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.
Graft EH9 - Abstract Figurative Wall Sculpture - Tree Branch and Bronze Figures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
There is a metaphorical interplay between the natural imagery international artist, Jennyfer Stratman, uses and its multiple meanings. While the human figure features strongly, it is...
Metal, Bronze
"Beat, Beat. Plus Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)" Abstract Diptych with String
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Beat, Beat. Plus Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)" is an original artwork by Hyland Mather made of acrylic, ink, string, pins on drop cloth, in tray frames. It measures approx 43”h x...
Canvas, Thread, Acrylic, Pins
My Favorite Blow In The Winds, Red Floral Soft Neutral Contemporary Textured Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints floral abstract compositions in acrylic and mixed media on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary painti...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Ink, Oil
$3,050
Summertime Smell Goods - Large Textured Airy Neutral Abstract Floral Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints floral abstract compositions in acrylic and mixed media on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary painti...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"In a Round About Way", Figurative Painting of a Girl Dancing with Skeletons
By Mando Marie (seeyouthroughit)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"In a Round About Way" is a one-of-a-kind original work by Amanda Marie (Mando), created using acrylic and aerosol on canvas. The piece measures 32.75”h x 21”w framed, and is shipped...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$775
Open Your Heart - Abstract Blue Graffiti Inspired 'Love You' Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"Beat, Minus Verse, Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)", Minimalist White Abstract
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Beat, Minus Verse, Outro (Linea Pictura — Diptych)" is an original artwork by Hyland Mather made of acrylic, ink, string, pins on drop cloth, in tray frames. It measures approximate...
Canvas, Thread, Acrylic, Pins
$5,400
Combahee 3 Sisters - Large Sculptural Abstract Three-Dimensional Wall Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Atticus Adams' organically composed modern metal sculptures embody the transformative power of art, illustrating the creation of beauty, meaning, and emotional impact from industrial...
Wire
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Bold - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"I VI", Abstract Geometric Woven Paper Wall-Hanging Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"I VI" is an original artwork by Shaun Kardinal made of woven paper ephemera and artist's tape. It measures approx. 65"h × 58"w. Shaun Kardinal is a cross-disciplinary visual artist...
Paper, Found Objects, Archival Tape
Sun No.11 - Abstract Folk Art Inspired Figurative Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker creates vibrant original artworks that merge the enduring charm of folk art with a contemporary sensibility shaped by nature, memory, and visual storytelling. Inspire...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
$1,450
Ireti (Hope) - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative Portrait, African Woman
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$545
Peculiar Bloom - Abstract Folk Art Inspired Mixed Media Painting on Raw Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker creates vibrant original artworks that merge the enduring charm of folk art with a contemporary sensibility shaped by nature, memory, and visual storytelling. Inspire...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Ancestral Throne - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$2,000
Hope (1/30) - Joyful Figurative Mixed Media Sculpture with Glossy Blue Balloon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nayla Saroufim’s contemporary sculptures translate optimism into form. Her works feel playful at first glance, then quietly persistent the longer you live with them. Working in metal...
Metal, Steel
$6,700
Combahee Verde Lagoon - Large Sculptural Abstract Three-Dimensional Wall Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Atticus Adams' organically composed modern metal sculptures embody the transformative power of art, illustrating how beauty, meaning, and emotional impact can be created from industr...
Wire
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Beauty from Within 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women, Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$545
Rule of Threes - Abstract Folk Art Inspired Mixed Media Painting on Raw Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker creates vibrant original artworks that merge the enduring charm of folk art with a contemporary sensibility shaped by nature, memory, and visual storytelling. Inspire...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
$4,300
Soft Skies - Original Abstract Oceanscape Painting on Canvas with Gold Leaf
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charlotte Elizabeth has been working with paint professionally for over fifteen years. Elizabeth’s training in theatre design preceded a busy career as a Theatrical Scenic Artist in ...
Gold Leaf
Jack Straw - Abstract Minimal Color Beige Textured Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$3,750
"Happily Ever After", Contemporary, Urban, Geometric, Blue, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
"Happily Ever After" is an original contemporary mixed media painting on panel by Peter Knapp, measuring 30 x 24 inches. Framed by the artist in a custom hand-crafted natural oiled c...
Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Wood Panel
$15,000
Tracey Emin - Wanting You - Embroidered Linen Handkerchief, with Hand Signed Tag
By Tracey Emin
Located in New York, NY
Embroidered Linen Handkerchief, with Hand Inscribed, Dated and Signed Tag Ink signed Tracy Emin with the hand written inscription "With You in Mind" and dated 2014 by Tracey Emin on ...
Textile, Cotton, Thread, Ink
$2,200
"INTRO MELODY INTRO REPRISE", abstract mixed media dark geometric painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"INTRO MELODY INTRO REPRISE" is an original artwork by Hyland Mather made of acrylic and aerosol with string and pins on canvas, the work is presented in a solid wood tray frame. It ...
Canvas, Thread, Wood, Acrylic, Pins
$545
Sun No.8 - Abstract Folk Art Inspired Figurative Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker creates vibrant original artworks that merge the enduring charm of folk art with a contemporary sensibility shaped by nature, memory, and visual storytelling. Inspire...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Culture Identity 1 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative Modern Women Painting
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist The...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Bar" Miniature Wall-Mounted Storefront Sign by Drew Leshko
By Drew Leshko
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Bar" is original artwork made from paper, inkjet print, enamel, wire, chain, aluminum, and pastel by Drew Leshko. This piece measures 17”h x 1.75”w x 10”d. Paradi...
Metal, Enamel, Wire
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Culture Identity 9 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative Modern Women Painting
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist The...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"...Before the Beyond", Contemporary, Geometric, Blue, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp's "... Before the Beyond" is an original, large-scale contemporary mixed media painting on a gesso-primed hardboard panel, measuring 31 x 27.375 inches. Framed in a custo...
Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Panel, Color Pencil
$3,050
Nature's Beauty - Large Scale Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Artwork on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$805
Palm Springs Totem 3 - Modern Unique Pastel Abstract Resin Artwork Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nayla Saroufim creates installations that challenge the traditional notion of the passive viewer. Nayla’s art is a rich mix of media. She was always captivated by the dialogue betwee...
Resin, Mixed Media
$3,050
Colossal Happiness - Large Scale Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Art on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Mario Schifano 1980s Pop Art Signed and Authenticated Artwork
Located in Roma, IT
Mario Schifano 1980s Pop Art Signed and Authenticated Artwork An important work by one of the world’s greatest contemporary artists, Mario Schifano, entitled “Amore nel deserto”, Lo...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,350
Golden Shade of Love - Large Scale Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Art on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Ink, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"Tears Melt My Icy Heart", Pink and Multi-Color Mixed Media Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Tears Melt My Icy Heart" is an original sculpture by Traci Johnson made of yarn on cloth on faux fur, mirror. This piece measures approximately. 48"h x 39"w. Born in New York City ...
Mirror, Fabric, Yarn
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Culture Identity 4 - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative Modern Women Painting
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist The...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Untitled #94019 and Untitled #94020 Contemporary Mixed Media Painting
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Capelán's work stands out for its rigorous handling of diverse artistic techniques and procedures, ranging from drawing to installation, including painting, printmaking, photography,...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
Weightless - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Africa Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Weightless captures a suspended moment between control and release. His posture suggests not defeat, but acceptance, a letting go of tension, burden, and the unseen trials that pres...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$675
Love Tide Washes In - Mixed Media Street Graffiti Inspired Artwork on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Ink, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
The Blue Lagoon - Abstract Blue Tone Textured Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"Cigar Factory" Miniature Storefront Sign with Western Lettering and Object
By Drew Leshko
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Cigar Factory" is original artwork made from paper, inkjet print, enamel, wire, chain, aluminum tube, pastel by Drew Leshko. This piece measures 15”h x 1”w x 8”d. ...
Metal, Enamel, Wire
$675
Taupie - Abstract Gold 'I LOVE YOU' Graffiti Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Ink
"You Are Here: Black" String and Acrylic in Circular Pattern on Panel
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This sculpture titled "You Are Here: Black" is an original artwork by Kelly Kozma made of thread scraps & acrylic on panel. Kozma's work is supported by her practice of collectin...
Found Objects, Acrylic, Panel
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Such is Life - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Men
By Oluwatimileyin Tega Adegbenjo
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Life's journey twists and turns, Ups and downs, joys and burns. Moments sweet, moments sour, Such is life, in every hour. Dreams bloom, dreams fade away, Hopes rise, hopes fade to g...
Canvas, Oil
"The Meanderer" House Turret Tower in Wood, Acrylic and Paper Sculpture
By Seth Clark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece, titled "The Meanderer" is an original free-standing sculpture by Seth Clark as part of his newest solo exhibition, "Passing Through". Clark's deteriorating structures h...
Wood, Paper, Charcoal, Pastel, Acrylic, Graphite
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Awaiting - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Waiting To Blossom -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Mixed Media, Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Protected Truth -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Mixed Media
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
"You Are Here: S Thing" Thread and Acrylic in Graffiti Letter
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This sculpture titled "You Are Here: S Thing" is an original artwork by Kelly Kozma made of thread scraps & acrylic on panel. The piece measures 4"h x 4"w x 1.75"d. Kelly Kozma ...
Found Objects, Acrylic, Panel
$1,890
Composition 173 by Sean Thornhill - Contemporary Relief Geometric Wall Sculpture
By Sean Thornhill
Located in DE
Sean Thornhill is an artist and designer based in Cambridgeshire, creating from the serenity of his garden studio. Drawing inspiration from the bold geometry of Bauhaus and the raw a...
Wood, House Paint, Acrylic, Cardboard
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed Feeling 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
“Mixed Feelings” is a visual series that captures the emotional complexity of Black womanhood, strength, softness, pride, visibility, and invisibility. Each portrait in this series h...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Gay Armory" Ceramic weapons, Sailor Moon, pink, wood motif, Nostalgia, 90's
By Jeff Rubio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Gay Armory" is an original piece by Jeff Rubio made from stoneware, glaze, epoxy clay, 22k gold. This pieces measures 12"h x 11.5"w x 2"d and comes with a signed Certificate of Auth...
Gold
$4,181Sale Price|20% Off
Large Contemporary Abstract Painting Gestural Mixed Media Mediterranean Light
By Ángel Celada
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Large contemporary abstract painting with gestural marks and layered mixed media textures inspired by Mediterranean light and atmosphere. This work by Ángel Celada develops an open ...
Oil, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Board, Wax Crayon, Wax
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Self Pride 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$775
Hidden Secrets - Abstract 'I Love You' Textured Word Graffiti Inspired Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$2,800
Calm Waters - Soft Abstract Cool Tone Textural Paint Graffiti Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Orelisa - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$4,150
All Living Things - Abstract Contemporary Folk Art Inspired Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker's “All Living Things” is a stunning example of contemporary folk art that blends botanical motifs and symbolic imagery to evoke a sense of interconnectedness and harm...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
One Light - immersive infinite perceptual ambient light wall sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Raymond Graber‘s celestial light sculptures transform the sense of perception, challenging the human eye’s sense for scale and time with a transcendenta...
Wood, Lights, LED Light, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Neon Light
Liquify - Soft Abstract Blue Original Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elisabeth Grace, a visionary artist based in Denver, CO (USA), is renowned for her immersive large-scale paintings, collages, murals, and installation art. With a BA in oil painting ...
Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Canvas
Sujoon Sky - Blue Abstract Sculptural Original Three-Dimensional Wall Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Atticus Adams' organically composed modern metal sculptures embody the transformative power of art, illustrating the creation of beauty, meaning, and emotional impact from industrial...
Metal, Wire