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Contemporary Portrait Photography

CONTEMPORARY STYLE

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.

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Style: Contemporary
Traces of Time II (The Girl behind the White Picket Fence) - Polaroid, Portrait
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Traces of Time II (The Girl Behind the White Picket Fence) - 2013 20x20cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the original Polaroid. Signature label ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid

Traces of Time (The Girl behind the White Picket Fence) - Polaroid, Portrait
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Traces of Time (The Girl Behind the White Picket Fence) - 2013 20x20cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the original Polaroid. Signature label and...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid

Rendering Memories (The Girl behind the White Picket Fence) - Polaroid, Portrait
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Rendering Memories II (The Girl Behind the White Picket Fence) - 2013 20x24cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print, based on the original Polaroid. Signature la...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid

Muhammad Ali Preparing for the "Thrilla in Manila"
Located in Austin, TX
World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali preparing for the fight that would come to be known as the "Thrilla in Manila", the final fight in the Ali-Frazier trilogy and one that lived ...
Category

1970s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Autumn Evening at the Skate Park
Located in Kansas City, MO
Kalli Brelsford Autumn Evening at the Skate Park Year: 2024 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Framed Size: 13 x 13 x 0.25 inches COA provided *Ready to hang; matted a...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bianca Jagger's Birthday Party at Studio 54
By Eric Kroll
Located in Austin, TX
Circa 1970s in New York: Mikhail Baryshnikov, Bianca Jagger, and Mick Jagger at Studio 54 for Bianca's birthday party. Bianca Jagger is a former Nicaraguan actress who was married ...
Category

1970s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Jimi Hendrix Backstage
By Jay Thompson
Located in Austin, TX
Awesome candid capture of the rock god Jimi Hendrix, seated backstage. Jimi Hendrix was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only fo...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Muhammad Ali Training in Florida
By Jeff Joffe
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning image of Muhammad Ali training in Florida, 1970. Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is regarded as one of the most ...
Category

1970s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Lamborghini Mechanic
Located in New York, NY
Lamborghini Mechanic by Tyler Shields from his Provocateur Series. In this bold continuation of his Provocateur series, Shields invites viewers into a world where beauty meets rebell...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

C Print

Then There Were Four
Located in Kansas City, MO
Beverly Ahern Then There Were Four Year: 2024 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Framed Size: 13 x 13 x 0.25 inches COA provided *Ready to hang; matted and framed in a...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

9th & Walnut
Located in Kansas City, MO
Derrick Benitz 9th & Walnut Year: 2024 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Framed Size: 13 x 13 x 0.25 inches COA provided *Ready to hang; matted and framed in a minima...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

13th & Wyandotte
Located in Kansas City, MO
Derrick Benitz 13th & Wyandotte Year: 2024 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Framed Size: 13 x 13 x 0.25 inches COA provided *Ready to hang; matted and framed in a mi...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Brigitte Bardot Posed with Vintage Car
Located in Austin, TX
Awesome fashion capture of the beautiful Brigitte Bardot posing for a portrait leaning on a vintage car. Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot, often referred to by her initials B.B. ., is a ...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

The Belfry
Located in Kansas City, MO
Brian Wicklund The Belfry Year: 2024 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Framed Size: 13 x 13 x 0.25 inches COA provided *Ready to hang; matted and framed in a minimal ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Elvis Presley: The Kiss
By Lloyd Dinkins
Located in Austin, TX
Candid closeup of "The King" Elvis Presley blowing a kiss at the camera in 1957. Elvis was an American singer, musician, and actor. He is regarded as one of the most significant cu...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Led Zeppelin at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont
By Jay Thompson
Located in Austin, TX
Great capture of Led Zeppelin members sitting together during a visit to the Chateau Marmont, 1969. Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consis...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Elvis Presley: The Wink
By Lloyd Dinkins
Located in Austin, TX
Vintage candid image of The King, Elvis Presley photographed early in his career in 1956 in Memphis Tennessee by Lloyd Dinkins. Elvis Aaron Presley, also known simply as Elvis, was...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Evel Knievel Smiling with Stunt Double
Located in Austin, TX
Retro 1970s photograph featuring Evel Knievel, the legendary motorcycle daredevil who became one of the greatest American icons of the 1970s.With Evel is actor George Hamilton presen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Lucille Ball Smoking
By Jay Thompson
Located in Austin, TX
This black-and-white vintage image features American actress and slapstick comedian Lucille Ball sitting outdoors in the sunlight, smoking a cigarette. Lucille Ball was best known...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Ferrari Salt Flats
Located in New York, NY
Ferrari Salt Flats by Tyler Shields is a black and white photograph from his Provocateur Series. In Shields' Ferrari photographs, the iconic sports ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

C Print

Clark Gable Awesome Portrait Outdoors
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white candid portrait features Clark Gable posed outside of a sound stage, 1931. Clark Gable was an American film actor and military officer, often referred to as "...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Orson Welles Leaning in the Studio
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white capture features Orson Welles posed seated and leaning on a chair in the studio. Orson Welles was an American actor, director, writer, and producer who worked ...
Category

1930s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Brigitte Bardot: Hollywood's French Icon
Located in Austin, TX
This stunning closeup features French bombshell actress Brigitte Bardot in a wide-brimmed hat. Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot, often referred to by her initials B.B. ., is a French fo...
Category

1970s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Candid Martin Luther King Jr.
Located in Austin, TX
A classic 1960's Photograph depicting the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King. One of the most famous and influential men of the 20th Century, the Baptist minister, Nobel Peace Prize wi...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Clark Gable Posed on Sound Stage
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features Clark Gable pose on a sound stage, circa 1931. Clark Gable was an American film actor and military officer, often referred to as "The King of...
Category

1930s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Led Zeppelin Partying at the Chateau
By Jay Thompson
Located in Austin, TX
Shot of Led Zeppelin standing in a group, shot under a staircase during the Chateau Marmont set with Jay Thompson. Widely considered one of the most successful, innovative, and inf...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Frank Sinatra "The House I Live In"
By Gaston Longet
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning portrait of a 30-year-old Frank Sinatra on the set of the 1945 film Step Lively. Step Lively is a 1944 American musical film directed by Tim Whelan and starring Frank Sina...
Category

1940s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Lipstick Cigarette
Located in New York, NY
Tyler Shields is a renowned contemporary photographer known for his provocative and bold artistic style. His work often pushes boundaries, blending elements of glamour, violence, and...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

C Print

Fred Astaire Dancing in the Studio
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential dancers in the history of film and t...
Category

1940s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Led Zeppelin Sitting at a Kitchen Table
By Jay Thompson
Located in Austin, TX
Candid black and white capture of members of Led Zeppelin sitting at a kitchen table, circa 1969. Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group consiste...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Frank Sinatra in Portland
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning black and white capture of the famous jazz singer and musician Frank Sinatra while in Portland, 1957. This portrait features the star sitting on a bench on a dock, leaning b...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

"David Bowie and Mick Ronson, in the Train 1973" 30 x 40 in 29/50 by Mick Rock
Located in Culver City, CA
"David Bowie and Mick Ronson, in the Train 1973" 30 x 40 in 29/50 by Mick Rock David Bowie and Mick Ronson, in the Train to Aberdeen, Scotland, 1973 Edition: 29/50 Signed and number...
Category

20th Century Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Marlon Brando as Johnny Strabler in "The Wild One"
By Homer van Pelt
Located in Austin, TX
Marlon Brando posed on a bike for the film "The Wild One". The Wild One is a 1953 American film noir crime film directed by Laszlo Benedek and produced by Stanley Kramer. It is mos...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Girl with Flag by Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Silver Gelatin Print, Photography
Located in Dallas, TX
Girl with Flag by Earlie Hudnall, Jr., is a black and white portrait of a young African American girl holding a small American flag. The girl is dressed in white, and looks over her ...
Category

1990s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor in Car on the Set of Giant
Located in Austin, TX
James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor in a car on the set of the 1950s Film "Giant". Giant is a 1956 American epic Western drama film, directed by George Stevens from a screenplay adapte...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Carl Sandburg: Pulitzer Prize Poet
Located in Austin, TX
Retro 1960s photograph of legendary poet Carl Sandberg. This striking portrait features a fascinating close-up look at the three time Pulitzer Prize winner. This listing is for a l...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Jimi Hendrix Tuning Guitar on Stage
By Grant Harper Reid
Located in Austin, TX
Captured by photographer Grant Harper Reid, the concert took place on September 5, 1969, in Harlem on 139th Street between 5th. Ave. & Lenox Ave. ...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Steve McQueen Loading Rifle
Located in Austin, TX
Awesome capture of Steve McQueen loading a rifle for his role in "The Great Escape", circa 1963. Steve McQueen nicknamed the "King of Cool", was an American actor. His antihero persona, emphasized during the height of the counterculture of the 1960s, made him a top box-office draw during the 1960s and 1970s. McQueen received an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Sand Pebbles. His other popular films include The Cincinnati Kid, Love With the Proper Stranger...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Lucille Ball: A Portrait of Elegance
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
This elegant black-and-white image features actress Lucille Ball in a full-length gown, looking upward and leaning on a side table. Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedienn...
Category

1940s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Arthur Ashe in Action
Located in Austin, TX
Retro 1960s photograph depicting a young Arthur Ashe in action. Arthur Ashe was an American professional tennis player. He won three Grand Slam titles i...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Clark Gable Posed on Sound Stage II
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features Clark Gable pose on a sound stage, circa 1931. Clark Gable was an American film actor and military officer, often referred to as "The King of...
Category

1930s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Marlon Brando on Bike for "The Wild One"
By Homer van Pelt
Located in Austin, TX
Awesome capture of Marlon Brando posed on his bike for his role in "The Wild One", 1953. Marlon Brando was an American actor and film director with a career spanning 60 years, duri...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Marlon Brando and Mary Murphy in "The Wild One"
By Homer van Pelt
Located in Austin, TX
Legendary film still capture of Marlon Brando and Mary Murphy posed for their roles in the 1953 film "The Wild One". The Wild One is a 1953 American film noir crime film directed b...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Led Zeppelin at the Historic Chateau Marmont
By Jay Thompson
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white vintage photograph features the legendary psychedelic rock band, Led Zeppelin, on their visit to Chateau Marmont photographed by Jay Thompson. Chateau Marmont...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Bette Davis, Marlon Brando, and Grace Kelly at the Oscars
Located in Austin, TX
"This black and white image features Bette Davis Marlon Brando and Grace Kelly smiling and holding awards at the 1954 Oscar Awards. Grace Kelly was an American actress who, after s...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Audrey Hepburn "The Nun's Story"
By Leo L. Fuchs
Located in Austin, TX
Audrey Hepburn standing on what seems to be a wood branch bridge taking a portrait for the 1959 film "The Nun's Story". British actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn is regarded...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Frank Sinatra Hands in Cement Hollywood Blvd
Located in Austin, TX
Awesome black and white capture by celebrity photographer Frank Worth of Frank Sinatra posed smiling while pressing his hands into the cement of Hollywood Boulevard, circa 1955. Fr...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart at the Oscars
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features actor Humphrey Bogart and actress Lauren Bacall standing side by side at the 1954 Oscar Wards. Humphrey Bogart, nicknamed Bogie, was an Amer...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

The Sheep by JJK, Photography, Limited Edition, animal, black and white
Located in Munich, DE
The Sheep Edition of 25 signed and numbered by the artist A sheep in black and white shot on analog film. JJK is a pseudonym for one of the world's most successful photo artists. I...
Category

1990s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Sheep by JJK, Photography, Limited Edition, animal, black and white
Located in Munich, DE
The Sheep Edition of 25 signed and numbered by the artist A sheep in black and white shot on analog film. JJK is a pseudonym for one of the world's most successful photo artists. I...
Category

1990s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Elvis Presley: The Kiss
By Lloyd Dinkins
Located in Austin, TX
A vintage 1956 photograph featuring the King, Elvis Presley puckering his lips as he kisses the lens in this fantastic shot. This rare photo is a second-generation example made after...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

The Sheep by JJK, Photography, Limited Edition, animal, black and white
Located in Munich, DE
The Sheep Edition of 25 signed and numbered by the artist A sheep in black and white shot on analog film. JJK is a pseudonym for one of the world's most successful photo artists. I...
Category

1990s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Ingrid Bergman with Fan
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Glamorous capture of actress Ingrid Bergman posed in the studio with a fan. Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who starred in a variety of European and American films and won thr...
Category

1940s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Fred Astaire: The Gay Divorcee
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential dancers in the history of film and t...
Category

1930s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Stunning Clark Gable at Academy Awards
Located in Austin, TX
Great candid black and white artistic capture of star actor Clark Gable smiling at the Academy Awards. Clark Gable was an American film actor, often referred to as "The King of Hol...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Departure - Contemporary, Polaroid, Women, 21st Century
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Departure (Bombay all Day) - 2019 50x50cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. Artist inventory...
Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid

AC/DC in Concert
Located in Austin, TX
Awesome color capture of AC/DC concert in 1979, Angus Young rocking out in the foreground. AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Y...
Category

1970s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Audrey Hepburn on Set of "The Nun's Story"
By Leo L. Fuchs
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white full-length image features actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn on the set of "A Nun's Story" in 1959. Audrey Hepburn was a British actress and humanitarian...
Category

1950s Contemporary Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment

Contemporary portrait photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Contemporary portrait photography available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add portrait photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, purple, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Stefanie Schneider, Tyler Shields, Urizen Freaza, and Clare Marie Bailey. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Photographic Paper and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Contemporary portrait photography, so small editions measuring 1.58 inches across are also available.

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