many styles—some that I’ve noticed myself, and others that viewers have pointed out. Each style adds something unique, making my abstract portraits difficult to categorise.
Gothic Art Style: Dark, Expressive, and Full of Drama
Architect of your Own Mind - Original Painting | Wall Art Prints
I think my abstract portraits have a Gothic feel. This might be due to the bold contrasts and dramatic facial expressions. I didn’t set out to create Gothic art, but the way I use black and the overall mood of my alternative art seem to suggest a sense of mystery and intensity. Do you think my work has a Gothic art style?
Alternative Indie Aesthetic Art: A Rebellion Against the Mainstream
Face Their Words, Indie style Art Print
There’s an unpolished, experimental feel to these abstract portraits, which connects them to the alternative indie aesthetic. I use charcoal and matte medium to create a dark, textured look that could easily be used for an indie album cover. I didn’t consciously aim for this style; it just happened when I allowed myself to create freely. This approach is a key feature of alternative art, where freedom and self-expression are more important than fitting into a box.
Expressionism: Emotion in Every Brushstroke
Missing Time - Original Art | Wall Art Prints
Expressionism is all about showing raw emotion, and I think this style is present in my alternative art. I first learned about expressionism when I was making digital art for NFTs, and it made a big impact on my style. My abstract portraits are more focused on showing mood and energy than making a perfect face. This emotional and expressive approach is what makes these pieces stand out in alternative art.
Science Fiction Art Style: Cyberpunk and Dystopian Vibes
Mechanicool, Science Fiction inspired Original Art | Wall Art Prints
Science fiction has always been a big influence on my work. I love sci-fi books, films, and TV shows, especially young adult dystopian stories. This interest has found its way into my alternative art, adding elements of cyberpunk and dystopian themes. My favourite villain in Star Trek is the Borg—a character that is part machine and part human. This, along with my love for The Matrix, has shaped my abstract portraits in subtle ways.
Surrealism: Dreamlike, Distorted Realities
Surrealistic style Original Art | Wall Art Prints
Surrealism is known for bending reality, and I think my faces have a surreal, dreamlike quality. The distorted features and unusual shapes give them an otherworldly feel. I didn’t set out to create surreal art, but I think experimenting with different ideas and techniques led to this look in my work.
Street Art Style: A Touch of Graffiti Influence
Shadow of Art - Street Art Inspired Original Painting
My favourite art book is called Street SketchBooks. It’s full of inspiring sketches and designs from well-known street artists. Whenever I’m stuck for ideas, I look through this book, so it’s no surprise that it has influenced me. I think my abstract portraits have a street art feel, even if they’re on canvas rather than a wall.
Art Brut (Outsider Art): The Beauty of Imperfection
Hiding from Himself Original Painting | Wall Art Print
Art Brut, also known as “raw art” or “outsider art,” celebrates the beauty of imperfection and rejects traditional ideas of what ‘good’ art should be. When I create these pieces, I use materials that let me work freely. I start by applying ink directly from the dropper and then spray it with water. This creates spontaneous marks. I keep the ones I like and paint over the rest. I also use children’s sponge brushes to add highlights, which limits my control and results in raw, interesting marks that fit the alternative art style.
Final Thoughts
If you like unconventional alternative art that doesn’t follow the rules, my abstract face paintings might be just what you’re looking for.
Where do you think my art “fits”? Does it belong under surrealism, cyberpunk, Gothic art, raw art, or expressionism? Or should we just let it remain uncategorised as unique alternative art?
