Abstract Art Australia – Expressive Prints & Canvas Art for Modern Spaces

Selecting abstract art is a personal journey. Use these expanded pointers to guide your search:

• Feel first: Abstract art is ultimately about emotion. Spend a moment with each piece and notice what emotions or memories it evokes. Do the colours calm you, energise you or spark curiosity? Pieces that resonate on an emotional level will bring lasting satisfaction, even as trends evolve. Trust your instincts—there’s no “right” interpretation in abstract art.
  
• Consider scale: Think about the size of your wall and the statement you want to make. Oversized abstracts are trending because they become the confident focal point of a room; a large canvas above a sofa or bed can anchor the entire space. In smaller rooms or hallways, a pair of mid‑sized pieces hung side by side, or a grid of smaller prints, can create impact without overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to mix sizes in a gallery wall for a dynamic look.
  
• Explore textures: Textural art isn’t just about thick paint; it’s about creating visual depth. Look for prints or canvases that capture the texture of brushstrokes, layering or mixed media. These elements add dimension to a flat surface and can make an artwork feel more tactile. Textural abstracts pair beautifully with natural materials like linen, rattan and wood, creating an inviting, layered interior.
  
• Match your palette: Abstract art can tie a room together or introduce a new accent colour. Take cues from your existing furniture, rugs and accessories: if your décor is mostly neutral, a pastel or monochrome abstract will blend harmoniously. If you’d like to introduce a pop of colour, choose a piece with one or two standout hues and repeat them in soft furnishings (cushions, throws) or smaller decor items. Don’t worry about matching every shade exactly—coordinating tones is enough to create cohesion.
  
• Format & framing: Decide whether you prefer the clean edges of a stretched canvas or the refined finish of a framed print. Canvas abstracts, especially in larger sizes, give a gallery‑like presence and can be hung without a frame for a contemporary look. Framed prints feel more formal and work well in traditional or Scandinavian interiors; choose oak for warmth, white for a crisp look or black for contrast. Measure your wall to ensure the artwork has room to “breathe” around it, and consider landscape vs. portrait orientation based on the wall’s proportions.

Abstract art can transform a space when styled thoughtfully. Here are some expanded ideas to inspire you:

• Create a focal wall: One dramatic abstract can transform a room. Think of it like a visual anchor—the place your eye lands first. For open‑plan living areas or large bedrooms, choose a statement piece with bold brushwork or geometric forms and let it take pride of place above a sofa, bed or console table. In smaller spaces, you can achieve a similar effect with a triptych (three related works hung in a row) or by grouping several smaller abstracts with a similar colour palette. The key is to give the art room to breathe: leave enough space around it so it doesn’t compete with nearby furniture or décor.
  
• Layer textures: Abstract art thrives when paired with tactile materials. If your artwork features smooth washes of colour, contrast it with textured wallpaper (like grasscloth or linen) or a chunky knit throw on the sofa. Conversely, if the piece itself is highly textured—perhaps it’s a print of a thick impasto painting—surround it with sleeker surfaces (think polished timber, glass or ceramic). This interplay of rough and smooth keeps a room from feeling flat and adds a sensory dimension that you and your guests will appreciate.
  
• Play with height: Varying the heights of your art displays creates visual rhythm. Try leaning a medium‑sized abstract on a shelf or mantel and layering it in front of a smaller framed photo or decorative object. In dining rooms or staircases with high ceilings, hang a vertically oriented abstract piece to draw the eye upward and accentuate the architecture. Don’t be afraid to experiment; sometimes a slightly lower‑hung artwork feels more relaxed and inviting.
  
• Rotate seasonally: Just as you swap out cushions or throws with the seasons, consider rotating your wall art. Lighter, brighter abstracts with airy compositions feel refreshing in spring and summer, while deeper, more saturated colours bring warmth and cosiness in autumn and winter. This doesn’t mean buying new art every season—simply build a small collection that you can change over time. Storing framed prints flat (in their original packaging) will keep them in pristine condition between rotations.
  
• Pair prints with décor: Use your abstract art as a jumping‑off point for the rest of the room. Pull one or two colours from the artwork and repeat them in soft furnishings, ceramics or even fresh flowers. For example, if your painting has a blush pink streak, echo that hue in a velvet cushion or a vase on the coffee table. Think about materials too—a typographic or line‑drawing abstract feels at home with sleek metal accents, while an organic, fluid composition pairs beautifully with natural fibres and handcrafted pottery. These subtle echoes tie the space together without looking overly coordinated.

Abstract art emerged in the early 20th century as artists sought to express emotion and ideas beyond realistic representation. Movements like Cubism, Expressionism and Colour Field painting broke rules about perspective and form. In recent years, trends such as “textural abstraction” and “abstract maximalism” have gained momentum—celebrating rich textures, bold geometry and large‑scale canvases. At Olive et Oriel, our collection reflects this history and evolution: you’ll find gentle watercolours, mid‑century‑inspired geometrics, Indigenous‑influenced abstractions and contemporary maximalist pieces. Each artwork invites personal interpretation and brings a unique story into your home.

We partner with a diverse community of artists from emerging Australian painters exploring organic shapes to established international names known for vibrant geometric compositions. Many pieces are exclusive to Olive et Oriel, printed in small runs to ensure authenticity. We also collaborate with Indigenous artists and ensure cultural designs are represented respectfully and fairly. By purchasing an abstract print from us, you support the creativity and livelihood of these artists while bringing their vision into your space.