Framing contemporary art and abstract artworks

Very often people think of buying a piece of abstract art or a contemporary artwork but then they change their minds due to many reasons. Abstraction and contemporary pieces may not be everyone's cup of tea but for the majority it is the fact that they don't have a clear idea of how to have it framed to fit in their interiors what puts them off. Picture frames are meant to protect the artwork and to enhance it without overpowering them. That is why many times the rule of thumb is 'less is more' and minimalistic frames or simple frames really enhance the artwork.

To illustrate this concept we have chosen 'Mornington Crescent - Summer Morning' by the late Frank Auberbach to go with a simple gold finished tray frame. The frame blends in with the colours of the painting in a very simple straightforward way. As you can see all you need is a bit of a line surrounding the image.

If you want to learn more about this painting we strongly recommend checking the website of the Tate Gallery

Another common misunderstanding is that geometrical art or abstraction is hard to understand and it is difficult to make it work with your interiors. The most obvious choice for framing abstract artworks is a square black or white frame to go with it but in the majority of cases paying attention to the work itself gives you the answer. A complimentary colour or tone to the painting will not necessarily take over the image.

This is for instance what would happen if choosing a brushed gold frame to go around one of the prints or paintings of the Spanish abstract painter and sculptor Eusebio Sempere. In this case we have chosen 'Four Seasons. Autumn' from the 1980s with all the rhythm of its lines and sinuosity of their encounters.

As you can see from the two different styles of work that we have proposed in this post the best way to frame any artwork is to pay attention to the image itself and to respect its nature. It doesn't matter how busy or minimalistic the work is there is always a good match for it.

There is not right or wrong in framing artworks if you follow the work itself and enhance it rather than overpowering it. So don't be shy again about bringing in contemporary art or abstract pieces into your life!