Zodiac Signs as Art Movements

Each movement in art history offers its own aesthetic, personality, and vibe, similar to how each of the 12 zodiac signs also have their distinct characteristics. As art lovers here at ArtRKL, we think each zodiac sign has an art movement that aligns harmoniously. Whether you’re an astrology truther or think it’s all fake, finding connections to art is something we can all appreciate. Here’s what art movement you are according to your zodiac sign:

Like the works of Keith Haring or Andy Warhol, Aries are bold risk-takers who aren’t afraid to challenge the social norm. The bright, engaging colors seen in Pop Art mimic the youthful energy of Aries, the youngest of the zodiac signs. The repetition of patterns and satirical messaging found in Pop Art also mimic the playful nature of Aries. Aries’ passion and drive can be mistaken for greed, similar to how some view Pop Art as a cop-out to capitalist production. Underneath this lies the self-assured, spontaneous creativity both Aries and Pop Art possess.

Art Nouveau is characterized by its graceful, organic lines and earthy, muted colors. Artists like Gustav Klimt and decorative artist Louis Comfort Tiffany represent the intimate, homey feel of the movement. Like Tauruses, Art Nouveau holds a special place for attention to the home environment and an appreciation for beauty. Art Nouveau strives for practicality, just as a Taurus does. Often the movement would shed frivolous designs for simple, elegant products. Tauruses can be viewed as possessive, or stubborn. But deep care for their items and commitment to beauty aligns them with Art Nouveau.

Emphasizing personal expression, Fauvism emulates the witty, multi-faceted Gemini. Fauvism saw a new use of color in painting. It was no longer tied to being representative of what the subject was. Color could now exist for the point of being color. Artists of this movement, such as Kees Van Dongen and Henry Matisse, celebrated crafting with intuition, much like how Geminis follow their own beliefs and wants— rebuking the status quo. Some may say Geminis are flighty and struggle with focus, but this constant thinking allows for freedom and a willingness to experiment. Just like the Fauvist!

The soft, emotion-led art of impressionism captures the sensitivity only a Cancer could have. Impressionism focused on capturing what the artists perceived—realism was not the goal. Instead, artists such as Edgar Degas and Claude Monet sought fleeting moments that caught their eyes. Cancers' emotional intuitiveness follows the pattern of logic many Impressionists had; leading with the heart would allow for more captivating work. Cancers are known as overly-sensitive or immature, much like how critics perceived the Impressionists. But the ability to work from the heart makes Cancers some of the most caring signs in the zodiac, and Impressionists some of the most beloved artists.

Loud, brash, and the center of attention. This can easily describe both the style of Baroque art and Leos. Baroque art is dramatic and rich, both in substance and cost. Leos easily command the attention of any room they are in. Artists such as Caravaggio and Peter Paul Rubens were the stars of this movement. Leos receive a harsh reputation in the Zodiacs for being bossy and overbearing. Like Baroque art, Leos seek to be understood by all. Baroque art and Leos are both natural storytellers, and that’s why they amp up the drama.

The basis of Cubism art was taking subjects and reconstructing them in an abstract and analytical way. Virgos are one of the best planners and analyzers of the zodiacs, their key attention to detail and perfectionist nature is emulated in the meticulous forms of Cubism. One of the most famous artists of this movement was Pablo Picasso, whose reimagining of perspective in art revolutionized many movements after. Many Cubists and Virgos have been called rigid or uptight, but their detailed nature allows for abstract ideas to be executed precisely and beautifully.

Fun, flirty, and frivolous, Libras and Rococo art are both about having a good time and looking great while doing it. The soft pastel color palette of Rococo perfectly captures the feminine energy of Libras. Most Rococo paintings depict fancy-free scenes of noble life, echoing the harmonious attitudes of Libras. Artist Jean-Honore Fragonard was one of the pioneers of the movement. Like Libras, some Rococo art is critiqued as lacking substance. But further inspection will show hidden stories within the details and cheeky commentary on the ruling class at the time. Similar to how Libras mask their intelligence in order to pursue things they want.

Defined by intense, emotionally charged work the Romanticism period most reflects the passionate and moody Scorpio. Romanticism art does not hold back on its amorous and psychological depths. Pioneered by Francisco Goya and Caspar David Friedrich, Romanticism encapsulates a deeper longing for a more profound world. Much like how Scorpios can be labeled as dark and unsettling, Romanticism art did not shy away from exploring more intense and fearful scenes in its subjects. But through exploring these themes, both artists and Scorpios found a new conquest of their fears, which only made them both more formidable.

Abstract Expressionism is an art movement rooted in self-expression and the exploration of technique. The adventurous Sagittarius fits right in with the bold brush strokes and frenzied application. Similar to the fiery opinions of Sagittarius, Abstract Expressionism was a means of explosive commentary on both art and the world. Founders of the movement include Jackson Pollock and Helen Frankenthaler. While deemed brash, and ruggedly individualistic, much like the Sagittarius, it also provided a complete overhaul of what could be presented as art and a newfound freedom of creating.

Traditional and historical, Neoclassicism was a more grounded response to the frivolousness seen in the art movements before it. The hardworking and intellectual Capricorn is similar to the attitudes and inspiration of this movement. Inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome, Neoclassicism is a callback to a time before cheeky displays of wealth and grandeur. Though some may label Capricorns and Neoclassicism not as interesting as the movements around it, they miss the technique and dedication producing these subtle works showcasing political unrest and national pride.

Dada was an eclectic and surrealist movement of art that sought to go against all social and artistic norms of the time. Aquarians are often labeled the independent thinker and eccentric peacemakers of the zodiac. Both Dada and Aquarians seek to influence the masses by challenging their conventional thinking and offering new perspectives on what can be called art. Francis Picabia, the “Papa Dada,” was inspired by the stranger, big picture of life. While some may say Aquarians and Dada are exercising weirdness just to be weird, they do not let the opinions of others sway them at all. As long as they can be individualists, they are happy.

Dreamy and imaginative, with a passion for exploring the power of the mind, Surrealism and Pisces go hand in hand together. Pisces tend to get lost in their minds, much like the Surrealists get lost in their landscapes. Both Pisces and Surrealists put trust and faith into the world around them and find new ways to look at it. Salvador Dali and Andre Breton helped define the art movement by exploring the unconscious mind in art form. Surrealists often get labeled as being difficult to define, much like how the Pisces remain mysterious as they self-isolate. But beneath this mystery lies a creative world of their creation, where imagination reigns supreme.

©ArtRKL™️ LLC 2021-2023. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ArtRKL™️ and its underscore design indicate trademarks of ArtRKL™️ LLC and its subsidiaries.