by: Alex Blanco

If there are no experiments, there is no art. Every great artist has started somewhere, evolving over time through exploration and change. Take Pablo Picasso, for example —his early portraits are vastly different from the abstract expressionist paintings that made him an innovative and revolutionary figure in his time. Similarly, Henri Matisse experimented with various mediums throughout his career, from paintings to collage, shifting between Fauvism and complete abstraction.

    Left: Henri Matisse, Nu bleu II (Blue Nude II), 1952| Right: Pablo Picasso, Girl in a Chemise, c.1905 

The same applies to other art forms, such as music. A perfect example is jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis. Over the course of his career, he navigated multiple musical styles, constantly reinventing his sound. Later in lif, he transitioned to painting, which became his new passion and gave his artistic journey a fresh direction.

Miles Davis, Autographs 

Photographer and renowned Chelsea Hotel resident Robert Mapplethorpe, best known for his groundbreaking photographic work, also explored sketching, painting, and sculpture, drawing inspiration from the poetry of William Blake and the art of Surrealists.

A famous quote attributed to American essayist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emersom states, "Life is a journey, not a destination." This sentiment applies just as well to the art world. Perhaps it's better said: "Art is a journey, not a destination." After all, what could be more exciting than the constant process of rediscovery?

Robert Mappletorpe, Orchid, 1987

On one hand, many artists affirm that endless experimentation is essential to their practice. Without it, one might never reach the profound creative state that nourishes the soul and fuels the drive to create. Through years of trial and error, artist develop a revolutionary mindset—one that pushes boundaries, moves mountains, and ultimately transforms past mistakes into groundbreaking work that stands the test of time, perhaps even altering the course of people's lives. On the other hand, the constant pursuit of something new can present a challenge: how does one maintain consistency in their style? New York-based photgrapher Maura Sullivan, author of After Beauty (published by 1605 Collective in 2022), emphasizes the importance of exmperimentation, noting that it generates new energy and leads artists to unexpected discoveries. 

"Experiments are natural part of my creative process. I rarely pre-plan a shoot. I love collaborating with new people, shooting in unfamiliar locations, and working with the unpredictability of natural light. I look for magic as I'm shooting," Sullivan shares. She believes that knowing oneself as an artist eliminates the risk of losing one's style. "It only gets stronger by taking risks," she concludes. 

Maura Sullivan, After Beauty, 1605 Collective, 2022

How does experimentation in art help us create more and create better?

Experimentation is a powerful tool for artists, fostering creativity and pushing boundaries to produce something truly unique. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you can discover new facets of yourself that you never knew existed. Take Jean-Michel Basquiat, for example—his willingness to experiment with poetry and social slogans in his paintings and murals transformed his work into a powerful tool for introspection. His arts became a reflection of his experiences within the Black community and critique of systemic racism, ultimately shaping his signature style and solidifying his place as one of the most influental artists of the 20th century.

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled V from The Figures Portfolio, 1982 

Another major benefit of experimentation is that it reduces the likelihood of creative blocks. Creative stagnation often arises when we struggle to generate fresh ideas, but exploring new themes, tools, materials, or mediums can reignite inspiration. The aforementioned Henri Matisse, for instance, mastered the technique of collage and cut-outs only after enduring a years-long creative block. His willingness to experiment led him to produce some of his most iconic works later in life.

Of course, not every experiment will be a revelation but—even  the unsuccessful ones serve a purpose. Trying something new, even if it doesn't work out, helps refine your artistic direction and personal taste. Imagine a photographer who, curious to expland their practice, experiments with painting. However, the high cost of materials, lack of studio space, and overpowering smell of paint make the experience frustrating. Instead of pursuing painting, they turn to photography with a renewed passion, realizing just how much they missed it. In this way, even a failed experiment can reignite enthusiasm for an existing practice.

Ultimately, experimentation is always worthwhile endeavor—whether it leads to a breakthrough or simply reinforces what youb love most about your art.