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Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

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
Color:  White
36 Years (Tree Rings Series)
Located in New York, NY
Steven L. Anderson 36 Years, 2015 marker and pen on paper 8 x 8 inches The Tree Rings artworks are made on paper which is torn and reassembled, scratched, a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper, Permanent Marker

63 Years (Tree Rings Series)
Located in New York, NY
Steven L. Anderson 63 Years, 2015 marker and pen on paper 16 x 16 inches The Tree Rings artworks are made on paper which is torn and reassembled, scratched,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper, Permanent Marker

Mother's Song of Revolution - Drawing by Parimah Avani - 2023
Located in Roma, IT
Mother's Song of Revolution is a drawing realized by Iranian Painter and Poet Parimah Avani in 2023. China ink and acrylic on ivory-colored paper. Hand-...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic

Totem I
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Totem I" is an original artwork made from chine colle collage on Somerset paper by Katie VanVliet. This piece is shipped in the pictured white frame and measures 9...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Color, Pigment

The Real - A unique ink on paper work by Philip Wittmann
Located in New York, NY
Ink on paper, Acrylic and / or watercolor, signed in the front, framed in a thin Blond wood frame, glass. Philip Wittmann work is based on signs. Sign...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor

Letter of Greetings with Original Drawings - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
A nice, creative letter by the french poet and dancer Boris Kochno to Countess Pecci-Blunt. This composition was realized as letter of greetings for New Y...
Category

1960s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor

"#70 – I AM TIRED", ink, pencil, gouache, collage, vintage, hemingway, poetry
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"#70 – I AM TIRED" is from Amy Williams' series "A Farewell to Arms" – wherein the artist works directly onto page 70 of a found copy of Ernest Hemingway'...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Found Objects, Ink, Gouache, Pencil

Ricardo Morin "Triangulation III", original mixed media drawing on paper
Located in Glenview, IL
"Triangulation III" by well listed contemporary Venezuelan American artist Ricardo Morin is an abstract mixed media drawing on deckle-edge paper created in 2008. The artwork, utilizi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Sumi Ink, Acrylic, Color Pencil

Figures - Pen Drawing by Danilo Bergamo - 1962
Located in Roma, IT
Figures is an original drawing in blue ballpoint pen on ivory paper realized by Danilo Bergamo in 1962. Not signed. Good conditions...
Category

1960s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Movie Room - Mixed Media by Sergio Barletta - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Movie Room is an original artwork in mixed media applied on cardboard, realized by Sergio Barletta. Hand-signed on the lower right. Titled in Italian on t...
Category

1970s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Tempera, Watercolor, Mixed Media

Untitled
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Paul Jenkins. "Untitled" is an abstract, watercolor and ink on paper executed in a lush primarily palette with black ink printed images in the foreground by contemporar...
Category

1970s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

Spiral Form Four A, Geometric Spirograph Drawing in Reddish Brown on Cream Paper
Located in Kent, CT
This geometric drawing has a beautiful, soft mottled texture created with Judge's unique powered pigment technique. The ordered symmetry of the spirograph drawing in reddish brown is...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Rag Paper, Pigment

Black Abstract - Original China Ink Drawing by P. Peters - Late 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Black Abstract is an original artwork realized by Paul Peters in the second half of the XX Century. Original Black ink on cardboard. Hand-signed on rge l...
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

Yemen (Coffee Plant): Green Abstract Colored Pencil Drawing, Framed
Located in Hudson, NY
Green Abstract figurative drawing on paper with found postage stamp 'Yemen (Coffee Plant)' by Andrea Moreau, 2012 colored pencil and postage stamp on pape...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Found Objects, Archival Paper, Color Pencil

River And Steel Series Six, Geometric Drawing in Dark Blue, Yellow and Red
Located in Kent, CT
This geometric drawing has a beautiful, soft mottled texture created with Judge's unique powered pigment technique. The ordered symmetry of the diagonal lines in deeply pigmented dar...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Rag Paper, Pigment

"Cherries, Persimmons, & Pears, " Original Ink Drawing signed by David Barnett
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Cherries, Persimmons, & Pears" is an original ink drawing by David Barnett, signed in the lower right corner. The fruits pictured are abstracted to their most basic forms. They are ...
Category

1960s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink

Color Structure Series, Yellow Slashes, Geometric Drawing in Red, Yellow, Blue
Located in Kent, CT
This geometric drawing has a beautiful, soft mottled texture created with Judge's unique powered pigment technique. The ordered symmetry of the layered diagonal lines in deeply pigme...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Rag Paper, Pigment

Dimore - 1970s - Giuseppe Uncini - Collage - Contemporary
Located in Roma, IT
Original collage on paper by the italian artist Giuseppe Uncini, in excellent conditions and authenticated by the Archivio Opera Giuseppe Uncini in 2014.
Category

1970s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper

Ideal Paste
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Infinitely Divisible Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Poisonous Motto Maternity
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Rugged Motto Offspring
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Wily Reptilian Catchword
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Elegantly Enslaving Legendary Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Muddy Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Elegantly Enslaving Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Exhausted Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Swollen short motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Dangerous Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Peelable Ideals
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Entangled Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Almost Invisible Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Three mottoes derived from the same distant Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Infinite Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Lascivious Ideals
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Old Slogan
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Contradictory Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Slippery Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Multiple Motto Coupon /Ticket Roll
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Murderous Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Archaic Slogan
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Super Practical Repairing Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Autoimmune Slogan
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Disposable Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Assassinated Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Extremely Long Motto
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Prefab Versatile Motto Strip Fragment
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Hairy Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Gemmation of a Banner
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Offspring
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Bipolar Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Cannibal Constrictor Banner with prey
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Migrating Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Offsprings
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Predator Cold Blooded Slogan
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Thorny Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Deparazited Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Unbalanced Ideal
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Through processes like transgression, confrontation and hybridization Renato Garza Cervera’s work questions and generates a series of reflections upon contemporary culture and relate...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Archival Paper

Contemporary abstract drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Contemporary abstract drawings and watercolors 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 abstract drawings and watercolors 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 David Barnett, Renato Garza Cervera, Michael Alan, and Reginald K. Gee. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Paint 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 abstract drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 2.96 inches across are also available. Prices for abstract drawings and watercolors made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $60 and tops out at $190,000, while the average work sells for $1,402.

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