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.
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
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
Silent Dialogue Acrylic and Color Pencil Painting, Contemporary, 2010+
Located in Oslo, NO
Silent dialogue Marina Skvortsova lives and works between Norway and Estonia. Born in Siberia with Asian roots, Marina feels a deep cultural connection to Eastern traditions. Her wo...
Acrylic, Color Pencil
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
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
Pugna 061 by Chidy Wayne, Minimalist Style, Large Format
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
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% 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...
Canvas, Oil
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
$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
Sunday, Oil Painting
By Jesse Aldana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A woman sits on a sofa, reading quietly as soft daylight filters through a large window. Warm tones and gentle light fill the room, creating a calm and inviting...
Oil
$1,137Sale Price|36% 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
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
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
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
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
Such is Life - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Men
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 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
$13,229
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
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
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
Embrace Nature 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait Floral, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This piece is a catalyst. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, embracing Nature has become more crucial than ever. "Nature" I observed that her beauty comes from emb...
Canvas, Acrylic
I Used to Dream - Original Figurative Vibrant Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
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
Untitled V - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, 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
$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
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
$450
Where the Light Stays 3 - 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
Sisterhood 3 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women Africa Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Sisterhood is also about growth and transformation. As we go through life, we change and evolve as individuals, and our relationships with our sisters change and evolve with us. The ...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% 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
$2,250
Where Silence Meets Soul -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Where Silence Meets Soul" is a contemplative piece that invites viewers to step into the sacred space within. This artwork was inspired by the idea that silence has the power to awa...
Canvas, 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
Afrocentric Radiance
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In a vibrant celebration of African heritage and beauty, our protagonist, a stunning black African woman, graces the scene with her majestic presence. Crowned with a voluminous afro ...
Fabric, Canvas, Oil, 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
$12,870
Sweet dreams in the Moonlight -21st century interior painting with figures
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Ksenya Istomina 'Sweet Dreams in the Moonlight' 100 x 80 cm Oil on linen Painted after life, the artist always works with a real scenery. Her realistic but impressionistic paintings...
Linen, Oil
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
$1,750
Bunmi - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, School Uniform, Nature
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
Off-White Figurative Painting of a Hand on Canvas
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Exclusive piece made for the on-going exhibition in Knokke, Belgium, Timeless Remnants. Chidy Wayne (b. 1981, Spain) is an artist based in Barcelona. Over the years, he has establi...
Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Stare 3 - 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
$2,298Sale 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
"Evening Lawn" by Hiroshi Sato, Original Painting, Figurative Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
Hiroshi Sato's "Evening Lawn" (2024) is an original oil on canvas artwork, measuring 28 x 32 inches. This vibrant painting captures a contemplative moment in a lush, evening landscap...
Canvas, Oil
Soliloquizing 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern Black
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
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
$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
Today is a Gift 2 -Contemporary, 21st Century, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Learn from the past, Live in the present, Hope for the future, Do your best today, Never give up, Improve your tomorrows. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nige...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
La Lumbre - Abstract Brown Tone Figurative Cowgirl Portrait Painting 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, Acrylic
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
Today is a Gift 1 -Contemporary, 21st Century, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Learn from the past, Live in the present, Hope for the future, Do your best today, Never give up, Improve your tomorrows. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nige...
Canvas, Acrylic
Imke- 21st Century Contemporary Portrait of a young Ginger Girl
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Imke 16 x 16 cm ( it will be delivered framed/ frame is included: size with frame 18 x 18 cm ) Acrylic paint on wood The Dutch artist Jantina Peperkamp likes to paint portraits of ...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
$2,050
Expectation 1 - 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
Window of Quiet Resolve 2 -21st Century Contemporary Figurative Portrait, Modern
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 the Artist...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$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
$402Sale Price|20% Off
Humorous Figurative Gesture Painting with Gold Swirls. Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This small-format painting by Inés Silvalde (2019) turns a playful, slightly insolent hand gesture into a compact study of attitude, humor, and self-expression. Executed in oil and a...
Canvas, Oil
"Everywhere and Nowhere", Sarah Detweiler "Hidden Mother" Woman in Grass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Everywhere and Nowhere" is an original painting by Sarah Detweiler and is made from oil paint on gallery wrap canvas with preserved moss edges. This piece measures...
Canvas, Oil, Found Objects, Mixed Media
Maruzzella - Oil Paint by Marco Fariello - 2021
Located in Roma, IT
Maruzzella is one of the best works by the artist Marco Fariello realized in 2021. It is an academic drawing of a Portrait of a young woman with an enc...
Canvas, Oil
Selfportrait - Oil Paint by Marco Fariello - 2024
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas. Hans signed. Self portrait of the Artist. Excellent condition.
Canvas, Oil
''The Crinaeae'' Contemporary Underwater Portrait Painting, Girls in Pool
By Amy Devlin
Located in Utrecht, NL
Amy Devlin portrays people, animals, or nature in her works. But what really matters to her is light and water, which she wants to capture in the form of a physical memory. By following her passion for paint, she tries to represent reality and thereby express her feeling in the expressive colors she uses. Her paintings show a fascination with the movement and texture of water, which is depicted in vivid colors in her works. Her hybrid painting style combines realism with impressionism in a very interesting way, providing a different view of the world and our memories of it. Devlin loves the unexpected, looks at things from a crazy angle and imagines. Since 2014 she mainly paints underwater portraits...
Canvas, Oil