FAQs about Artwork Categories

How did you choose these categories?

We’ve chosen categories that are most broadly applicable to the works of each medium, that occur frequently in inquiries, and that collectors frequently use to discover works.

What does this category mean? How do I apply it?

• Read the notes by hovering over the term.
• Visit the category page on Artsy to see examples, a list of iconic artists or designers associated with the category, and a longer definition.
• Still not sure? Let us know—we’re always working to improve clarity.

Not enough categories to apply to my work—what to do?

• Remember that it’s better to apply fewer accurate categories than apply ones that are a stretch— these skew collector recommendations look out of place to collectors and diminish the usefulness of filters for collectors on the whole.
• We’ve designed the category options so that you can find enough to apply (though we know that highly specific programs and unusual works may pose challenges). Have you described the work’s materials and visual traits? Is there a basic but highly useful style category that could apply, i.e., Figurative or Abstract Art?

I don’t see the category I’m looking for, but I know Artsy has it!

• Not all categories are available to apply in CMS — we’ve chosen categories that are most broadly applicable, that collectors use to navigate the site, and that occur frequently in inquiries.
• Some apply automatically based on the work’s metadata or a combination of categories—for example, Landscape Photography will automatically apply to any works whose medium is “Photograph” that has the category “Landscapes and Waterscapes.”

I am participating in an upcoming fair / am a fair partner and do not see artwork categories! 

• Artwork categories are solely available to Artsy yearly subscribers.