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.
$450
Red Bow Tie - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
Pleasure - 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.
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Red Rose - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
Stare 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.
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Another Day Still Disable -21st Century, Contemporary Figurative Portrait Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. (Issues b...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
The Accordion Player - Contemporary Reductive Oil Painting
Located in Soquel, CA
The Accordion Player - Contemporary Reductive Oil Painting Bold painting of a figure playing an accordion, signed by "Lucadamo." This piece reduces the major shapes into geometric f...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Philosopher Original Oil Painting on Canvas, Surreal, 30x38in, Signed
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Philosopher" . Original, unique painting. oil on canvas, 30x38in. Shipped rolled in a tube from Europe using DHL or FedEx, no custom or import fees in the US. Free shipping with FRE...
Oil, Canvas
Passport 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,500
Peaceful Synergy - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait, Africa Women, Blue
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 Sam...
Canvas, Acrylic, Charcoal
Roots and Rhythm - 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
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
Cherry Delight
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Cherry Delight” is a work about an experience that does not seek to закрепить itself in the future. About intimacy accepted as an event rather than a promise. Like the taste of cher...
Canvas, Oil
Still Among the Living Things - 21st Century Contemporary Woman Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
“Still Among the Living Thing” is a meditation on presence, on what it means to exist gently yet fully within one’s space. The woman stands calm, surrounded by the quiet abundance of...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bull III by Christophe Dupety - Animal painting, abstract, violet, vivid colours
Located in Paris, FR
Bull III is a unique acrylic on paper painting by contemporary artist Christophe Dupety, dimensions are 65 × 50 cm (25.6 × 19.7 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and comes wi...
Paper, Acrylic
$425
Don't Look Back - Abstract Vintage Inspired Figurative Horse Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Argnam by Ramon Enrich - Architecture painting, stripes, earth tones
By Ramon Enrich
Located in Paris, FR
Argnam is a painting by Spanish contemporary artist Ramon Enrich. This artwork features a stark, geometric setting with a striped background of red and ochre tones, and a solitary g...
Canvas, Acrylic
Quiet Moments of Life
Located in Zofingen, AG
This large-scale painting captures the quiet flow of everyday life — moments of movement, pause, and shared presence unfolding within a green, open landscape. Figures appear and disa...
Canvas, Acrylic
Meditation
Located in Burlingame, CA
Willard Dixon is widely recognized for his calm, contemplative landscapes and skyscapes, paintings that hold stillness, clarity, and a quiet reverence for nature. In this exhibition,...
Canvas, Oil
Shared Blooming
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Shared Blooming” is a space of transition. A moment when familiar scales shift and horizons open differently. The figure within the canvas does not oppose the environment; it is emb...
Canvas, Oil
Ignite2
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my work, I explore how inherited emotional distance turns into a lifelong search for intimacy. I am interested in moments in which connection does not require justification, where...
Canvas, Oil
Daddy's Girl -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern, Green
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 Olaosun draws h...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
I've Been Everywhere - Abstract Vintage Inspired Figurative Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Acrylic, Canvas
The Love - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women, Couple
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
Royalty 1 - 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.
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,693
Dreamer - 21st Century Figure Painting of a nude Girl Sleeping on a Couch
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Carolien van Olphen Dreamer Oil on wood panel 23 x 35 cm (Framed 31 x 41 cm, frame is included) Dutch artist Carolien van Olphen has left a great impression in many places with her...
Wood Panel, Oil
Against All Odds -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...
Oil, Mixed Media, Canvas, Fabric
$1,850
Companion 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Bee Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
Fields - Modern Contemporary Atmospheric Landscape
Located in Salzburg, AT
A few words of the artist about his art: When i painting landscapes, I usually choose simple geometric arrangements, contrasts of verticals and levels. I juxtapose the smooth surfac...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Summer Birches - Atmospheric Nature Painting, Framed
Located in Salzburg, AT
This painting is signed on the back, the frames are made of oak A few words of the artist about his art: When i painting landscapes, I usually choose simple geometric arrangements,...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Wild Flower Cowgirl - Abstract Colorful Figurative Pinup Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Canvas, Paint, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Both Barrels, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The painting hits immediately with confrontation. That mechanical immediacy produces an adrenaline response: tension, alarm, the urge to duck or to meet the fig...
Oil
Deja-vu original painting by Paula Craioveanu 20x20in 51x51cm nude
Located in Forest Hills, NY
“Deja - Vu” . Part of "Nude in Interior" series. Original painting. size 20x20in / 51x51cm . Acrylic on canvas. This is the second version of Nude in Armchair painted in a more fre...
Canvas, Acrylic
Atlas - larger than life painting male nude original by Paula Craioveanu 59x59in
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Atlas, acrylic on canvas, 150x150cm, 59x59in, 4.9x4.9ft Atlant, or Atlas is in mythology the Titan who holds the globe, the sky, the heavens on his shoulders for eternity. Part of ...
Acrylic
Winter Stream - Contemporary Atmospheric Landscape Oil Pastel Painting
By Janusz Kokot
Located in Salzburg, AT
Janusz Kokot was born in Kalisz in 1960. He studied at the Pedagogical University in Częstochowa at the Art Institute. He practices painting and drawing. In the years 1988 - 2020 he ...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Pencil
Fly Me To The Moon -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
Lead (Three of Heart) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This body of work mirrors the complexities of the human heart and emotions. It reminds us that emotions are not always straightforward but are layered with depth and nuance. This pai...
Canvas, Oil
Strokes and Emotions 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Strokes and Emotions captures struggles of identity, inner battles, and resilience. The fragmented strokes mirror fractured emotions, while the red/orange palette amplifies raw inten...
Canvas, Acrylic
$875
"Reflections Through Zion Canyon" Abstracted Landscape, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"You know you are in a special place when it radiates the colors of luck and fortune." - Michelle Condrat About the artist: Michelle Condrat was born and raised in Salt Lake City,...
Oil
Through The Lens of Calm - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Couple, Fashion
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 Adewuyi Theophi...
Canvas, Oil
Mixed Feeling 2 - 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
$8,277
Green Iron Jungles N7 by Calo Carratalá - Tondo painting, landscape, green, tree
Located in Paris, FR
Green Iron Jungles N7 is a unique round acrylic on aluminum and gloss varnish painting by Spanish contemporary artist Calo Carratalá, diameter is 120 cm (47.2 in). The artwork is sig...
Iron
Diversity of Thoughts -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, African
By Ayandare Adeniran Ayanmuyiwa
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, Acrylic
The Best is Yet to Come For You - Abstract Mixed Media 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, Ink, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Island Entertainment - 21st Century Contemporary Imaginary Landscapes
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Michiel Schrijver 'Island Entertainment' 30 x 40 cm (Framed included in price 34 x 44) acryl on canvas Dutch Painter Michiel Schrijver lives and works in the center of the Netherla...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,657
The mountains we dream in - B.Schaumann Contemporary architectural Painting
Located in DE
Barber Schaumann is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract interpretations of the female form. Her work combines bold colors with modern, geometric shapes, blending el...
Canvas, Oil
$3,000Sale Price|40% Off
TURNING INTO STONE 3 surreal original oil/canvas Paula Craioveanu large 30x38in
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Turning into Stone 3 " . Original, unique painting. oil on canvas, 30x38in. Shipped stretched ready for display in the US, and shipped rolled in a tube to Europe and rest of the wo...
Canvas, Oil
Singing of Quiet Happiness Painting, Figurative, 50x50 cm, New
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting "The Path to Happiness" explores the symbiotic relationship between personal wholeness and deep connection, asserting that the equilibrium between these two forces is th...
Canvas, Acrylic
$7,459
Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting of Two Reclining Figures Alba Fabre Spanish
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Lemniscate - 21st Century Contemporary Realistic Still life Painting
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Erik van de Beek (Dutch artist) Lemniscate 15,2 x 27,9 cm ( framed included 19,2 x 31,9 cm) Oil paint on wood panel Artist Erik van de Beek lives and works in Nijmegen. The modest N...
Oil, Wood Panel
Screwe Moral - Oil Paint by Elena Mardashova - 2025
Located in Roma, IT
'Elegance', original oil painting on canvas 60 x 50 cm, 2025 Artist - Elena Mardashova
Oil, Canvas
$1,450
Life Journey 2 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Figurative, Realism
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 the Artist Joy Eyitayo...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$3,500
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
Echo Rider - Abstract Figurative Cowboy & Horse Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Canvas, Paint, Acrylic
Resting Among the Trees
Located in Zofingen, AG
Resting Among the Trees portrays a quiet gathering set within the shelter of tall, dark trunks and layered greenery. A small group sits around a long table, immersed in shared presen...
Canvas, Acrylic
Lover (3/14) - Figurative Pink Pin Up Cowgirl Western Mixed Media Art on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jesse’s imagery often merges playful and gritty elements, blending floral patterns, vintage-inspired designs, and bold outlines with a touch of whimsy. His artwork exudes a sense of ...
Paint, Paper, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Permanent Marker
$3,078
Stars 14 June 02:11 - Modern Night Sky Landscape Painting, Minimalist Art
Located in Salzburg, AT
The painting is signed on the back Robert Motelski's paintings are exceptional visions of nature, visions of space which surrounds us. They tell about being, fate and passing. They ...
Canvas, Acrylic
2 Beachballers - acrylic and oil on canvas
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Wencke Uhl is a contemporary figurative paintress living and working in Germany. She draws inspiration from human beauty and the female form. As a teenager Uhl wanted to become a fa...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Carrefour l’arbre -21st Century Contemporary Realistic Landscape Painting
By Bart Koning
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Bart Koning (Dutch artist) Carrefour l’arbre, sectie 4 100 x 160 cm ( frame not included) Oil paint on linen We're proud to introduce Dutch/ German artist Bart Koning. Incredibly c...
Canvas, Oil
$1,657
Dreams from the shoreline - B.Schaumann Contemporary architectural Painting
Located in DE
Barber Schaumann is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract interpretations of the female form. Her work combines bold colors with modern, geometric shapes, blending el...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,850
Companion 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Bee Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique; this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Ar...
Acrylic, Canvas