Contemporary More Art
Used to refer to a time rather than an aesthetic, Contemporary art generally describes pieces created after 1970 or being made by living artists anywhere in the world. This immediacy means it encompasses art responding to the present moment through diverse subjects, media and themes. Contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, performance, digital art, video and more frequently includes work that is attempting to reshape current ideas about what art can be, from Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s use of candy to memorialize a lover he lost to AIDS-related complications to Jenny Holzer’s ongoing “Truisms,” a Conceptual series that sees provocative messages printed on billboards, T-shirts, benches and other public places that exist outside of formal exhibitions and the conventional “white cube” of galleries.
Contemporary art has been pushing the boundaries of creative expression for years. Its disruption of the traditional concepts of art are often aiming to engage viewers in complex questions about identity, society and culture. In the latter part of the 20th century, contemporary movements included Land art, in which artists like Robert Smithson and Michael Heizer create large-scale, site-specific sculptures, installations and other works in soil and bodies of water; Sound art, with artists such as Christian Marclay and Susan Philipsz centering art on sonic experiences; and New Media art, in which mass media and digital culture inform the work of artists such as Nam June Paik and Rafaël Rozendaal.
The first decades of the 21st century have seen the growth of Contemporary African art, the revival of figurative painting, the emergence of street art and the rise of NFTs, unique digital artworks that are powered by blockchain technology.
Major Contemporary artists practicing now include Ai Weiwei, Cecily Brown, David Hockney, Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami and Kara Walker.
Find a collection of Contemporary prints, photography, paintings, sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.
Artist Comments
This contemporary painting of Boulders Beach presents a stylized, painterly interpretation of the coast. On the left, a rocky cliff descends toward the beach, m...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Acrylic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Ceramic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Steel
2010s Contemporary More Art
Cotton, Paper, Mixed Media, Screen
2010s Contemporary More Art
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Wool
2010s Contemporary More Art
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Wool
2010s Contemporary More Art
Steel
2010s Contemporary More Art
Metal, Steel, Iron
1990s Contemporary More Art
Lithograph
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Oil
Early 2000s Contemporary More Art
Cotton, Mixed Media, Screen
2010s Contemporary More Art
Wire
Artist Comments
Two pears rest on a wooden surface. The light accentuates their blemished yellow skin with reddish blush, along with their curvy form. A curling leaf adorns one...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Oil
2010s Contemporary More Art
Paper, Pastel, Gouache
2010s Contemporary More Art
Paper, Pastel, Gouache
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Paper, Wood Panel
2010s Contemporary More Art
Textile, Cotton
2010s Contemporary More Art
Inkjet
Artist Comments
"A solitary deep pink daisy in an antique cup paired with a dried flower seed pod found on the path of my afternoon walk," shares artist Nicole Lamothe...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Oil
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Oil, Spray Paint
1990s Contemporary More Art
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Resin, Vinyl
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Copper
2010s Contemporary More Art
Resin, Fiberglass
2010s Contemporary More Art
Polyester, PVC, ABS
2010s Contemporary More Art
Resin
1990s Contemporary More Art
Lithograph
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Lithograph, Offset
2010s Contemporary More Art
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Fabric, Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Thread
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Plastic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Lithograph
1980s Contemporary More Art
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Lithograph
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Artist Comments
"This horse was just one in the midst of a crowd at the Santa Fe rodeo - a group that was waiting in the pens behind the action," shares artist Heather Foster...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Acrylic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A diptych features an abstract sea, its tall waves rising higher than the sun. Made with a blend of plaster and paint, the varied textures add depth and a tactile quality to the piece. The artwork is part of artist Sally Morris Clark...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Mixed Media
Artist Comments
A solitary lemon rests on a table, exuding a subtle blue glow. Soft light brings out its textured skin, creating a contrast with the shadow that pools beneath...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Vinyl, Plastic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Wool
Artist Comments
Inspired by the fox’s clever charm, this portrait captures both its keen expression and lively spirit. Artist Karen Barton layered oil paint using a mix of pa...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Oil
2010s Contemporary More Art
Cast Stone, Granite
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Artist Comments
A modern painting explores the harmony and tension between geometric form and vibrant color. Each segment represents a unique emotional tone, creating a visual ...
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Lithograph
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Resin, Plastic, Acrylic, Wood Panel
2010s Contemporary More Art
2010s Contemporary More Art
Giclée
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary More Art
Resin, Vinyl





