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.
$800Sale Price|20% Off
AGE OF INNOCENCE - original round painting by Paula Craioveanu in New York
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Age of Innocence", original unique painting. A feminine, innocent presence, portrait of a girl with a Venetian mask. acrylic on canvas. 20in / 50cm, round. Shipped from Forest Hil...
Acrylic, Canvas
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Thorns Before Roses - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This work questions what happens after arrival. When the life once desired is finally attained, soft, beautiful, without struggle, why does the mind remain unsettled? Thorns Before ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Too Late to Scare Me Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Signed, 105x80 cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
The most compelling works of contemporary art do not simply depict events—they reveal shifts in human consciousness. Too Late to Scare Me belongs to this tradition, transforming an i...
Lacquer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled 6 - 21st Century, Contemporary Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
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
$3,750Sale Price|25% Off
TURNING INTO STONE 3 surreal original oil Paula Craioveanu large 30x38in Florida
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
Waiting for a Miracle- 21st century Contemporary Figure painting
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Ksenya Istomina – Waiting for a Miracle Oil on linen, 105 x 70 cm In Waiting for a Miracle, Ksenya Istomina captures a moment of quiet contemplation and anticipation. A young woman ...
Linen, 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
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
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Portrait of a Fair Young Man](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-portrait-of-a-fair-young-man-for-sale/a_9323/a_182091121781979428162/Beard_Mark_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Portrait_of_a_Fair_Young_Man_Framed_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Portrait of a Fair Young Man](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-portrait-of-a-fair-young-man-for-sale-picture-2/a_9323/a_182091121781979456623/Beard_Mark_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Portrait_of_a_Fair_Young_Man_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Portrait of a Fair Young Man
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Signed in red, u.l. $3,000 + $125 framing
Oil
"Remy" by Yulia Kim; Framed Oil on Linen Panel, 22" x 18"; 2025
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed 20" x 16" oil on linen panel by Kazakhstan-born, Oklahoma-based artist Yulia Kim is a testament to the artist's technical skill and particularly successful portrayal of l...
Linen, Oil
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Green Singlet](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-green-singlet-for-sale/a_9323/a_182091021781978644832/Beard_Mark_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Green_Singlet_framed_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Green Singlet](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-green-singlet-for-sale-picture-2/a_9323/a_182091021781978660090/Beard_Mark_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Green_Singlet_unframed_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Green Singlet
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Signed, u.l. Oil on canvas 30 x 20 inches (76.2 x 50.8 cm) Price includes $225 additional cost of framing This work is offered by CLAMP in New York City
Oil
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
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
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
![[Bruce-Sargeant (1898-1938)] Two Wrestlers on Opposing Teams](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-two-wrestlers-on-opposing-teams-for-sale-picture-2/a_9323/a_182089621781973162067/Beard_Mark_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Two_Wrestlers_on_Opposing_Teams_framed_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
![[Bruce-Sargeant (1898-1938)] Two Wrestlers on Opposing Teams](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-paintings-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-two-wrestlers-on-opposing-teams-for-sale/a_9323/a_182089621781973135668/Beard_Mark_Bruce_Sargeant_1898_1938_Two_Wrestlers_on_Opposing_Teams_unframed_1200_master.jpg?width=240)
[Bruce-Sargeant (1898-1938)] Two Wrestlers on Opposing Teams
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Signed in red, u.r. Oil on canvas 20 x 18 inches (91.4 x 61 cm) Price includes $150 additional cost of framing This work is offered by CLAMP in New York City
Oil
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
$1,317Sale Price|20% 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
$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
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
$13,001
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
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
$1,750
Black Essence - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Black Essence' captures the unbreakable spirit of every woman who has long been the pillar of strength in their community. With a steadfast gaze, the subject embodies determination a...
Canvas, Acrylic, Charcoal, Mixed Media
$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
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
Goodbye Mixed Media Oil Painting on Canvas, Abstract Figurative Art
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Mixed media oil painting on canvas depicting a human figure intertwined with animal forms. The composition combines vibrant colors, abstract shapes, and figurative elements to explor...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Bond -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Modern, Women Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
What binds us together isn't just blood; Love binds us, Nature binds us, and Time binds us together. The beauty of this all is that the Bond that binds us together is the inseparabl...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
$2,941
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
Untitled - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Women Hair
By Oluwatimileyin Tega Adegbenjo
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 Olu...
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic, Pastel
Chroma-Q- 21st Century Contemporary portrait Painting
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Tania Rivilis Chroma-Q 41 x 29 cm framed (included in price) 44 x 32 cm Oilpaint on wood panel Tania Rivilis (b. 1986) 2022 winner of the 'William Locke Price' ( £ 30.000 ) from ...
Oil, Wood Panel
Boy and the Blossom 2 -21st Century Contemporary Figurative Portrait, Modern Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This painting invites us to see strength in a different light, not as something loud or forceful, but as something calm, grounded, and quietly powerful. There’s a gentle confidence i...
Canvas, Acrylic
Tropical Thoughts -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
As I connect with life's rhythm, I see my small but important role in the big picture of life. Time keeps moving, reminding me to enjoy each moment and think carefully. Like plants t...
Canvas, Acrylic
Inner Peace: Contemporary Mixed Media on Canvas, Unframed
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
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
THE SHADOW II - Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting, Women's Portrait
By Jarek Puczel
Located in Hallein, 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
$4,235
"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
Beauty in Her Space, Contemporary Oil on Ankara Fabric, 21st Century
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...
Oil, Fabric
Kristal - Original Silver Leaf and Gold Floral Sally K Figurative Artwork
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
$2,850
You and I (Just The Way We Are) - 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, Charcoal, Mixed Media, 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
Woman Abstracted Portrait, Floral, Bright, Megaphone Flower by Rebecca Jack
By Rebecca Jack
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rebecca Jack "Megaphone Flower" Acrylic & Oil on Canvas 48 x 72 in (121.92 x 182.88 cm) __________________________ Rebecca Jack, an intuitive painter, creates vibrant, figurative wo...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
State of Mind 13 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Our mindsets dictate our product and output. The mind presides over our endeavors The Power of mindsets should be trained and nurtured towards achieving the best and making great i...
Canvas, Acrylic
Woman Abstracted Portrait, Plant, Don't Worry, It's Nothing by Rebecca Jack
By Rebecca Jack
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Rebecca Jack "Don't Worry, It's Nothing" Acrylic on Canvas 36 x 48 in (91.44 x 121.92 cm) Framed 37.25 x 49.25 in., Floated White Oak Frame __________________________ Rebecca Jack, ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bulb of Awakening: Contemporary Acrylic Painting on Canvas
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...
Acrylic, Canvas
"Girl with the Pearl Earring" Master Reproduction
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This painting is a master reproduction of Johannes Vermeer's the "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" created using the same process that Vermeer used to paint his famous Dutch Masterpi...
Oil
Embrace Nature 6 - 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
First Fruit -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Mother and Child
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"First Fruit" is a poignant and intimate painting that captures the essence of motherhood and protection. The title "First Fruit" symbolizes the preciousness and value of the first ...
Canvas, Oil, 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
Free But Hungry 7 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Look into the eyes of the Homeless man Tell me what you see In the eyes of a jobless man Tell me what you see What about the eyes Of a prisoner What do you see Now you've seen it all...
Canvas, 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
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
Beauty Within: Contemporary Oil and Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Blac...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
$3,250
Style and Confidence - 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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Afrocentric Radiance Painting, Mixed Media on Canvas, 21st Century
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 ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Fabric, Oil
$3,500Sale Price|30% 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...
Oil, Canvas
Soft Souls - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Expressionism, Africa Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"There is a language spoken only in the space between us— a calm that holds our truths without demanding words. In that quiet, we find understanding, we find safety, we find each oth...
Canvas, Acrylic
Forever Guest: Figurative Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting invites you into a quiet yet uncanny scene where logic dissolves into symbolism. Two androgynous figures, dressed in formal black jackets and loose contemporary trouser...
Lacquer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic