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Contemporary Art

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
Peony No.17 - analogue floral photography, limited edition of 10
Peony No.17 - analogue floral photography, limited edition of 10

Peony No.17 - analogue floral photography, limited edition of 10

By Ugne Pouwell

Located in London, GB

Peony No.17 - Analogue Black and White Floral Photography, 125 x 100 cm Peony No.17 is an analogue monochrome floral photograph by Lithuanian fine art photographer Ugnė Pouwell. Wor...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Film, Photographic Film, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée

Model And Painter By Bruno Paoli - Figurative Painting
Model And Painter By Bruno Paoli - Figurative Painting

Model And Painter By Bruno Paoli - Figurative Painting

By Bruno Paoli 1

Located in Carmel, CA

Certificate of authenticity and artist catalogue are included. Bruno Paoli (1915-2005) Teaching the masters helped create this contemporary master. Bruno was a professor of art in F...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

At the Beach - Tempera and Watercolor by Aldo Riso - 1970s
At the Beach - Tempera and Watercolor by Aldo Riso - 1970s

At the Beach - Tempera and Watercolor by Aldo Riso - 1970s

By Aldo Riso

Located in Roma, IT

At the beach is an artwork realized by Aldo Riso. Mixed colored tempera and watercolor painting. Titled on lower left. Frame included: 70.5 x 91.5 cm This beautiful mixed media...

Category

1970s Contemporary Art

Materials

Tempera, Watercolor

Between The Late And The Early

Between The Late And The Early

Located in London, GB

The original artwork and this giclée reproduction were created by Andrew Cranston RSA (Elect) for the 187th RSA Annual Exhibition in 2013. Against a flat black background evoking the...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Giclée

Person with Eyes Closed, Contemporary Figure Painting 2026
Person with Eyes Closed, Contemporary Figure Painting 2026

Person with Eyes Closed, Contemporary Figure Painting 2026

Located in Washington, DC

Medium - Acrylic on Paper Year - 2026 Style - Contemporary Subject - Figurative, Portrait Dimensions - 17 H x 11 W in Condition - New Person with Eyes closed is a striking c...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Charcoal, Acrylic, Varnish, Ink

The Sound of Color

The Sound of Color

By Gwen Wong

Located in Atlanta, GA

Gwen Wong's work is both painterly and allegorical, caught somewhere in the middle between the representational painter and the narrator. "I am inspired by the idea of a childhood re...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

I Wsh You Were Here - Ethereal dreamscape abstract floral painting
I Wsh You Were Here - Ethereal dreamscape abstract floral painting

I Wsh You Were Here - Ethereal dreamscape abstract floral painting

By Jennifer L. Baker

Located in Silverthorne, CO

A bright, ethereal, dreamy painting of imaginary space. An abstract floral and celestial blue sky. Gorgeous lush texture. Oh, how I wish you were here. In the meadow, in the studio, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Louisiana Serenade Signed Lithograph, 1979, Contemporary Southern Evening Scene
Louisiana Serenade Signed Lithograph, 1979, Contemporary Southern Evening Scene

Louisiana Serenade Signed Lithograph, 1979, Contemporary Southern Evening Scene

By Romare Bearden

Located in Union City, NJ

LOUISIANA SERENADE is a limited edition color lithograph by the renowned African American artist Romare Bearden, printed on archival Somerset printmaking paper, 100% acid free, in an edition size of 175. LOUISIANA SERENADE, from Bearden's late 1970's colorful JAZZ series of musical imagery, captures a Southern evening depicting two male figures playing their guitars on the veranda while a seated woman sits listening beside a glowing glass chimney lamp. LOUISIANA SERENADE, printed in lush hues of green, red, yellow, purple, blue presents a free flowing watercolor-like abstract music portrait by the renowned American artist Romare Bearden. Print size - 24.5 x 33.75 inches, unframed, excellent condition, fresh colors, full bleed image, no margins, hand signed in pencil by Romare Bearden, inscribed P.P.(Printers Proof) aside from the edition of 175, printer's chop mark embossed on lower edge, print documentation provided Year Published - 1979 Edition size - 175, plus proofs Printer - J K Fine Art Editions Co. NY Publisher - London Arts Group, Detroit MI Cat. Reference: Figure 28, Page 39 in "A Graphic Odyssey: Romare Bearden as Printmaker" Edited by Gail Gelburd, Published by the University of Pennsylvania Press About the artist- Romare Bearden (1911-1988) Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Romare Bearden is one of America’s most esteemed African American contemporary artists. Bearden grew up in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City and attended New York University where he received a degree in mathematics. Following graduation, Bearden turned his attention to art, pursuing further studies with George Grosz at the Art Students League. The artist served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. After leaving the Army, Bearden used funds from the GI Bill to travel to Europe for six months to study art history and philosophy at the Sorbonne. During this trip, Bearden had the opportunity to meet Henri Matisse, Georges Braque and Joan Miro, all of who had a strong influence on his artwork. Bearden’s work on canvas and collages expressed the complexities of rural Black America. “My intention is to reveal through pictorial complexities of the life I know,” he said. He integrated scenes from his childhood in North Carolina and from New York City, including many rituals and social customs. Another theme throughout his work was music. Bearden grew up surrounded by musicians and loved jazz and blues. Romare Bearden’s artwork can be found in numerous permanent collections around the country including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrospective exhibitions of Bearden’s art have been held by The Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte; the Museum of Modern Art; the Detroit Institute; and the Studio Museum in Harlem. As well, President Reagan...

Category

1970s Contemporary Art

Materials

Lithograph

"Upon Waking" Oil Painting

"Upon Waking" Oil Painting

By Calvin Lai

Located in Denver, CO

Calvin Lai's (US based) "Upon Waking" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure in a Contrapposto posture leaning back against a lavender hued wall whil...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

White Ascension House of God
White Ascension House of God

White Ascension House of God

By Hunt Slonem

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Hunt Slonem, American, included in 250+ museum collections Unique oil on canvas painting, signed and dated verso Inspired by nature and his 60 pet birds, Hunt Slonem is renowned fo...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Fountain, Paris – Black and White Fine Art Photograph
Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Fountain, Paris – Black and White Fine Art Photograph

Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Fountain, Paris – Black and White Fine Art Photograph

By Gerald Berghammer

Located in Vienna, Vienna

Archival pigment ink print, produced in a limited edition of 9 // Gallery ID: 11824 Fine art prints are produced to order on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta. Each print is stamped on the...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Digital Pigment

My Vacation Plans - Large Original Painting Colorful Abstract Landscape Artwork
My Vacation Plans - Large Original Painting Colorful Abstract Landscape Artwork

My Vacation Plans - Large Original Painting Colorful Abstract Landscape Artwork

By Amber Goldhammer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Amber Goldhammer’s “My Vacation Plans” is a stunning 40-inch tall by 60-inch wide graffiti-inspired abstract painting, blending a captivating landscape with her iconic overlay of han...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic

Oasis (Sidewinder) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Polaroid, Landscape
Oasis (Sidewinder) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Polaroid, Landscape

Oasis (Sidewinder) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Polaroid, Landscape

By Stefanie Schneider

Located in Morongo Valley, CA

Oasis (Sidewinder), 2005, Edition 3/5, 16 pieces each 48x47cm analog C-Prints, hand-printed by the artist, printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, based on Polaroids mounted on Aluminum with matte UV-Protection, based on an expired Polaroids, Artist inventory Number 3001.03 Installation shot at 'Mulholland Distilling' in LA with Danny Fox...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid

Abstraction. Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Colorful, Dynamic, Polish art
Abstraction. Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Colorful, Dynamic, Polish art

Abstraction. 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 in style of gestural abstraction with dynamic brush strokes and shapes. Main color is red balanced with yellow...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Pueblo, Colorado; June

Pueblo, Colorado; June

By Steve Fitch

Located in Sante Fe, NM

In “American Motel Signs” Steve Fitch crisscrossed the United States documenting the colorful dynamic, advertisements inviting weary traveler to park their car and pack it in for the...

Category

20th Century Contemporary Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

The 3rd day #16
The 3rd day #16

The 3rd day #16

By Cody Choi

Located in Deddington, GB

Cody Choi - The 3rd day #16 This image was taken at the 3rd time of Cody’s visit as a guest teacher at Tsoying High School in Taiwan- where most students are highly disciplined and t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Ploumanac’h Lighthouse, Brittany, France, Limited Edition Black-and-White Photo
Ploumanac’h Lighthouse, Brittany, France, Limited Edition Black-and-White Photo

Ploumanac’h Lighthouse, Brittany, France, Limited Edition Black-and-White Photo

By Gerald Berghammer

Located in Vienna, Vienna

Archival pigment ink print, produced in a limited edition of 7 // Gallery ID: 25012 Fine art prints are produced to order on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta. Each print is stamped on the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Digital Pigment

Jamie Reid, Sex Pistols Promotional Banner Poster, 1977

Jamie Reid, Sex Pistols Promotional Banner Poster, 1977

By Jamie Reid

Located in Manchester, GB

Jamie Reid, Sex Pistols Promotional Banner Poster, 1977 Printed by Virgin Records Unsigned Original 1977 UK Virgin in-store promotional banner poster to promote the Sex Pistols 14 ...

Category

1970s Contemporary Art

Materials

Screen

John Lennon and Yoko Ono in bed

John Lennon and Yoko Ono in bed

By Allan Tannenbaum

Located in Austin, TX

Signed limited edition print of John Lennon and Yoko Ono during the filming of a video to promote their new album, "Double Fantasy", New York City, November 26, 1980, taken by Allen Tannenbaum. Filming began in Central Park, then moved to a gallery on SoHo for scenes where they would arrive in a white bedroom, first in street clothes and later in kimonos, strip, and make love. Allan Tannenbaum is an esteemed photojournalist and fine art photographer. His documentation of New York art, music, and nightlife has become iconic, particularly his definitive coverage of the burgeoning 1970s punk...

Category

1980s Contemporary Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

American Cowboy Head and Torso, Salton Sea, California - American Color Photo
American Cowboy Head and Torso, Salton Sea, California - American Color Photo

American Cowboy Head and Torso, Salton Sea, California - American Color Photo

By Richard Heeps

Located in Cambridge, GB

A classic American icon, the roadside giant Cowboy "Muffler Man", captured on Richard Heeps' road trip between Mecca and the Salton Sea. Part of a series of pictures by Richard Heeps...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Silver Gelatin

Rock Pier Panorama, Minimalist Black-and-White Seascape, Limited Edition
Rock Pier Panorama, Minimalist Black-and-White Seascape, Limited Edition

Rock Pier Panorama, Minimalist Black-and-White Seascape, Limited Edition

By Gerald Berghammer

Located in Vienna, Vienna

Archival pigment ink print, produced in a limited edition of 7 // Gallery ID: 21132 Fine art prints are produced to order on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta. Each print is stamped on the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Digital Pigment

A Bigger Book Art Edition 'Untitled, 468' Signed Inkjet Print
A Bigger Book Art Edition 'Untitled, 468' Signed Inkjet Print

A Bigger Book Art Edition 'Untitled, 468' Signed Inkjet Print

By David Hockney

Located in Bristol, GB

iPad drawing 8-colour inkjet print on cotton-fiber archival paper, with full margins, with the illustrated 680-page chronology book and stand designed by Marc Newson Contained in the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Inkjet

Lucky
Lucky

Lucky

By Sila Sehrazat Yucel

Located in New York, NY

Sila Sehrazat Yucel is a talented artist based in Istanbul. Her background in landscape and interior architecture shapes her creative vision. With experience as an art director in ci...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

'Blue Curio Cabinet - Steller's Jays', oil on linen
'Blue Curio Cabinet - Steller's Jays', oil on linen

'Blue Curio Cabinet - Steller's Jays', oil on linen

By Marie Cameron

Located in Burlingame, CA

Marie Cameron's new Curio Cabinet series places birds and teacups within curiosity cabinets filled with specimens, artifacts, collectibles, and kitsch, all woven together through nar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Oil, Linen

Josephine Baker- Historical Photo - 1970s

Josephine Baker- Historical Photo - 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Josephine Baker is a vintage black and white photograph realized in the 1970s. Good conditions.

Category

20th Century Contemporary Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Carnival Suburbian / 2008 framed figurative painting
Carnival Suburbian / 2008 framed figurative painting

Carnival Suburbian / 2008 framed figurative painting

By Kim Frohsin

Located in Burlingame, CA

Blue and grey with peach abstracted figurative painting in neutral cool colors from Kim Frohsin's "Figures WIth Edges" series. Frohsin, third generation Bay Area Figurative artist—fr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache

Tyler Shields - Helicopter III, Photography 2021, Printed After

Tyler Shields - Helicopter III, Photography 2021, Printed After

By Tyler Shields

Located in Greenwich, CT

Series: Provocateur Chromogenic Print on Kodak Endura Luster Paper All available sizes and editions: 18" x 18" 30" x 30" 45" x 45" 60" x 60" 70" x 70" Editions of 3 + 2 Artist Proofs...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Archival Paper, C Print

Golden

Golden

By Patrick Hughes

Located in London, GB

Patrick Hughes "Golden" Multiple. A hand painted three dimensional, Reverspective print, inspired by Venice. Produced in 2022. This print comes housed in a bespoke perspex display ca...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Banksy Skull and Paintbrushes Screenprint, Black, 2010
Banksy Skull and Paintbrushes Screenprint, Black, 2010

Banksy Skull and Paintbrushes Screenprint, Black, 2010

By Banksy

Located in Englishtown, NJ

Stunning Banksy Skull and Paintbrushes Print in classic black color. Released in 2010 at Paul Insects Unclear Residents show by Pictures On Walls (POW) the legendary print house in L...

Category

2010s Contemporary Art

Materials

Screen

Palm Springs Poolside III, Ballantines Movie Colony, California - Color Photo
Palm Springs Poolside III, Ballantines Movie Colony, California - Color Photo

Palm Springs Poolside III, Ballantines Movie Colony, California - Color Photo

By Richard Heeps

Located in Cambridge, GB

Palm Springs Poolside, photograph from Richard Heeps, Dream in Colour series. Classic mid-century Palm Springs architecture, featuring cool blue skies and swimming pool with accents...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Silver Gelatin

Contemporary art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Contemporary art 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 art 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 Paint, and Paper 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 art, so small editions measuring 0.02 inches across are also available.