Visual Art Terms: N
Nabis (Les Nabis): The Nabis were a group of artists who sought to break away from traditional academic art styles and create a more modern, expressive form of art. They were heavily influenced by Japanese woodblock prints and the decorative arts, and often used flat areas of color and bold lines in their work. The Nabis were also interested in exploring spiritual and mystical themes in their art.
Naïve Art: Naïve art is often associated with art created by artists who have no formal training or education in art. However, the term can also describe works by artists who intentionally adopt a childlike or simplistic style. Naïve art often features bright colors, bold lines, and simplified forms, and may incorporate elements of folk art or outsider art.
Narrative: Narrative art and photography are works that tell a story or convey a message to the viewer. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as creating a scene with multiple characters or objects that suggest a specific story, or using symbolism and metaphor to convey a message. Narrative art can be representational or abstract, and can be found in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Nastaliq: Nastaliq is a script used for writing Persian, Urdu, and other languages. It is known for its flowing, cursive style, which can be difficult to read for those who are not familiar with the script. Nastaliq is often used in calligraphy and typography for decorative purposes, and is considered a highly skilled and respected art form.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a style of art that seeks to depict the natural world in a realistic and accurate way. Naturalist artists often study the natural world closely, using techniques such as observation and sketching to create works that are highly detailed and accurate. Naturalism can be found in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Negative (photographic): A photographic negative is an image that is the inverse of a traditional photographic print. When a film or other light-sensitive material is exposed to light, the areas that are exposed will darken, while the areas that are not exposed will remain light. When the negative is developed, it can be used to create a positive print of the image, with the areas that were originally dark appearing light and vice versa.
Negative Space: Negative space refers to the area around and between the subject(s) of an image. Negative space can be used to create contrast, balance, and depth in a composition, and can help to draw the viewer's eye to the main subject of the piece. By using negative space effectively, artists and photographers can create a sense of tension or peace, and can convey emotions or ideas through the arrangement of the elements in the image.
Négritude: Cultural and art movement focused on raising Black Consciousness, founded by African and Caribbean students in 1930s Paris.
Nabis (Les Nabis): The Nabis were a group of artists who sought to break away from traditional academic art styles and create a more modern, expressive form of art. They were heavily influenced by Japanese woodblock prints and the decorative arts, and often used flat areas of color and bold lines in their work. The Nabis were also interested in exploring spiritual and mystical themes in their art.
Naïve Art: Naïve art is often associated with art created by artists who have no formal training or education in art. However, the term can also describe works by artists who intentionally adopt a childlike or simplistic style. Naïve art often features bright colors, bold lines, and simplified forms, and may incorporate elements of folk art or outsider art.
Narrative: Narrative art and photography are works that tell a story or convey a message to the viewer. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as creating a scene with multiple characters or objects that suggest a specific story, or using symbolism and metaphor to convey a message. Narrative art can be representational or abstract, and can be found in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Nastaliq: Nastaliq is a script used for writing Persian, Urdu, and other languages. It is known for its flowing, cursive style, which can be difficult to read for those who are not familiar with the script. Nastaliq is often used in calligraphy and typography for decorative purposes, and is considered a highly skilled and respected art form.
Naturalism: Naturalism is a style of art that seeks to depict the natural world in a realistic and accurate way. Naturalist artists often study the natural world closely, using techniques such as observation and sketching to create works that are highly detailed and accurate. Naturalism can be found in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
Negative (photographic): A photographic negative is an image that is the inverse of a traditional photographic print. When a film or other light-sensitive material is exposed to light, the areas that are exposed will darken, while the areas that are not exposed will remain light. When the negative is developed, it can be used to create a positive print of the image, with the areas that were originally dark appearing light and vice versa.
Negative Space: Negative space refers to the area around and between the subject(s) of an image. Negative space can be used to create contrast, balance, and depth in a composition, and can help to draw the viewer's eye to the main subject of the piece. By using negative space effectively, artists and photographers can create a sense of tension or peace, and can convey emotions or ideas through the arrangement of the elements in the image.
Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity): A German artistic movement originated in the 1920s, focused on portraying the objective reality of the contemporary world. The artists used a precise and realistic style, devoid of any emotional or sentimental elements.
Neue Wilde: A German art movement that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by its raw and expressive style, often using bright colors and bold brushstrokes. The movement was a reaction to the minimalist and conceptual art of the time.
New Figuration: A style of figurative art that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, mainly in Europe, emphasizing the figurative representation of human beings and objects. The style often incorporates elements of abstraction, expressionism, and surrealism.
New York School: A group of artists who emerged in New York City in the 1940s and 1950s, including painters such as Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko. The artists were associated with abstract expressionism, a style characterized by large-scale canvases, gestural brushwork, and emphasis on the artist's subjective emotional expression.
Non-Objective Art: Also called non-representational art, it refers to artwork that does not depict any recognizable object or subject matter. The style emerged in the early 20th century, with artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Piet Mondrian, and is often associated with abstract art.
Nouveau Réalism: A French art movement that emerged in the early 1960s, focused on the representation of everyday objects and consumer culture. The artists used a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, and installation, and sought to blur the boundaries between art and everyday life.