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.
$2,950
To Leave or Stay: Contemporary Figurative Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
This sophisticated contemporary figurative painting examines the psychological atmosphere of civilian life during the war in Ukraine through a carefully orchestrated symbolic interio...
Lacquer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$3,750Sale Price|25% 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 to the rest of...
Canvas, Oil
Love: Large Oil and Acrylic Contemporary Canvas Painting
Located in London, London
All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. XXL, large oil ,acrylic on canvas painting, expressionism. The item is located in central London, UK WILL BE SHIPPED ROLL...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
State of Mind 15 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Floral
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The artist's expressive strokes, rendered with bold acrylics, bring to life a figurative portrait that speaks volumes about resilience and aspiration. The interplay of colors and tex...
Canvas, Acrylic
After the Game (Figurative Painting, Two Men in Athletic Uniforms by Mark Beard)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Academic style figurative portrait painting of a handsome young men "After the Game", By Mark Beard as Bruce Sargeant (pseudonym in homage to the fashion photographer, Bruce Weber, a...
Canvas, Oil
$450
With You - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern, Africa
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 Tos...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$2,650
Still Night - 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. About Artist May...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Passport 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Modern
By Wisdom Uche
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
$650
Nicole - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Africa, Love
By Wisdom Uche
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
Pugna 061 by Chidy Wayne, Minimalist Style, Large Format
By Chidy Wayne
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Chidy Wayne (b. 1981, Spain) is an artist based in Barcelona. Over the years, he has established himself as a recognized figure in the art world, developing a personal artistic langu...
Mixed Media, Textile
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
Guy - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Africa, Love
By Wisdom Uche
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
Strokes and Emotions 5 -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
$3,750Sale Price|25% Off
Philosopher Original Oil Painting Canvas Surreal 30x38in Signed Paula Craioveanu
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Philosopher" . Original, unique painting. oil on canvas, 30x38in. Shipped rolled in a tube from Europe to the USA using DHL or FedEx, no custom or import fees in the US. Shipped rol...
Canvas, Oil
Strokes and Emotions 4 -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
$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
$1,062Sale Price|40% Off
Signed Oil on Canvas Painting of Gentleman, Circa 2000, 90x60 cm
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Title: Gentleman in Interior (After Fernando Botero) Artist: Sanz (Spanish painter, active late 20th – early 21st century) Year: circa 2000 Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (unfr...
Oil
$450
Where the Light Stays 2 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In my world, colors aren't always reliable. I often struggle to tell where a deep blue ends and a purple begins, or where a red turns into wine, and deep yellows turn into oranges. I...
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
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
$13,043
Melody of Silence- 21st century Contemporary Interior painting with Young Woman
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Ksenya Istomina 'Melody of Silence' 105 x 70 cm Oil on linen Painted after life, the artist always works with a real scenery. Her realistic but impressionistic paintings look amazin...
Linen, Oil
$1,450
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
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
Looking Beyond 8 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
No matter what life throws at you to discourage or change your good personality, or change the reflections people see on your face or identity, one should try to look beyond and ahea...
Canvas, Acrylic
Rainbow Lady Oil Painting on Canvas, Contemporary and Signed Art
Located in London, London
oil on canvas one-of-a-kind unique hand signed The canvas will be shipped STRETCHED, framed, if requested All custom charges are included in the final price agreed
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
$450
Where the Light Stays 10 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In my world, colors aren't always reliable. I often struggle to tell where a deep blue ends and a purple begins, or where a red turns into wine, and deep yellows turn into oranges. I...
Canvas, Oil
Already Ascendant - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Already Ascendant reflects the fragile edge between hesitation and potential. It is a meditation on opportunity, choice, and the fleeting nature of decisive moments. Rich textures an...
Canvas, Oil
Stare 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
THE SHADOW II - Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting, Women's Portrait
By Jarek Puczel
Located in Salzburg, AT
The Polish artist Jarek Puczel catches the calmness of apparently simple and unspectacular situations with an impressive modesty and apparent ease. He creates an interesting and tens...
Canvas, Oil
Reincarnation -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, African Artwork
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
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Wrestler Standing](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-wrestler-standing-for-sale/a_9323/a_180573421778706755230/Beard_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Wrestler_Standing_framed_master.jpg?width=240)
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Wrestler Standing](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-wrestler-standing-for-sale-picture-2/a_9323/a_180573421778706799093/Beard_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Wrestler_Standing_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Wrestler Standing
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Mark Beard [Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Wrestler Standing, n.d. Signed, u.r. Oil on canvas 30 x 24 inches (76.2 x 61 cm) $5,000 + $350 framing
Canvas, Oil
Inner Nature 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Women on African Fabric
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. “Your mind knows...
Canvas, Acrylic
I Used to Dream - Original Figurative Vibrant Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
By Xenia Gray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rooted in introspection and emotional nuance, Xenia Gray’s figurative mixed media works capture the quiet tension between solitude and connection. Her paintings often depict the huma...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil, Acrylic
$655
Miss Priss Palms 4 - Colorful Abstract Figurative Portrait Original Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by her background in fashion, artist Lindsey McCord creates vibrant portraits that encapsulate the confidence that comes with the fun of being stylish and chic. Her figures ...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Beauty in Her Space
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Beauty in her space was created by Tunde Bakare. Tunde created the painting with Oil paint on Ankara Wax Fabrics of 32W by 33H. Beauty in Her Space depic...
Fabric, Oil
Mixed Media Large Pop Art Painting Drawing Brian Kenny NYC Street Art 2015
Located in Surfside, FL
Brian Kenny, (German-American, 1982-) MIxed Media Painting with Drawing, Oil or Acrylic on Canvas. Hand signed On Verso and Dated 2015, NYC Dimensions: Sight- 30" x 24", Frame- 36" x 30" Brian Kenny (born 1982, Heidelberg, Germany) is a NYC-based American multidisciplinary artist exhibited in galleries, museums, theaters and alternative venues in the US, Canada, Russia, Israel and across Europe. In 2004 Brian began an ongoing collaboration with artist Slava Mogutin as SUPERM, and in 2016 with writer Rich Juzwiak as BOYFRIEND HOUSE. Using an array of mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture, textile, video and performance, Brian’s artwork is bright and vividly expressionistic; often autobiographical and reflective of his current states of mind which include themes of his queer identity, shifting societal perceptions about gender, sexuality and politics, urban living and free-associative wanderings of thought and creative experimentation. New York-based artist Brian Kenny’s work is a visually striking exploration of gender, sexuality, and politics in contemporary North America. Known for his experimental and expressionistic practice, Brian mixes mediums such as painting, illustration, collage, sculpture, and textiles – oftentimes all at once. Brian’s foundation in drawing is evident across his portfolio, with nearly every piece incorporating some signature scribblings from the artist. He has experimented with drawing, collage, photography, performance and, more recently, painting. “All the other mediums I’m exploring like, painting, textile art, and animation all branch out from drawing,” he explains. This focus is what makes Brian’s vast collection of work all feel so cohesive. "Both of my parents were in the US military and we moved around a lot in the US. But most of the places I lived were rural, far from big cities and art museums, so I had no idea who Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Chuck Close, David Hockney or Damien Hirst were. The few small art museums I visited as a child were full of old-school oil paintings; all life-like portraits, rural landscapes and historical recreations. It wasn’t until I met Slava Mogutin and moved to New York that I began to meet artists, see exhibitions at art galleries of living artists near my age, and tour lot of contemporary art museums like MoMA and begin learning about contemporary art history". Brian says. “I’m definitely not a minimalist and lean toward more narrative and figurative artwork than abstraction or decoration”. Minimalist, he is not: Brian’s work pops with vibrant colours, characters and shapes, evoking a Warholian play on pop art culture. Kenny’s signature line drawing style is reminiscent of Keith Haring and LA Ortiz and evokes comparisons to early Jean Michel Basquiat. Brian's commercial and fashion work includes art and design commissions and collaborations with Onitsuka Tiger (Japan...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Permanent Marker
Listening to Myself
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Listening to Myself" (Trust Series) This work focuses on the act of turning inward. The figure is calm, almost still, with attention directed not outward but into her own inner st...
Canvas, Acrylic
Proximity 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Modern, Africa
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
Untitled V - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Love
By Wisdom Uche
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
Lady in a Hat
Located in Zofingen, AG
It's a celebration of personal sovereignty and the power of composure that transcends the need for a royal lineage, inviting viewers to find their own moments of majesty in everyday ...
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
$2,266Sale Price|20% Off
Two horses. Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Colorful, Dynamic, Polish art
By Monika Rossa
Located in Warsaw, PL
Abstract painting by Polish artist living in USA Monika Rossa. Painting depicts two horses running, it is in warm colors. The background is abstract and it is dynamic. MONIKA ROSSA ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,850
Co-Comparison -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Impasto, African
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 Adeleke Femi is...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Jade, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The portrait presents a woman meeting the viewer's gaze directly. Artist Mara Light combines realist rendering with pronounced surface texture and geometric lin...
Oil
Bulb of Awakening
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Bulb of Awakening" is a captivating artwork that centers around a woman adorned with an exclusive and mesmerizing hairstyle. Created by the talented artist Ekele Francis...
Canvas, Acrylic
Angela - Large Original Colorful Floral Portrait Painting on Blue Background
By Sally K
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lebanese American artist Sally K.'s captivating floral portraits are both mesmerizing and empowering. Her pop-realistic paintings are inspired by strong, feminine women, celebrating ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Inner Peace
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide 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 Authent...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$2,250
Veiled Contemplation - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, 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. About Artist Mes...
Canvas, Oil
1986 Intimate Couple Portrait by Mystery Artist
Located in New York, NY
Mystery Artist Tennessee, 9/12/86 Oil on canvas 34 x 43 3/4 x 1 in. Titled and inscribed upper left
Canvas, Oil
Light - Figurative Ocean Fish Swimming Realism Original Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bay Area artist Michelle Fillmore found her love of oil painting at the University of Las Vegas, where she graduated with a BA in Painting and Drawin...
Canvas, Oil
Feeling Good -21st Century Portrait Painting of a young guy
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Carolien van Olphen Feeling Good Oil on wood panel 122 x 70 cm (Framed 130 x 78 cm, frame is included) Dutch artist Carolien van Olphen has left a great impression in many places w...
Oil, Wood Panel
$1,850
Companion 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Bee Love
By Wisdom Uche
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
How to Make the Train Come Faster, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A solitary man on a subway platform stands in a pool of light. He stares down the dark tunnel as if by sheer will he could summon the train. Others, he admits...
Oil
Ojulari III
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Ojulari" is a series of three (3) paintings which does have a similarity of a big eyeball. Ojulari simply means "Exterior Appearance" of a person. There is one Yoruba adage that s...
Canvas, Oil
Genesis 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Culture Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This striking work explores African cultural identity as both personal and collective memory. Through the interplay of concealment and adornment, it presents the African body as a sa...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
$2,050
Expectation 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, African Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This artwork is inspired by one of the issues amongst many in the traditional Yoruba African society where I'm still growing up as the son of the soil. As I was growing up and up til...
Canvas, Acrylic
150 Years From Now 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Colours
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Let love lead. Let's be genuinely happy for each other. No malice, no backbiting. No jealousy. No comparison. Life is not a competition. At the end of the day, we will all transit to...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
$4,249
"Love" Contemporary oil painting .Vertical large size . Female portrait. Framed
Located in Oslo, NO
Crafted with delicate brushstrokes in oil, my work captures a timeless moment of introspection and stillness. It embodies the deep connection with one's inner self, exploring the com...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$3,850
Good Time - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women Love
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
Anasyrma, Oil Painting
By Duane Brown
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A girl lifts her skirt as she dances with her partner, not shown in the frame. Her pose communicates a quiet, ambiguous narrative. The slight twist of the torso...
Oil