Form/Genre
Form/Genre = What the artwork is (its categorical type or conceptual nature). Example: painting, drawing, video art, assemblage, artist book
Think of it this way: Material/Medium answers "What are its physical ingredients?" while Form/Genre answers "What kind of artwork is this?"
🔍 How to Select Terms for Form/Genre
Choose the appropriate hierarchy level: Sometimes a broad term like "Painting" is sufficient; other times you need specificity like "Self-portrait." T
Be specific and concise: Our archive rules mean that you have to limit words to what is listed below. Choose the best option.
Limit to 1-3 terms per work: Adding only 1-3 form/genre terms reduces visual load on users while maintaining search effectiveness.
Consider the work's function: Is it meant to hang on a wall? Be performed? Exist in digital space? This often determines its form/genre.
If you choose “Painting - Artwork created by applying pigment to a surface; Portrait - Depiction of a specific individual; Self-portrait - Depiction of the artist by themself” please type only the following in the submission form: Painting, Portrait, Self-portrait.”
Painting & Works on Surface
Painting - Artwork created by applying pigment to a surface
Portrait - Depiction of a specific individual
Self-portrait - Depiction of the artist by themself
Landscape - Depiction of natural scenery
Abstract - Non-representational composition
Figurative - Representational human or animal forms
Still life - Depiction of inanimate objects
Works on Paper
Drawing - Artwork created through mark-making on paper
Print - Artwork created through a transfer process
Artist book - Book-form as artistic expression
Collage - Composition of adhered elements on paper
Illustration - Image created to accompany text
Sketch - Preliminary or study drawing
Sculpture & 3D Works
Sculpture - Three-dimensional artwork
Figurine - Small sculptural representation
Assemblage - Three-dimensional composition of found objects
Installation - Site-specific, often immersive, three-dimensional work
Ceramic - Clay-based fired artwork
Relief - Sculpture projecting from a background surface
Kinetic sculpture - Sculpture with moving parts
Found object - Preexisting object presented as art
Textile & Fiber Works
Textile art - Artwork created from fiber or fabric
Tapestry - Pictorial weaving
Quilt - Stitched layered textile composition
Embroidery - Decorative needlework on fabric
Wearable art - Artwork designed to be worn
Fiber sculpture - Three-dimensional fiber-based work
Photography & Lens-Based Works
Photograph - Image captured by light-sensitive medium
Digital photograph - Born-digital image capture
Photogravure - Photographic image transferred to printing plate
Photo-collage - Composite of multiple photographs
C-print - Chromogenic color photograph
Time-Based & Digital Works
Video art - Moving image as artistic medium
Digital art - Computer-generated or computer-manipulated artwork
Sound art - Audio-based artistic work
Performance art - Live action as artwork
Animation - Sequenced images creating movement
Interactive art - Work requiring viewer participation
New media art - Emerging technology-based forms
Net art - Artwork created for and existing on the internet
Multiples & Editions
Limited edition - Work produced in a restricted, numbered series
Open edition - Work produced without a fixed limit
Artist proof - Test print kept by the artist
Variant - Work differing slightly from standard edition
Series - Related works conceived as a group
Health Humanities-Specific Forms
Anatomical model - Three-dimensional representation of body structures
Autopathography - First-person illness narrative
Clinical illustration - Image created for medical education
Patient narrative - Work expressing patient experience
Bio art - Artwork using living or biological materials
Medical humanities work - Art engaging with health/medicine themes