Nothing divides a nation quite like astrology, where many get caught in an eternal loop of eye-rolling, and others diligently plan their lives according to their horoscopes. Humans have, however, pondered the conundrum of the universe for thousands of years, attempting to make sense of this ball of gas floating in the abyss. |
So, wherever you stand on astrology, why not see which art movement best matches your star sign? You never know, it could inspire your next perfectly-paired painting. |
Besides, in these times of confinement, what else is there to do but ponder the mystical teachings of the cosmos? |
Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Futurism |
The first sign of the zodiac, Aries are adventurous, courageous and bold, much like the ambitious and cutting-edge movement of Futurism. Originating in Italy in the early 20th Century, Futurism was rooted in speed, youth, violence and technology, seeking to embody modernity and unbind Italy from its burdened past. The Aries’ drive is mirrored in Futurisms’ advanced attitude to urban development and modernity, and although the Aries may come across as hardened, it’s because, like the progressive Futurists, Aries are governed by speed, technology and change. |
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Impressionism |
Like their zodiac sign, Taureans thrive in peaceful, pastoral environments surrounded by melting sunsets and enchanting meadows. As with the Impressionists, Taureans’ penchant for being en plein air allows them to appreciate the passing of time, which their celestial art movement captured in fleeting brushstrokes and unusual compositions. Although their fierce loyalty can sometimes be construed as stubbornness, these cosmic oxes possess an unparalleled focus and ambition. This ambition is apparent in the Impressionists’ perseverance and drive in their pursuit to capture ethereal bucolic scenes despite heavy criticism, which saw their movement go on to inspire music, culture and literature. |
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) - Art Déco |
Visual arts, architecture, design, furniture, jewellery, fashion, cars, trains and even hoovers; like the hustling Gemini, Art Déco was a collage of many different styles and used in many different corners of society. The Gemini’s zeal for multiple pursuits is encapsulated in the symbol of twins, and like Art Déco’s breadth of influence in both design and technology, the Gemini has to double itself to satisfy its hearty appetite for life. |
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) - Expressionism |
‘Still waters run deep’ : this is certainly the case for the intuitive and sensitive Cancer, the cardinal water sign, which drifts between emotional and material realms, absorbing energies along the way. The Expressionists were similarly driven by waves of emotion, seeking to convey feeling rather than reality, subsequently transforming the way we see emotion in painting. |
Leo (July 23 - August 22) - Dadaism |
Dust off that pedestal because Leo and their momentous ego have arrived, and like their astral lion they reign over the empyreal zodiac savannah. Lively, passionate, vivacious; Leo’s are usually found basking in the spotlight, guided by their pride like the Dadaists. Similarly to Dadaism, the Leo’s ego is so big that anything can be a work of art if they shout loudly enough. Dadaists rejected the mainstream to reinvent culture as we know it, using nonsense and the absurd to critique war, violence and nationalism, influencing art, literature and music for decades to come. |
Virgo (August 23 - September 22) -Pointillism |
Logical, efficient and systematic; both Pointillists and Virgos possess an unparalleled attention to detail. The earth sign’s perfectionist nature is mirrored in Pointillism’s ability to apply thousands of individual dots to achieve their desired effect. This painstaking practice allows the viewer to blend colour with sight, as opposed to brushstrokes, permitting a more saturated appreciation of colour like the diligent Virgo. |
Libra (September 23 - October 22) - Pop Art |
The only inanimate object of the Zodiac, the Libra’s addiction to balance is perfectly represented in the scales. Driven by harmony, peace and symmetry, Libras seek to establish equilibrium in all aspects of life (so please don’t ask them to make decisions). Despite Pop art’s rebellious roots in seeking to critique the elitist nature of art, its symmetricality and borrowing from popular culture are traits similarly found in the indecisive Libra. So keen to please, Librans often borrow traits from other zodiacs, subsequently becoming removed from their foundation, much like mechanically-reproduced Pop art. |
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) - Romanticism |
Most likely found reading dystopian fiction or watching YouTube conspiracy theories at 4am, the deeply misunderstood Scorpio is driven by emotion. Romanticism was an artistic, literary and intellectual movement born partially in response to the Industrial Revolution and the scientific reasoning of nature. The movement, like the brooding Scorpio, is grounded in the more Delphian and enigmatic corners of the human psyche, seeking to convey acute emotional energy through painting. |
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) - Cubism |
It’s a no-brainer that the Sagittarius should be manifested in what is arguably the most influential art movement of the 20th century. The Sagittarians’ insatiable thirst for knowledge, learning and adventure sees them perfectly matched with the incredibly inspiring Cubism movement. Cubism’s impact on culture was unprecedented, going on to inspire Futurism, Suprematism, Constructivism, Dada, De Stijl and Art Deco. |
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) - Realism |
The Capricorn’s incredible drive, discipline and self-control allows them to thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Their tendency to keep it real (and sensible), is captured in Realism’s attempt to portray subjects authentically, without superfluous artistic elements or exaggerated, emotional stylisation. This isn’t to say that Capricorns are void of sentiment, their celestial sea goat sign means they’re a hybrid of both material and emotional spheres; always navigating both with a level head. |
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) - Abstract Expressionism |
Controversial, unique, sociable; the Aquarians’ blood runs the colour of the revolution. The rebel of the zodiac, it’s hard to keep up with the Aquarians’ independence and eyebrow-raising opinions. Often disillusioned with humanity and events in the world, the Aquarius, like the Abstract Expressionists, seek to portray the hypocrisy of the human condition. Abstract Expressionism took the world by storm, completely rejecting convention as it flung, dripped and splatted its way into the radical painting scene. |
Pisces (February 19 - March 20) - Magic Realism |
The open, emotional wound of the zodiac, Pisceans are compassionate, sentimental and sensitive. Often lost in a reverie, Pisceans need to take frequent breaks from the real world, which is what matches them so perfectly to the ethereal nature of Magic Realism. Despite painting a realistic depiction of the world, Magical Realists lessen the overwhelming truths of the world with supernatural and enchanting elements, much like the tender Pisces. |