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.
"Jesus Saves" Painted Paper and Chain Cross Church Sign by Drew Leshko
By Drew Leshko
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Jesus Saves" is original artwork made from paper, inkjet print, enamel, wire, chain, aluminum tube, pastel by Drew Leshko. This piece measures approx. 18”h x 12.75...
Metal, Enamel, Wire
"Smell Da Flowers", Framed Face with Stitched Elements (Mixed Media Collage)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Smell Da Flowers" is a one-of-a-kind piece created by Eustace Mamba. This original sewn mixed media in painted wood frame artwork measures 7.5”h x 9.5”w framed. It ships with a gal...
Canvas, Paint, Oil, Other Medium
Abstract Painting on Canvas 'Untitled, (Some things will not change')
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Jamie Mills (b. 1983,West Cornwall, England) is an artist whose multifaceted practice encompasses music, sound, and visual arts. His work is deeply rooted in the exploration of the i...
Textile, Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Linen, Thread, Chalk, Wood Panel, Graphi...
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Culture Identity 5 - 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
Peace Within 1 -21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Art Deco, People, Africa
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
$3,500
Blue Moon-Squash Tail Rideable Surfboard with Thruster FinPoly (PU/PE) Bass Wood
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Blue Moon 6'5"x22"x2.6" Squash Tail Rideable Surfboard with Thruster FinPoly (PU/PE) Bass Wood Stringer Matte Finish Clear acrylic mounting brackets included. Bobbi Bennett is a Cal...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass
$1,600
"Rhapsody", Abstract, Mixed Media, Wall-Hanging Sculpture, Bright, Vivid Colors
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This abstract mixed media artwork titled "Rhapsody" is an original artwork by Kelly Kozma made of hand embroidery & mixed media on recycled rag paper. This piece measures 12.5”h x 12...
Thread, Paper
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Measured Appearance -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
$1,640Sale Price|20% Off
Atunbi (Rebirth) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women
By Oluwatimileyin Tega Adegbenjo
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Reborn, renewed, a soul reborn, A life renewed, a path to adorn. Memories of a past life remain, Haunting, yet freeing, like a chain. A new life, a new chance to grow, To learn, to ...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil, Acrylic
Taupe 4 - Abstract Colorful Original Painting on Paper
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 ...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
$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
$400Sale Price|20% Off
'Eve', By Unknown, Enamel on Metal on Wood
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 43.75" x 19.5" mixed media work depicts a simplistic rendering of Eve from the Biblical story of 'Adam & Eve'. The figure is slightly cut off by the left edge of the work, with ...
Metal, Enamel
Grain 10 - Contemporary Textured Sculpture by Laura Pasquino
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Drawing inspiration from ancient ceramic traditions, including Korean pottery and the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, Laura Pasquino (Grège Gallery) explores the beauty of imperfection...
Ceramic
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Beauty in the Eyes of Beholder -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait
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, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Michael - Highly Detailed Paper Sculpture of Angel
Located in Chicago, IL
Ivan Markovic transports viewers into a world of technicolor with this collection of works inspired by Bernini's angels. Markovic's life in Rome brought him to walk across the Ponte ...
Wire
Kaleidoscope - Original Abstract Minimal Colorful 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
"Pink Panther" Miniature Convenience Store Hanging Sign by Drew Leshko
By Drew Leshko
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Pink Panther" is original artwork made from paper, acrylic, enamel, pastel, wire, chain, aluminum, inkjet prints, pvc by Drew Leshko. This piece measures 15”h x 1”...
Metal, Enamel, Wire
$400
"Say it (Over & Over Again)" Contemporary Pastel Abstract Expressionist Painting
By Benji Stiles
Located in Houston, TX
Exhibited in "Benji Stiles: A Human Day" at Reeves Art + Design. In “A Human Day,” a solo show dedicated to the work of contemporary multidisciplinary artist Benji Stiles, we explor...
Canvas, Oil, Gesso, Graphite
"...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
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Crown of Her Own Voice -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
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mr Smith - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Abstract, Africa, Men
By Makama John
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, Oil, Acrylic
$315Sale Price|20% Off
Volker Hildebrandt - "Connection Red/ Yellow" - giclée print - signed and dated
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Volker Hildebrandt - "Connection Red/ Yellow". Giclée print on paper. Hand signed and dated. A beautiful artwork that looks good in every room and especially in the living room or...
Paper, Giclée
$15,750
"After the Rains" by Holt - Large Blue, Green, Earth Tone Contemporary Abstract
Located in Carmel, CA
Katheryn Holt (American, born 1951) "After the Rains" 2022 Oil Paint, Mixed Media, Wood Panel, Wood, Wire The artist signed the back of the painting. Original: 40" x 60" x 1/2" Fram...
Wire
Nelson De La Nuez "This Is Not A Drill" Mixed Media
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: De La Nuez, Nelson Title: This Is Not A Drill Date: 2026 Medium: Mixed Media on Paper Unframed Dimensions: 33.5" x 33.5" Framed Dimensions: 44" x 42" Signature: Signed...
Acrylic, Screen
$3,200
Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture, Mixed Media, Stoneware, Pigmented PVC Surface
Located in St. Louis, MO
Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture, Mixed Media, Stoneware, Pigmented PVC Surface Maxwell Mustardo is a ceramic artist whose highly textured forms are the result of meticulous research ...
Stoneware, Plastic, PVC
"Water Me", Abstract Colorful Mixed Media Wall-Hanging Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Water Me" is an original sculpture by Traci Johnson made from mirror, ostrich feather, cowrie shell, pipe cleaner, magnet, and glitter. This piece measures approx. 12"'h x 10"w. Bo...
Mirror, Found Objects, Glitter
"Showstopper" 18K Gold & Diamond Unique Guitar Strap by Colin Burn
By Colin Burn
Located in Culver City, CA
"Showstopper" 18K Gold & Diamond Unique Guitar Strap by Colin Burn Medium: Leather,18K Yellow Gold, Diamonds, Rubies,Sapphires & Emeralds ATT: strap only - guitar not incl...
Gold
$1,245
Unfolding Dreams 19 - Modern Figurative Bronze Iron Metal Wall Sculpture Art
By Mireia Serra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mireia Serra creates sensuous bronze and iron sculptures showing the beauty of snapshots caught in life which are full of emotions and feelings along the life journey. Her metal artw...
Metal, Bronze, Iron
$1,349Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Abstract Floral Painting White Field Mixed Media on Framed Panel
By Ángel Celada
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Contemporary abstract floral painting with gestural color marks and open white field composition on panel. This work by Ángel Celada develops a lighter and more spacious approach to abstraction through dispersed gestures, floating organic forms...
Epoxy Resin, Oil, Acrylic, Board
$1,525
Love Has No Fear - Blue Cool Tone 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
$1,675
Her Love Shines So Bright - Color Drenched Mixed Media Graffiti 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
$691Sale Price|25% Off
Window. 2021. Paper, mixed media, 94x63 cm
Located in Riga, LV
The abstract series of sizable works done in a mixed-media technique pays homage to the great modernists and abstract expressionists such as Mondrian, Kandinsky, Still and Motherwell...
Paper, Felt Pen, Stencil, Acrylic
"Black Bird (Linea Pictura - Diptych)", Mixed-Media Diptych with String Drawing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Black Bird (Linea Pictura - Diptych)" is an original artwork by Hyland Mather made of acrylic, ink, string drawing, and pins on drop cloth. It measures approximately 48”h x 75”w as ...
Canvas, Thread, Acrylic, Pins, Ink
Anita Amani Dorp - "Bull I" - Unique Animal Acrylic Paint
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Anita Amani Dorp - "Bull I". Amani Dorp has been fascinated by the perfection and grandness of nature since her childhood, which as the source of art is always the starting point fo...
Acrylic
Quiet Wishes -21st Cent, Contemporary Japan, Fantasy, Natural Materials
By Mari Ito
Located in Barcelona, Catalonia
Full title: "Origin of Desire: Quiet Wishes " The artwork is made on a wooden panel with Japanese paper, Oguni washi, pigment, sumi and nikawa glue. It is signed by hand by the artis...
Glue, Sumi Ink, Wood Panel, Washi Paper, Pigment
$775
Bubble Gum Island - Abstract Textured Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Hearts 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
"Fault Lines: Bantam #B10", Found Object Sculpture, Egg Motif
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Fault Lines: Bantam #B10" is an original piece by Kate VanVliet and is made from eggshells, mica, and PVA. This piece measures 2”h x 1.5”w x 1.5”d and ships with t...
Glue, Found Objects, Mica, Organic Material, Acrylic
"Fault Lines: Bantam #B8", Found Object Sculpture, Egg Motif
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Fault Lines: Bantam #B8" is an original piece by Kate VanVliet and is made from eggshells, mica, and PVA. This piece measures 2”h x 1.5”w x 1.5”d and ships with th...
Glue, Found Objects, Mica, Organic Material
John Van Alstine, Sentinel (Rocker), Sculpture 2023
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sentinel (Rocker) NY State slate/pigmented and sealed steel 39" (height) x 17" (width) x 6" (depth) Stone and metal, usually granite or slate, and found object steel are central in ...
Slate, Steel
$2,500
Mutation 10 - small, white, geometrical, 3D, felt, fabric, biomorphic, wall art
By Chung-Im Kim
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Fabric artist Chung-Im King’s series of felt tapestries called “Mutation” consist of striking geometrical shapes that mimic designs found in nature. The artist has cut pure white fel...
Felt, Thread, Mixed Media
CuntyBiotics
By Emma Gibbons
Located in Nottingham, GB
CUNTYBIOTICS - RAPID RELIEF FROM BEING A MASSIVE TWAT Signed original, medicine bottle filled with signature handmade resin and glitter pills. Framed in a white box frame with muse...
Glass, Resin, Epoxy Resin
"SEPTA Bus", Figurative Textile Artwork of Philadelphia City Bus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"SEPTA Bus" is a one-of-a-kind piece created by Eustace Mamba. This oils, acrylics, sewn mixed media, velcro, and thread artwork measures 10"h x 32"w and ships with a gallery-issued ...
Canvas, Thread, Paint, Oil, Acrylic
$1,125
Loyalty Shows - Original Cool Tone Dog Portrait Mixed Media Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Columbus, Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome specializes in dynamic and expressive animal portraits that radiate vitality and personality. Her unique style combines abstracted forms...
Paper, Mixed Media, Color Pencil
Ellsworth Kelly - 2 Unique signed works - collage and drawing, museum provenance
Located in New York, NY
Ellsworth Kelly Drawing of Cyclamen III, and collage for Conques (Untitled), exhibited at the Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University, 1987 Graphite drawing, and mixed media collag...
Pencil, Graphite, Board
$2,000
Folded Moon 4/20 - iconic, detailed, photography, shaped tondo wall relief
Located in Bloomfield, ON
As a child, Ryan Van Der Hout owned a telescope and was fascinated by the sight of the moon in the night sky. This iconic image of the moon as viewed from earth is re-imagined when V...
Mirror, Plexiglass, Digital
In Relax Mode - Abstract 'Love' Graffiti Inspired 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
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Sunflower Queen - 21st Century Mixed Media with Oil, African Fabrics, Fashion
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
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
What Remains Unmasked - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Culture
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Holding the mask rather than wearing it, the figure enters a quiet moment of reflection. Once a symbol of identity, the mask becomes an object of inquiry, revealing the roles, expect...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
$30,000
Retired Whaling Captain's Study, Nantucket, Miniature Room by Eugene Kupjack
Located in Chicago, IL
This highly detailed Miniature Room of a Retired Whaling Captain's Study in Nantucket is an excellent example of the true talent of Eugene Kupjack. Tiny scrimshaw and knick-knacks fill the shelves while the perfectly proportioned furniture adorns the center of the room. A mariners wheel and captain's chest are set off to the side with a small sea shell set atop. All painstakingly researched to the exact time period in a one inch to one foot scale. Kupjack Miniatures Eugene Kupjack "Retired Whaling Captain's Study, Nantucket, circa 1860," 1983 mix media 11.50h x 19.50w x 11d in 29.21h x 49.53w x 27.94d cm KJK010 Eugene Kupjack and his sons Hank and Jay created museum quality miniature rooms...
Mixed Media
María No Seas Coqueta — Color Serigraph by Rodolfo Morales
Located in Palm Springs, CA
María No Seas Coqueta is a color serigraph by Mexican artist Rodolfo Morales (1925–2001), one of the leading artists associated with Oaxaca in the later 20th century. A seated woman...
Screen
Sculpture: "Vessel 1"
By Eileen Braun
Located in New York, NY
My work with pattern tissue has evolved over the past 5 years. I acquired waste dressmaker pattern paper from a now defunct factory. It was part of my wild hoard of random materials...
Mixed Media
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Unapologetic Vogue - 21st Century Mixed Media with Oil, African Fabrics, Women
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
Rock The Boat - Modern Figurative Bronze Iron Metal Wall-Mounted Sculpture
By Mireia Serra
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mireia Serra creates sensuous bronze and iron sculptures showing the beauty of snapshots caught in life which are full of emotions and feelings along the life journey. Her metal artw...
Metal, Bronze, Iron
"Crossing Paths", girls at a crossroad, hand-cut stencils and spray paint
By Mando Marie (seeyouthroughit)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Crossing Paths" is a one-of-a-kind original work by Amanda Marie (Mando), created using acrylic and aerosol on paper. The piece measures 19.75 × 15.75 inches and is pencil signed an...
Spray Paint, Acrylic, Paper
$4,400
Happiness is What Matters - Original Colorful Abstract Street Art Painting
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
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
I Remember Your Promise - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Mixed Media
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 Princewill Aruo...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Wax, Pigment
$278Sale Price|20% Off
Modular Domino Wall Sculpture in Pink Foam Clay with Embedded Game Pieces
By Vera Vizzi
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Compact modular domino wall sculpture in pink foam clay with embedded plastic game pieces on a black wood panel, a playful relief designed for repeatable multi-panel installation. A...
Enamel
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Unknown Within -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
The Golden Path of Best Friends, Original Painting
By Mary Pratt
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This evocative painting portrays a woman seen from behind, flanked by two large dogs as she stands amidst a luminous, dreamlike landscape. Her black-and-white...
Mixed Media
"Modus Lumen 08", Contemporary Illuminated Assemblage Wall Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Modus Lumen 08" is an original artwork by Hyland Mather made of illuminated lost-object assemblage with translucent acrylic, tape drawing, string, aerosol, and light. It measures ap...
Canvas, Thread, Acrylic, Pins