The top October 2016 art ideas include paintings, installations and sculptures that use form, color and other elements of design to express a range of viewpoints.
While paint is typically used in the creation of outdoor murals around the world, a few artists are reinventing street art with colorful electric lights or rope and netting, which forms an end result that's inspired by intricate cross stitch art.
A few other interesting initiatives include MoMA launching its complete exhibition archives for free online and the Tate Britain launching 'Recognition' as a gallery exhibit curated by artificial intelligence. Both of these ideas speak to the increasing use of technology as a means of creating, sharing and experiencing a world of art around the globe.
Top 60 Art Ideas in October
60
Grinning Smile Sculptures
'The Smile' By Alison Brooks Architects Lets Viewers Walk Inside
59
London Underground Renaissance Photos
Toby Ziff's Images Apply 16th Century Principles to the Tube
58
Humorous 3D Artwork
HuskMitNavn's Clever Creations are Made by Carefully Folding Paper
57
Kinetic Sand Tables
Bruce Shapiro's Sisyphus Moveable Changes Design Using Rolling Metal Balls
56
Controversial Rapper Murals
Lushux Created a Famous Mural to Honor Kanye's Iconic Celebrity Video
55
Bioluminescent Light Installations
'Light Pollination' is on Display at the London Design Festival
54
Futuristic Naval Pavilions
'KAPKAR.SF-P7S' is a Temporary Space for Stichting Fabrikaat Architects
53
Mosaic LEGO Artwork
David Hughes' Colorful Pop Art Pieces are Often Impressively Detailed
52
Playable Arcade Game Buildings
This Building's Facade was Turned into a Playable Tetris Monitor
51
Vibrating Pointillism Pens
This Pen Makes the Art of Creating Images from Dots Much Simpler
50
Multi-Colored Paper Installations
This Piece of Art Depicts Life in Crowded Cities
49
Pixelated Photography Series
A Photographer Captures Models in Casual Poses and Pixelates Them
48
Stunning Science Fiction Murals
Alexis Diaz's Detailed Artwork Depicts Bright Otherworldly Beings
47
Fluid Resin Sculptures
These Sculptures Were Made to Realistically Resemble Splashing Water
46
Electric Street Murals
This Vivid Mural Was Designed to Prevent Crime in the Area
45
Painted Tapas Boards
Sarmarie Designs' Boards are Made from Solid Lengths of Wood
44
Repurposed LEGO Art
Jaime Sánchez Explores the Possibilities of LEGO Use with Colorful Images
43
Cross-Stitched Murals
This Woven Street Art is Integrated into the Sides of Buildings
42
Abstract Multidimensional Murals
These Stunning Murals in Italy Were Done by Manuel Di Rita
41
Kinetic Sign Sculptures
The 'Sign Machine' Lets Viewers Interact to Create Their Own Sentences
40
Out-of-Body Experience Paintings
Netanel Morhan's Artwork Was Inspired by His Childhood Dreams
39
Dystopic Pop Exhibits
Ron English's Art at the Allouche Gallery Shows Warped Pop Culture Icons
38
Castle Arch Lighting Installations
'Reframe' Replaces Ruined Arches with Hanging Lights
37
Inflatable Park Pavilions
This Inflatable Environment Was Created to Host a Playful Event
36
Free Modern Art Archives
MoMA's Complete Exhibition Archives are Now Available Online
35
Eagle Eye Artwork Pools
This Swimming Pool Design is Inspired by 'The Starry Night' by Van Gogh
34
Shingled Spherical Pavilions
The 'Perspectives' Pavilion Sits on a Hilltop in England
33
Satirical Business Jargon Installations
'A Load of Jargon' is an Exhibit by Isabel + Helen
32
Intricate LEGO Sculptures
An Artist Created LEGO Animals That Act as Pieces of Art
31
Coralline Lighting Installations
Omer Arbel's '44' is on Display at London's Barbican Centre
30
Sartorial Furniture Installations
This Australian Installation Celebrates the Humble White Shirt
29
Technicolor Balloon Exhibits
Daniel Arsham Creates an Interactive Experience To Question Time
28
Sharpened Steel Sculptures
These Sculptures are Made Up Entirely of Steel Nails
27
Defecating Dog Balloon Sculptures
'Whatshisname' Humorously Updated a Jeff Koons-Inspired Artwork
26
Food-Inspired Collectible Keychains
Kidrobot Shrunk Down and Accessorized Its Vinyl 'Labbit' Toys
25
Mirrored Cityscape Installations
The 2016 Land Art Generator Builds a Reflective Santa Monica Wall
24
Multidimensional Light Experiences
James Turrell's Immersive Design Plays with Spatial Boundaries
23
Immersive Musical Machines
OSGEMEOS' Exhibit Combines Art and Music To Recreate Human Imagination
22
Suspended Thread Installations
This Artistic Installation References Travel and the Human Body
21
Eccentric Balloon Photography
These Vibrant Photos Center Around an Unconventional Subject
20
Intricate Food Lettering
This Artwork Was Created in a Collaboration Between Different Designers
19
Layered Postcard Landscapes
This Intricate Artwork is Created in an Unconventional Way
18
AI-Curated Art Exhibits
'Recognition' at the Tate Britain is an Exhibition Curated by Technology
17
Aquatic Iris Paintings
Artist Fabian Oefner Creates Unusual Paintings on Water
16
Urban Forest Pavilions
Asif Khan's 'Forests' are Spread Throughout East London
15
Energy-Appreciating Installations
This Electronic Installation Requires Humans to Power Machines
14
Blazing Shrine Sculptures
'The Temple' Installation by David Best Shows a Scared Space Set on Fire
13
Bioluminscent Plankton Photography
This Photography Series Shows a Beautiful Phenomenon in Japan
12
Digital Home Decor
Kilo Art Provides Online Streaming For Wall Displaying Artwork
11
X-Shaped Lounger Installations
'XXX Times Square with Love' Fills the Iconic Plaza with Odd Chairs
10
Political Art Installations
This Art Piece Endorses Peace Between North and South Korea
9
World-Traveling Ball Installations
The Redball Project Has Appeared in a New Location in Belgium
8
Self-Referencing Ball Sculptures
Each of These 12 Balls is Made from a Different Material
7
Abstract Painting Drones
The 'Pollockcopter' Creates Splatter Paintings on Vertical Surfaces
6
Online African Art Initiatives
'IrokoX' is an Online Platform for Pan-African Artists
5
Synesthesia-Inducing Art Installations
'Collide' Mimics the Experience of Synesthesia
4
Music-Inspired Textile Compositions
This Exhibition Was Inspired by West African Music
3
Politicized Weathervane Installations
This Installation Provokes Thought About the UK's Future
2
Cloudy Airport Installations
This Installation Features a Wall Sheathed In a Cloudy Sky Pattern
1
Synthetic Swamp Experiences
The 'Swamp Orchestra' Recreates Visiting a Bog Using Sound Systems
Related Ideas
In-Person Gallery Experiences
Whataburger Museum of Art Brings Fan Creativity to Life at SXSW 2025
Self-Operating Sand Artwork Tables
The Origin Coffee Table Pays Homage to Japanese art and Design
AI-Inspired Digital Art Programs
Scorpios and HOFAA Gallery Introduce 'Evolving Perspectives'
Nostalgic 70s-Inspired Apartments
The House Special Studio Designs a Compact Apartment
Collectible Historical Figurines
PIX! is Dropping Designs Inspired by Icons in Art, Music & More
Statement Street Art
Alex Chinneck’s Surreal Street Art Transforms Bristol's Urban Landscape
Oil Painting-Inspired Rugs
Antonio Santín Presents a New Collection of Intricate Rugs
Immersive Light Art Installations
Olafur Elisson Presents Your Psychoacoustic Light Ensemble
Artistic Spray Paint Events
Rust-Oleum Will Debut Artist-Friendly Rust-O with an Exciting Event
AI-Generated Soup Can Art
The Campbell’s 'pAIntings' Initiative is Inspired by Artistic Greats
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Playful Modern Art Shows
Brent Estabrook Debuts 'Storytime' at the Maddox Gallery in Switzerland
Artful Updated 70s Apartment
Oikonomakis Siampakoulis architects Forms the Art Curator's Apartment
Creativity-Fostering Art Events
POSCA Becomes Secret Walls' Official Paint Marker
Artisanal Craftsmanship-Exploring Stores
Mo.1950 Presents Tracce, an Artisanal Concept Store
Art-Promoting Campaigns
Beige Billboards Spark a Bold Call to Save Charlotte’s Art Scene
Toaster Pastry Galleries
The Pop(T)Art Gallery Recreates Iconic Artwork with Pop-Tarts
Dazzling Art Design Exhibitions
Kiki Goti Showcases the Selene Exhibition at Alcova
Artistic Pilates Sock Collections
MoveActive Introduces the Art Series Collection
Chromatic Emotional Home Decor
The 3form 2025 Color Collection Puts Emotional Hues in Focus
Y2K-Inspired Neon Light Art
LaMoMo Neon Debuted a New Aesthetically Driven Collection
Vibrant Design Collections
Ali Beletic and Her Studio Launch the Neon Primitivism Series
Iconic Artwork Toy Sets
The LEGO Art Mona Lisa Set Pays Homage to the Masterpiece
Wonderous Art Installations
Olafur Eliasson’s 'Your Psychoacoustic Light Ensemble' is Immersive
Psychedelic Sculptural Art Installations
The Frank Stella: Recent Sculpture Exhibition Opens in NY
Street Art Metaverses
LG OLED & Shepard Fairey Teamed up for a Frieze Los Angeles Exhibition
Battle-Style Art Events
Secret Walls Relaunches its 'The Art of Competition' Tour
Sexuality-Exploring Artful Exhibitions
Faye Toogood Explores Sensuality with the Rude Arts Club
Urban Sneaker-Inspired Exhibits
Museum of Graffiti Introduces the Sneaker Stories Pop-Up Exhibit
Colorful Educational Art Installations
Mario Cucinella Architects Displays Sparking Change
Analog Creativity-Inspired Installations
Moleskine Presents 'Unleash Your Genius' at BASE Milano
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Colorfully Inflatable Art Installations
This Year's BlowUp Art The Hague Marks its Third
Origami-Inspired Lit Table Concepts
Sonakshi Gupta Designs the Dynamic LightUP Concept
Vibrant Inclusive Playground Exhibitions
Wade and Leta Presents the Falling Into Place Exhibition
Pollution-Removing Murals
This Campaign Sucks by Dentsu Brings Awareness to London's Air Quality
Pop Art Creative Collections
The KAWS + Warhol UT Collection Caters to Art Lovers
Creativity-Inspiring Kids Campaigns
Cra-Z-Art Inspires Young Creative Beauty-Focused Campagn
Paper-Inspired Artful Museums
Bjarke Ingels Group Designed the Museum for Papirkunst
Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls
Mattel Creations Celebrates Keiichi Tanaami with Whimsical Designs
Artist-Designed Wallpaper
Rebecca Moses Unveils Vibrant Wallpaper Collection
Compost-Turned Paint Toolkits
A Team at Virginia Tech Developed the Sustainable Painting Art Kit
Fine Art-Inspired Sneaker Designs
Vans and Gallery Dept. Partner Through the OTW by Vans Line
Easy Drawing Inspiration
Simple Drawing Ideas Offers Creative Prompts For All Skill Levels
AI Art Tools
Muse Pro Let's iPad Users Enhance Their Paint and Design Projects
Art-Focused Technology Partnerships
The Samsung Art Store Spotlights a Partnership with Art Basel
Visual Museum Campaigns
MoMA’s New Museum Campaign Transforms NYC into an Art Lover’s Paradise
Sculptural Modern Turntable Concepts
Amuni Studio Creates the Hybrid Turntable Concept
Neon Illuminated Art Installations
Morag Myerscough Creates the Love and Unity Sculpture
Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions
Raise the Moral Studio Presents the Becoming Familiar Show
Vibrant Artist Pop-Up Books
Poposition Press Brings Life to the Keith Haring Pop-Up Book
Color Infusion Paint Campaigns
vitaminwater's Paint Your Rent Brightens Lives & Living Spaces
Lengthy Halloween-Inspired Events
Michaels Has Launched Its 100 Days to Halloween Campaign
Sensorial Textile Exhibitions
The Portals Exhibition by Merida Studio Spotlights Sylvie Johnson
Burgeoning Psychedelic Art Movements
The Chambers Project/PACT Embrace the Psychedelic Movement
Playful Creativity-Focused Campaigns
Sharpie® Launches the World is Your Canvas Tour
Unique Rotating Art Galleries
NUMU Boutique Hotel Features an Exhibit by David Troice
Custom Inspirational Quotes
Muse Combines Quotes with Creative Themes for Social Media
Tree-Integrated Mysterious Art
Banksy Unveils a Mysterious Tree Mural in London's Finsbury Park
Global AI Art Contests
Shutterstock and the UN Partner for the Canvas of the Future
Pop Art-Style Blocked Portraits
Ai Weiwei Presents Ai in Red Made from Bright LEGO Bricks
Interactive Kinetic Sculptures
This Dynamic Sculpture Takes Its Cue From Tide and Wind Data
AI Tattoo Generators
Tattoo Canvas Has Endless Creative Possibilities for Artistic Expression
Community-Centric Art Galleries
The Tableau Gallery Will Host a Roster of Designe
Colorful Kitchen Pop-Ups
Primal Kitchen Partners with Pintrest for a Special Initiative
Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories
CASETiFY Presents a New Salvador Dalí Collection
Colorful Textile-Inspired Design Projects
Yinka Ilori Debuts Projects at ART on THE MART & NeoCon
Sensory Explorative Art Exhibitions
Chromasonic Presents the Making Sense of Color Exhibition
Large Structural Ceramic Lamps
Olivia Xognet Draws Inspiration from her Move to Vallauris
Kid-Friendly Digital Coloring
PalettePlay.art Has Customizable Coloring Book Templates
Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks
Liza Lou's Painting Exhibition Debuts 12 New Pieces of Work
Terracotta-Highlighting Artful Exhibitions
Sam Baron Curates the Nossa Terra Exhibitino
Mycelium-Based Artful Tables
Fefostudio and Kamilla Csegzi Create the Ephemeral Table
Immersive Art-Technology Installations
WNDR Museum Boston Will Feature 20 Exhibitions
Pop Art Skateboard Capsules
THE SKATEROOM Unveils a Collection Inspired by Roy Lichtenstein
Music Festival Fabric Installations
Do Lab Created a Range of Fabric Mushrooms at Coachella
Sculptural Art-Detailed Store Designs
Halleroed Designs the Flagship Toteme Store in Mayfield
Italian Heritage Brand Identities
Sergio Soldano Launches Tableau D’Art in Cannes and Genoa
Artistic Libation Campaigns
The Madrí Excepcional 'Paint Your Pint' Competition Challenges Fans
Contemporary Artful Bright Apartments
Butterfly Studios Designs a Bright Krakow Apartment
Artful Soft-Pink Dining Rooms
The Gallery at Sketch in London Boasts Subtle Vintage Touches
Hip-Hop-Influenced Art Installations
B-side: (Broken) Memory and Remix Presents the BRIC House
Sportswear Training Campaigns
FKA Twigs Redefines Movement with On's Fall/Winter 24 Capsule
Customized Numeric Paintings
Paint by Numbers Customized Creates Personalized Artwork
Creatively Sponsored Art Events
Sharpie is Sponsoring the Upcoming Art Battle Event in Los Angeles
Mess-Free Eco Craft Kits
Brainstorm's Create N Colour Let Kids Magically Paint with Water
Custom-Designed Painting Kits
TimeForArt Has Launched Its Painting4Real Product Line on Amazon
Tech-Forward Contemporary Art Exhibitions
SPACES Was Organized by HOFA Gallery and PhillipsX
Inequalities-Focused Exhibition Forums
Triennale Milano Marks Its 24th International Exhibition
Natural Japanese Art Galleries
Brazil's Yayoi Kusama Gallery Features a Nature-Inspired Design
Captivating Terrazzo Capsule Collections
Maria Adele Savioli Designs the Salto Collection
Palaeolithic Art-Inspired Collections
Taras Yoom Unveils a New Capsule Dubbed Echoes of Time
Creativity-Celebrating Week-Long Campaigns
Crayola Education Will Kick Off Crayola Creativity Week
Spectral Painting-Inspired Furniture
Nick Thomm's THOMME Collection is Vibrant and Geometric
Art Identity Platforms
ID.ART Empowers Creatives To Digitize, Promote, and Monetize Artworks
Mesmerizing Sand Pattern Sculptures
Ed Cano Designs the Crystal SANDSARA Blending Meditation
Artful Reflective Art Exhibitions
Rice Roshan Showcases The Space in Between Exhibit
Art-Inspired Jigsaw Puzzles
Apostrophe Puzzles' Jigsaw Collection
Artist-Inspired Flower Puzzle Sets
BelgianDesigner's LEGO Ideas is Inspired by Murakami's Work
Temple-Inspired Striking Galleries
Abin Design Studio Designs a Gallery with Temple Themes
Collaborative Art Platforms
Everyone Draw Invites Artists to Create with Others on Infinite Canvas
Recycled Phonecase Art Installations
Casetify Creates Public Displays for Journey to Re/Birth
Creative Sun Safety Installations
Giant Beach Installation is a Reminder to Practice Sun Safety
Interactive Marine Ecosystem Sculptures
Randi Renate & Beatriz Chachamovits Protect Ecosystems
Modern Art Design Auctions
BILLINGS is Set to Hold Its Summer Modern Art + Design Auction
Spring-Welcoming Art Installations
DRIFT's Latest Presentation is the Meadow Exhibition
Interactive Typo Art Installations
Pasha Radetzki Creates the Love-Ego=LOV in New York
Red-Accented Artist Exhibitions
The Art of Richard MacDonald Gallery Presents the RED Collection
Curvaceous Artful Play Pavilions
Peter Cook Designs the Play Pavilion for the Serpentine Gallery
Parking Lot-Transformed Homes
Maritau Arqui Completed the Octa House on a Japanese Island
Creativity-Supporting Art Apps
The 'Blank' App Uses AI to Create Custom Art Based on Prompts
Vibrant Public Art Installations
Rico Gatson's Installation Brings Life to Penn Station
Identity-Exploring Artful Designs
MAIII Collective Presents Fragments in Stockholm
Artwork-Inspired Vibrant Watches
Swatch and Tate Join Forces on the Gallery Collection
Broken Bike Lock Furniture
Design Students Showcase the People and Places Exhibition
All-White Interior Artful Galleries
Samsøe Samsøe Highlights a Blank Canvas in New Pop-Up
Doodling Mental Health Apps
The 'Scribble Journey' App Encourages Art to Explore Emotions
Artist Connection-Focused Initiatives
Summer VonHolten’s New Personal Blog is About Connection
Contemporary Art Puzzle Sets
LEGO's Modern Art Building Set is a Great Buildable Decor
AI-Digital Wall Art Features
Amazon Announced the Fire TV Ambient Experience Feature
Video Game-Themed Pixel Paintings
Minecraft Honors Anniversary with a Pixel Art Collection
Boundless Art Exhibitions
The Frameless Experience Showcases Iconic Art Beyond Reality
Brick-Centric Art Exhibitions
Floris Wubben Designs the Brick Collection at the Future Perfect
Dynamic Interest Social Platforms
Palette Let's People Curate Their Likes However They Please
Childhood-Inspired Sculptural Tables
Morten Georgsen Designs the Tivoli Collection for BoConcept
Artistic QR Codes
QR Artwork Directory Creates QR Codes That Boost User Engagement
Beginner Artistic Inspiration
Drawing Prompts Helps Artists Develop a Consistent Practice
Natural Material-Transformed Artworks
Borrowed Earth Collaborative Uses Natural Materials for Art
Building Block Art Exhibits
LEGO will Host The Art of the Brick Expo in Singapore
Air Balloon-Inspired Lamp Concepts
Kubra Sen Imagines the Creative Air Balloon Lamp Design
Culturally Artful Textile Exhibitions
Paolo Arao Introduces the Solo Devotion Exhibition
High-Tech Center Renovation Projects
Two Studios Join Forces to Update the Centre Pompidou
Permanent London Art Installtions
Yayoi Kusama Presents Her Infinite Accumulation Piece
Artistic Feedback Tools
Instant Art Review Provides Real-Time Feedback to Boost Artistic Skills
Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies
Woset Designs a Range of Stationary and Furniture for Kids
Kids Art Marketplaces
Kid Art Show is A Safe Platform for Kids to Sell Their Art and Creativity
Politically Artful Textile Shows
Barbican Hosts Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art
Salon-Honoring Joint Exhibitions
Signe Hytte Curates the Enter the Salon Exhibition in Copenhagen
Contemporary Permanent Art Displays
Cj Hendry Introduces the HOOPS Tree Installation in Miami
Reimagined Colorful Furniture Series
Artek Presents the Reimagined by Paul Smith Series