The comeback of abstract art

The great women abstract artists now

I remember two years ago, I was all about figurative art in terms of buying ( as a collector) and selling ( as a gallerist). And I wasn’t the only one.

After nearly a decade dominated by figuration, abstraction has been experiencing a resurgence - and mainly of female abstract artists. This is no shocking news in 2025, as female artists have been in the spotlight for a bit now, but it is one of the predictions in  (continuing) trends for this year. So, let’s do a deeper dive:

 Historically, women artists were often marginalized within the abstract art movement, with figures like Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, and Joan Mitchell - only gaining recognition posthumously or later in their careers. Today, however, a new generation of female abstract artists is receiving well-deserved acclaim, reshaping the art market and broadening the narrative of abstraction.

Abstraction’s comeback has been fueled by a shift in collector and institutional interest, as noted by key trends reported on platforms like Artsy.net. As collectors seek works that transcend literal representation, abstraction offers a universal language, evoking emotion and intellect.

I also feel like it’s a reaction to the over-saturation of visual imagery in the digital age. Abstract art challenges viewers to slow down, reflect, and find meaning beyond surface appearances. It also aligns with the art world’s growing emphasis on inclusivity and diverse voices.

Here is my curated selection of female abstract artists across three different ‘career stage’ categories :

🖼️ The ultra-contemporary stars high for net worth collectors

The past year set a record for the performance of women artists in the ultra-contemporary category. This term describes artists born between 1975 and today, reflecting the rising prominence of younger artists achieving significant success in the secondary art market.

Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones is a British artist from London whose vibrant, abstract works explore themes of identity, memory, and self-perception. She studied at the Glasgow School of Art and later earned her Master’s in Painting from the Royal Academy Schools in London. Known for her bold use of color and textured compositions, Jones often incorporates motifs inspired by oral anatomy, symbolizing the complexities of inner life and emotional states. Her career has gained significant momentum, with solo exhibitions at esteemed galleries like Thaddaeus Ropac and participation in group shows at the Hayward Gallery. Her works, which blend abstraction with deeply personal symbolism, have garnered critical acclaim and are part of major collections, including the Tate

Jade Fadojutimi

Jade Fadojutimi is a British artist from London who is celebrated for her expressive, abstract paintings that explore themes of identity, emotion, and transformation. She studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and completed her Master's at the Royal College of Art. Fadojutimi's works are characterized by dynamic brushstrokes, vibrant color palettes, and layered compositions that balance spontaneity with intention. Her career achievements include becoming one of the youngest artists to have her work acquired by the Tate and presenting solo exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami and the Hepworth Wakefield. Fadojutimi's art resonates with raw emotional energy, offering a window into the complexities of personal and cultural identity.

🖌️The 'promising' or 'rising stars' for passionate collectors ( or should we say, speculators?)

Francesca Mollett

Francesca Mollett is a London-based artist renowned for her abstract paintings that delve into the interplay of light, nature, and perception. She earned her MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art, London, in 2020, following studies at the Royal Drawing School and Wimbledon College of Arts.

Mollett's work has been showcased in solo exhibitions at venues such as GRIMM Gallery in New York and Amsterdam, as well as Pond Society in Shanghai. Her artistic style is characterized by complex, watery abstractions inspired by natural phenomena, aiming to capture elusive elements like the way light dissolves in water and air.

Austyn Weiner

Austyn Weiner is an American artist known for her dynamic and expressive abstract paintings. She studied photography and painting at the University of Michigan's School of Art and Design, Tel Aviv University, and Parsons School of Design. Initially working as a photographer in the fashion industry, Weiner transitioned to painting, developing a distinctive style characterized by bold colors, energetic brushstrokes, and a diaristic approach that reflects her personal experiences and emotions. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group shows at prominent galleries, including Harper's Apartment in New York, König Galerie in Berlin, and Carl Kostyál in London.

Daisy Parris

Daisy Parris is a British painter known for exploring psychological spaces through their art. Raised in an artistic family, Parris's great-great-great-grandfather was landscape painter Edmund John Niemann. They earned a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Goldsmiths University, London. Parris's work often features direct text and abstract elements, reflecting personal experiences and emotions. Their paintings have been exhibited in solo shows such as "I see you in everyone I love" at Sim Smith, London (2022), and "Mother Me" at Carl Freedman, Margate (2023)

🎨The most exciting early career- emerging names for the next generation of art collectors:

I always find this category the most exciting, not only because it's the category I work and collect in but because it feels the most real - not yet 'ruined' by high retail prices and blue-chip gallery names

Kristy chan

Kristy M. Chan, is a London-based artist whose work delves into themes of migration and cultural displacement. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Slade School of Fine Art

Gina Kuschke

Gina Kuschke, born in Cape Town, South Africa, is a London-based artist and musician whose multidisciplinary practice encompasses painting, sound, and performance. She earned her BA in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art in 2014 and completed her MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art in 2024. Kuschke's work delves into themes of self, space, and place, often reflecting on her experiences transitioning from post-apartheid South Africa to the UK.

Lydia Makin

Lydia Makin is a London-based artist recognized for her dynamic and expressive paintings exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the human experience. She earned her BA in Fine Art from the Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, in 2020, and graduated from MA at the Royal College of Art, in 2024.

Lydia Hamblet

Lydia Hamblet is a British artist who lives and works in London. She earned her MA in Print from the Royal College of Art in 2020 and a BA in Illustration from Camberwell College of Arts in 2017. Hamblet's artistic style is characterized by dynamic compositions and vibrant color palettes, aiming to evoke the energy and movement of the landscapes she portrays.