# Playful Abstract Exhibitions The Shape of Play by Sabine Finkenauer Opens at L.F. Markey By Amy Duong | Published 2025-09-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-shape-of-play References: [londondesignfestival](https://londondesignfestival.com/activities/the-shape-of-play-by-sabine-finkenauer-presented-by-l-f-markey)  The Shape of Play by Sabine Finkenauer opens at L.F. Markey for London Design Festival, filling the Dalston Lane store with [bold colour and rhythmic abstraction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/what-are-you-looking-at). The Barcelona-based artist works with circles, arches, diamonds, and curves, creating symmetrical compositions through repetition and mirroring. Her hybrid technique of oil pastels and monotype printing produces soft-edged textures that feel tactile and expressive. Installed among the brand’s womenswear, the exhibition highlights parallels between Finkenauer’s visual language and L.F. Markey’s design approach. The collaboration reflects a mutual admiration. Finkenauer often wears the label in her studio, while founder Louise Markey cites the arts as inspiration for her silhouettes. Together, they explore how [play, colour, and structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-geometry-of-play) shape both clothing and drawing. The Shape of Play transforms the store into a creative environment that blurs [art, fashion, and daily life](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks), encouraging visitors to see design as a joyful act of expression. Image Credit: Sabine Finkenauer ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 49% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Art-fashion Collaborations:** Bringing together artists and fashion designers creates innovative spaces where visual art seamlessly integrates with apparel design. - **Tactile Art Experiences:** Exhibitions that incorporate textures and materials engage viewers on a sensory level, offering multi-dimensional interactions with art. - **Playful Retail Environments:** Transforming retail spaces into immersive art installations enhances the shopping experience by merging creativity with commerce. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art Galleries:** Art galleries embracing hybrid art forms and textures can offer unique experiences that attract a broader audience attracted to tactile engagement. - **Fashion Retail:** Integrating artistic exhibitions in fashion retail spaces provides a platform for brands to differentiate themselves and draw in customers seeking more than just products. - **Design Festivals:** Including cross-disciplinary works in design festivals allows for innovative storytelling that resonates across diverse creative communities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrantly Artful Graphic Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sabine-finkenauer.md) - [Art-Inspired Streetwear Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silent-echoes.md) - [Kinetic Design Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parallel-practices.md) - [Sensory-Focused Furniture Design Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/time-signature.md) - [Collaborative Designer Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-like-heaven-art-exhibition.md) - [Whimsically Vibrant Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama.md) - [Tactile Material Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-world-sharp-edges.md) - [Community-Centric Sculptural Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures.md) - [Vibrant Inclusive Playground Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/falling-into-place.md)