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Contemporary Photography

CONTEMPORARY STYLE

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.

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Style: Contemporary
Period: 1940s
Forrester Millard, Age 21
Located in New York, NY
This black and white photograph by Bob Mizer is offered by CLAMP in New York City. Forrester Millard, Age 21 1947 Vintage silver print 9.5 x 7.5 inches (24.1 x 19.1 cm) $3,750
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Historical Photo - Beijing 1940s, Muslim Shop - Vintage photo - 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Historical Photo - Beijing 1940s, Muslim Shop is a black and white vintage photo. It belongs to a historical album including historical moments, royal families, and political events...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Old Days - Historical Photo - Vintage Photo - 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Old Days  - Historical Photo is a vintage black and white photograph realized in the 1940s. Good conditions.
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Luchino Visconti on the Set of the Film Ossessione - Vintage Photo - 1943
Located in Roma, IT
Lucchino Visconti on the Set of the Film Ossessione is a vintage black and white photograph realized in 1943. Good conditions.
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Pabst Blue Ribbon Sign, Chicago, USA, Black and White Landscape Photography
Located in New york, NY
A black and white photograph, Pabst Blue Ribbon sign, Chicago, Illinois, 1946, by Walker Evans is sheet size: 11.75" x 10.44" and image size: 9.25" x...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Marlene Dietrich: Stunning Glamour
By A.L. Whitey Schafer
Located in Austin, TX
Lovely glamour portrait of the impeccable Marlene Dietrich in an elegant sequined dress. Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer, who remained popular throughout ...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Marlene Dietrich in Feathers
By A.L. Whitey Schafer
Located in Austin, TX
This elegant portrait features the elegant Hollywood legend, Marlene Dietrich, posed in a tall feathered hat. Marie Magdalene "Marlene" Dietrich was a German-American actress and s...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Fred Astaire Dancing in the Studio
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Fred Astaire was an American dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and television presenter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential dancers in the history of film and t...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Digital

Marilyn Monroe Poolside Glamour
Located in Austin, TX
This captivating pinup features actress Marilyn Monroe standing poolside in a bathing suit and heels. Marilyn Monroe was an American actress model and singer. Famous for playing c...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Citizen Kane Iconic Scene
By Alexander Kahle
Located in Austin, TX
Iconic scene from the influential film "Citizen Kane"..Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film produced by, directed by, and starring Orson Welles. He also co-wrote the screenplay...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood's Glamour Icon
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white pinup style portrait features blonde actress and film icon Marilyn Monroe. Captured by celebrity photographer Frank Worth this sexy image features the actress se...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Marilyn Monroe Poolside Glamour
Located in Austin, TX
This captivating pinup features actress Marilyn Monroe standing poolside in a bathing suit and heels. Marilyn Monroe was one of the most popular sex symbols in the early 1950s and ...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Digital

Frank Sinatra "The House I Live In"
By Gaston Longet
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning portrait of a 30-year-old Frank Sinatra on the set of the 1945 film Step Lively. Step Lively is a 1944 American musical film directed by Tim Whelan and starring Frank Sina...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Elizabeth Taylor Washing Face
Located in Austin, TX
A great candid capture of legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor at home washing her face in the bathroom. Elizabeth Taylor was an English-American actress, businesswoman, and humanita...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Orson Welles in the Studio
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white capture features Orson Welles posed seated on a chair in the studio. Orson Welles was an American actor, director, writer, and producer who worked in theatre, ...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Digital

Ingrid Bergman in the Studio
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Lovely studio capture of Ingrid Bergman posed in the studio. Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who starred in a variety of European and American films and won three Academy Awar...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Lucille Ball on Silk
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning black and white capture of Lucille Ball lying on silk, looking seductively and elegantly to the camera. Lucille Ball, in full Lucille Desire Ball, radio and motion-pictur...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Greta Garbo "Two Faced Woman"
Located in Austin, TX
This stunning black and white silhouette features Greta Grabo in a publicity still for her role in "Two-Faced Woman". Greta Garbo was a Swedish-American film actress during the 192...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Citizen Kane Iconic Scene
By Alexander Kahle
Located in Austin, TX
Iconic scene from the influential film "Citizen Kane" Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film produced by, directed by, and starring Orson Welles. He also co-wrote the screenpla...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Digital

Ingrid Bergman with Fan
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Glamorous capture of actress Ingrid Bergman posed in the studio with a fan. Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who starred in a variety of European and American films and won thr...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood's Glamour Icon
Located in Austin, TX
This beautifully colored image features a pinup of actress and Hollywood bombshell Marilyn Monroe posed in a bathing suit with her leg uppoolside. Marilyn Monroe was one of the mo...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Playful Elizabeth Taylor
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white action shot features the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor spinning on a grass lawn smiling as her skirt lifts in the air. Elizabeth Taylo...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Lucille Ball: A Portrait of Elegance
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
This elegant black-and-white image features actress Lucille Ball in a full-length gown, looking upward and leaning on a side table. Lucille Ball was an American actress, comedienn...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Orson Welles Filming Citizen Kane
By Alexander Kahle
Located in Austin, TX
This rare image was taken behind the scenes of the cast working on a scene in the 1941 film "Citizen Kane". Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film by Orson Welles, its producer...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Marilyn Monroe and Mickey Rooney
Located in Austin, TX
Marilyn Monroe & Mickey Rooney This listing is for a limited edition archival print. What's included: - Limited Edition Archival Print - Numbered Certificate of Authenticity Size...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Lucille Ball on Silk
By Ernest Bachrach
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning capture of Lucille Ball lying on silk, looking seductively and elegantly to the camera. Lucille Ball, in full Lucille Desire Ball, radio and motion-picture actress and l...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Orson Welles Filming Citizen Kane
By Alexander Kahle
Located in Austin, TX
This rare image was taken behind the scenes of the cast working on a scene in the 1941 film "Citizen Kane". Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film by Orson Welles, its producer...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Elizabeth Taylor Classical Elegance
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning elegant studio portrait of Elizabeth Taylor, 1957. Elizabeth Taylor was an English-American actress, businesswoman, and humanitarian. She began her career as a child actre...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Autographed Portrait of Leonardo Cortese - Vintage Photograph - 1942
Located in Roma, IT
Leonardo Cortese is a vintage photograph realized in 1942, with a signature. Good conditions.
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Katharine Hepburn: Sexy Glamour Looking Up
Located in Austin, TX
Lovely glamour portrait of the great Katherine Hepburn looking upward. Known for her fierce independence and spirited personality, Katharine Hepburn was a leading lady in Hollywood ...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment

Rita Hayworth Smiling in Silk
Located in Austin, TX
This beautiful vintage portrait features Rita Hayworth smiling in Lingerie her head tilted back and eyes closed. Rita Hayworth was an Ameri...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment

Joan Crawford in Above Suspicion
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features American film and television actress Joan Crawford. Known best for her roles in films such as Possessed, Sudden Fear, and Whatever Happened to ...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment

French poet, artist, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau with actress Ricki Soma
Located in New York, NY
French poet, artist, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau with actress Ricki Soma and dancer Leo Coleman New York City, 1949/printed later Estate stamp in black ink, verso Archival pigment p...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Casablanca Iconic Scene
Located in Austin, TX
Casablanca is a 1942 American romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid. Filmed and set during World War II, it focuses on an American expatriate (Bogart) who must choose between his love for a woman (Bergman) and helping her and her husband (Henreid), a Czech resistance leader, escape from the Vichy-controlled city of Casablanca to continue his fight against the Germans. The screenplay is based on Everybody Comes to Rick's, an unproduced stage play by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. The supporting cast features Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment

The Moon and Mars
Located in Austin, TX
Carly Anne Amos, in collaboration with Globe Photos, brings you a new collection of gorgeous twists to classic icons from our archives. Carly Anne is a streetwear designer (The Colo...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment

The American Actor Humphrey Bogart - Vintage Photo - 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
The American Actor Humphrey Bogart is a black and white photograph realized in 1940s Vintage Photo depicting Humphrey Bogart on the set of one of his...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Jane Russell and Gloria Green - Original b/w Photograph - 1940
Located in Roma, IT
Jane Russell and Gloria Green is an original b/w photograph about Hollywod '40 realized by De Wan Studios. Good condition, mounted on a white cardboard p...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

New Orleans
Located in Dallas, TX
Open Edition Gelatin silver print, 14 x 11 in. Titled and misc. notation in pencil on print verso. Signed, titled, dated, print date, print type and publication notes in black ink on...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Warner - Original b/w Photograph - 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Warner is an original b/w photograph about Hollywod '40 realized by De Wan Studios. On the back "Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Warner shown in th...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Portrait of George Washington Carver - Vintage B/W photo - 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
George Washington Carver is a vintage photograph realized in 1940s by an Anonymous photographer. With the description script on the rear. Good...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Portrait of Jared French
Located in New York, NY
Portrait of Jared French Embossed “Carl Van Vechten,” l.r.; Also stamped “Collection of Jon Anderson,” verso; Also stamped “Photograph by Carl Van Vechten,” verso Pair of gelatin si...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Metal Workers
Located in New York, NY
Metal Workers c. 1940 Stamped, verso Vintage gelatin silver print 10.75 x 8.5 inches, image Contact gallery for price This work is offered by ClampArt in New York City.
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Observant Father, 1949, Chicago, Vintage Silver Gelatin Print
Located in Chicago, IL
Street photography was Art's true passion. He never went anywhere without his camera so he could capture moments like this one - a priest on a Chicago street "observing" one of his parishioners. Art saw humor in everyday life catching moments that the casual observer probably would have missed. Art Shay Observant Father, 1949 vintage silver gelatin print...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Two Women on the Subway, New York City, Black and White Portrait Photography
Located in New york, NY
A classic black and white photograph from the late 1930s to early 1940s, Two Women on The Subway in New York City is by a master of 20th century photography. In an edition of 75, the...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photographic Film, Photographic Paper

Boxing Great, Rocky Graciano in Locker Room After Fight, 1948
Located in Chicago, IL
Rocky Graziano was an American professional boxer who held the World Middleweight title. Graziano is considered one of the greatest knockout artists in boxing history, often displayi...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Man With the Golden Arm, 1949, Nelson Algren as the Dealer, Silver Gelatin
Located in Chicago, IL
In the novel "The Man with the Golden Arm" by Nelson Algren, the main character is a card shark. Here Art has taken a twist on that title by showing Algren as the dealer in one of Art's most famous shots. This work is not framed. Contact the gallery for framing options. Art Shay The Man with the Golden Arm, 1949 silver gelatin print 16h x 20w in 40.64h x 50.80w cm ASY15107 “Art Shay’s photography shakes you up, sets you down gently, pats you on the head and then kicks you in the ass.” Roger Ebert “[Shay’s work] ranks with some of the greats of the 20th century.” Ellen & Richard Sandor, Renowned photo collectors “I’ve admired Art Shay’s work for almost forty years, and he keeps getting better. He can do anything with a camera, but what he mostly does is capture real moments and transform them into visual poetry. His work continues to be an inspiration to me.” William Friedkin, Director of French Connection “Art Shay is one of our finest photographers. His work over the past fifty years has artfully captured the beauty, humor, and pathos of America.” Studs Terkel “Art Shay is one of the best photojournalists I know. I’ve been a fan of his work since the early 1950s - before the launch of playboy magazine.” Hugh Hefner “Algren, Terkel, Royko, they gave us a voice. Art Shay gave us a face.” Tony Fitzpatrick, Chicago Artist “Art Shay is America’s Cartier-Bresson.” Thomas Dyja, author of The Third Coast “Chicago’s Art Shay in many ways is to American photography what Nelson Algren was to American writing: that rare and absolutely necessary citizen who’s blessed with a cold eye, a clear head, and a warm heart. What is it about Chicago that keeps giving us men like this?” Russell Banks, Novelist “The best images of Simone de Beauvoir and her times have been passed down to us by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gisele Freund, Robert Doisneau, Georges Brassai, and in America, the Chicago-based Art Shay, all world-class photographers.” Christophe Loviny, Art Editor, Paris “Art Shay is the best photo-journalist Chicago ever produced.” Arthur Siegel...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Leaf

Young Pool Shark, Chicago 1949, Black & White Photograph, Framed, Signed
Located in Chicago, IL
“Art Shay’s photography shakes you up, sets you down gently, pats you on the head and then kicks you in the ass.” Roger Ebert “[Shay’s work] ranks with some of the greats of the 20...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Horse Auction Couple - Brooklyn
Located in Dallas, TX
Signed, titled, and dated in pencil on print verso. Signed in ink on print margin
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Tooker with Paul Cadmus and Jared French
Located in New York, NY
This black and white photograph by George Platt Lynes is offered by CLAMP in New York City. George Tooker with Paul Cadmus and Jared French c. 1948 Studio stamp in ink, verso Vint...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - Two Men, Photography 1942, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
Two men in a bamboo house built on stilts in the Inle Lake, Shan States, Burma, 1942 All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edition size 25 40" x 60"...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - Reconstruction, Photography 1945, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
Reconstruction after the war. Winegrowers in the Village of Arganda, Spain All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edition size 25 40" x 60", Edition ...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - American GI, Photography 1943, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
An American GI stationed in Naples spruces himself up with the help of the locals, 1943. All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edition size 25 40" x...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - Directing Landings, Photography 1943, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
An American GI directs landings at Salerno, Italy, 1943. All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edition size 25 40" x 60", Edition size 25 This phot...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - Tulips are growing again, Photography 1946, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
Tulips are growing again in Alsmeer, documented for Life Magazine by photojournalist George Rodger, 1946. All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edit...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - Running Home, Photography 1945, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
Children run home from school in the small Spanish village of Brunete, 1945. All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edition size 25 40" x 60", Editio...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - Winston Churchill with General Montgomery, 1945, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
Winston Churchill with General Montgomery on the Rhine in Germany, 1945 All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edition size 25 40" x 60", Edition siz...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

George Rodger - Bracelet Fighters, Photography 1949, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
Kao-Nyaro Nuba bracelet fighters, Kordofan, Southern Sudan, 1949. All available sizes and editions: 16" x 20", Edition size 25 30"x 40", Edition size 25 40" x 60", Edition size 25 ...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Ted Williams - Sarah Vaughan Chicago, IL, Photography 1948, Printed After
Located in Greenwich, CT
Estate-stamped, gelatin-print silver A portrait of American jazz singer and Grammy Award winner, Sarah Vaughan in her dressing room at the Chicago theatre, IL, 1948. Available size...
Category

1940s Contemporary Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Contemporary photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Contemporary photography available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Stefanie Schneider, Tyler Shields, Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde, and Richard Heeps. Frequently made by artists working with Pigment Print, and Archival Pigment Print and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Contemporary photography, so small editions measuring 0.4 inches across are also available.

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