Manicures inspired by art movements

Art is already inherent in the word nail art. That sophisticated and elaborate manicure that contemplates decorations, even and especially freehand, appliqués, details that transcend simple solid coloring to become artistic accessories on the fingertips. A bond that has intensified in recent years, when even a museum like the Victoria & Albert Museum in London - dedicated to decorative and applied arts - collaborated with Spanish nail artist Vittoria K to create an exclusive manicure to promote on its Instagram page, the opening of the exhibition focused on Japanese Art.

So many artists, from classics to contemporaries, have inspired multiple manicures ... artistic. Starting with the American writer Basquiat.

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Nail art graffiti pattern Basquiat

An exponent of American graffiti art, writer and painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, along with Keith Haring, took the art movement from the streets to art galleries and museums. Right down to the fingers of one hand. Making the art of the artist who, at the age of seventeen, filled the walls of Manhattan with writing and drawings, a manicure was done by Victoria K. The painter's Caribbean-inspired subjects and colors, with contaminations generated by African-American and Aztec cultures, are done freehand on nails that become canvases where to imprint expressions of contemporary art.

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The nails inspired by Shunga art.

Shunga art, of Japanese erotic prints, became popular in Japan during the Edo period-between 1600 and 1868. Inspired by illustrations in medical manuals and Chinese erotic portraits, which tended to exaggerate the size of genitals and certain spicy details, they were banned at different ages but still spread underground. It took nail artist Violetta K. four hours to recreate this manicure in black and white and executed entirely by hand.

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Nails painted like Flemish still lifes.

Colorful flowers, delicate petals along with fauna typical of paradise gardens, including butterflies in flight and rare birds: the most pictorial manicure is one that gives three-dimensional effects and replicates the look of luxurious Flemish still lifes. Brushstrokes of intense colors on a shiny black background.

Photo Credit: Bazaar