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.
$4,150
All Living Things - Abstract Contemporary Folk Art Inspired Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker's “All Living Things” is a stunning example of contemporary folk art that blends botanical motifs and symbolic imagery to evoke a sense of interconnectedness and harm...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
Washeteria Looking In, London - Vintage Interior Color Photograph Framed
Located in Cambridge, GB
Washeteria - Looking In, vintage interior photograph from Richard Heeps series, A Short History of London. "I discovered this launderette while London was in lockdown during the pand...
Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Silver Gelatin
$971Sale Price|20% Off
Architectural Layered Hanging Cement Head with Wood Framework Project 24
By Jose Perozo
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This architectural layered hanging cement head sculpture extends the conceptual language of anthropotecture by treating the human head as a suspended built...
Concrete
Pool at 9.17 AM
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll KSENIYA RAI'S WORKS ARE IN MORE THAN 250 PRIVATE COLLECTIONS WORLDWIDE. This painting embodies the art of observation and the serenity of calmness. The stillness of ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,325
''Lukah 2'' Dutch Contemporary Portrait of a Boy in Red Uniform with Gecko
Located in Utrecht, NL
Passionate, sensitive and an eye for detail, light and color, this is the working method of Dutch photographer Ursula van de Bunte (1969). She is a perfectionist, enthusiastic and di...
Plexiglass
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow of Africa 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative
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.
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"BRAT" Layered Hand-Cut Paper with Glitter Effect by Charles Clary
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"BRAT" is an original wall-hanging sculpture by Charles Clary as part of the artist's popular "Text-i-monial" series. To create the artwork, Clary hand cuts a series of individual sh...
Paper, Wood Panel, Archival Paper
Mind At Peace, Amidst a Thousand Thoughts -21st Century Contemporary, Modern Men
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
Dulce Periculum - Polaroid, Color, Women, Portrait
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Dulce Periculum - 2020 50x50cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. Artist inventory PL2020-90...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
Untitled 18
Located in London, GB
Billy Childish Untitled 18, 2013 Giclee archival print 36.19 x 30.48 cm 14.25 x 12 in Billy Childish’s emotional, introspective portraits and landscapes take inspiration from the ar...
Giclée, Archival Pigment
$975
Fish and Chips Van Square, Haddenham - English Vintage Countryside Color Photo
Located in Cambridge, GB
A classic British fish & chips van, on a classic English day Haddenham Steam Rally Country Fair, photograph by Richard Heeps. This artwork is a limited edition of 25 gloss phot...
Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Silver Gelatin
Interlocutors
Located in Zofingen, AG
Three figures at a table during a tea break. A simple everyday scene, filled with the atmosphere of conversation.
Canvas, Acrylic
Torso 02 - Contemporary Figurative Ink Painting, New Expressionism
Located in Salzburg, AT
The artwork on paper will be sent unframed to you. Maciej Olekszy was born in 1982, Poland. Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan, Poland in 2007. Faculty of Painting i...
Paper, Ink
$1,821
Retoni, Fishermans hut in the middle of nowhere - panorama color photography
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Gerald Berghammer - Color long exposure seascape photography. A small house on stilts stands over calm water on a foggy day, with a light sky. Archival pigment ink print as part of ...
Digital Pigment
Contemporary Figurative Abstract Portrait Painting of Three Female Figures
By Said Housbane
Located in East Quogue, NY
Brown earth tone contemporary figurative painting of 3 femail figures by Moroccan artist Said Housbane. Acrylic on canvas. Size: 56 x 60 inches. Offered unframed & unstretched. Ships...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,910
Seascape XVI - large format photograph of monochrome water surface and clouds
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mesmerizing large scale photograph from artist's Seascape series, a body of works capturing the tactile surfaces and monochromatic nature of oceanic water and cloudscapes Seascape ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Mystical Forest Clearing, Madeira, Portugal, landscape photograph limited
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art long exposure waterscape - landscape photography. Skogafoss gigantic waterfall, Iceland. Archival pigment ink print, edition of 7. Signed, titled, dated and ...
Digital Pigment
Layer No.14 by Doris Marten - Abstract minimalism, colorful painting
By Doris Marten
Located in Paris, FR
Layer No.14 is an abstract painting by contemporary German artist Doris Marten. It is made with Indian ink on Alu-Dibond and measures 45 × 45 cm (17.7 × 17.7 in). The Layers series ...
India Ink
$6,559
Divine Nude No.4 by Ronald Martinez - Fine art photography, Renaissance, men
Located in Paris, FR
Divine Nude No.4 is a limited-edition photograph by French contemporary artist Ronald Martinez. This photograph is sold unframed as a print only. It is available in 2 dimensions: *...
Photographic Paper, C Print
"Pinky" Small Pac-Man Ghost Glass Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
"Pinky" - Small Glass Pac-Man Ghost Sculpture by Dylan Martinez. Size: 5" h x 4.5" w. Signed on the base by the artist. Each sculpture is unique. These whimsical Pac-Man Ghost scu...
Blown Glass
Porcelain kitten Figurative Oil Painting, Expressive Palette, 18x25 cm, New
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful painting by Malka is from her latest body of works called "Figurinot" - Whether portraying human figures or porcelain and ceramic sculptures, Malka grants each subject...
Canvas, Acrylic
"LaFlat" Limited Edition Parody Piece by Kid Hazo
By Kid Hazo
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"LaFlat" is an original archival pigment print on cardboard box artwork by Kid Hazo measuring 5.5"h x 11"w x 5.25"d. This is an edition of 13. Hazo’s belief that art is for everyon...
Cardboard, Archival Pigment
"DALL·E 2023-04-23 11.32.04" Artist-Tufted Rug with Geometric Design
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "DALL·E 2023-04-23 11.32.04" is an original artwork by Tuft the World and is made tufted 100% New Zealand wool. It can be displayed as a floor rug or can be hung on...
Wool
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed Feeling 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Modern, Women
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
“Mixed Feelings” is a visual series that captures the emotional complexity of Black womanhood, strength, softness, pride, visibility, and invisibility. Each portrait in this series h...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Botero Bronze Bull Sculpture, Contemporary Edition of 50, 20th Century
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
After Fernando Botero – Bull Bronze Sculpture Edition of 50 This beautifully executed bronze sculpture is an After Fernando Botero work, created in faithful homage to the artist’s...
Marble, Bronze
$700
Forlorn - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid, 21st Century
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Forlorn - 2021 50x50cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. Artist inventory PL2021-1032. Not ...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$912Sale Price|52% Off
After Botero - Horizontal Nude Woman Bronze Sculpture
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
After Fernando Botero – RECLINING NUDE Bronze Sculpture Edition of 50 This beautifully executed bronze sculpture is an After Fernando Botero work, created in faithful homage to th...
Marble, Bronze
$490Sale Price|30% Off
Desire - original blue female nude by Paula Craioveanu inspired Matisse
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Desire", nude, ultramarine tempera on colored paper, inspired by Matisse. Part of Nude in Interior series. Shipped rolled in a tube, Fast shipping anywhere in the world - 7 days. En...
Tempera, Archival Paper
Love Notes and Little Boats, original, contemporary, art print
Located in Deddington, GB
Woodcut on paper Signed and titled in pencil Numbered from the edition of 100 Paper size: 780 x 605 mm Woodcut print on Paper Edition of 100 Sold unframed Complete size of...
Paper
BLUE SUN original art Paula Craioveanu Nude inspired by Matisse
Located in Forest Hills, NY
“Blue Sun” Tempera pencil charcoal on blue paper Shipped rolled in a tube 25x3x3in, from Florida. This piece, Blue Sun, is a striking and evocative work that captures both the sensu...
Tempera, Ink, Archival Paper
"Temptation" (from the series "Inspired by Matisse")
Located in Zofingen, AG
Not the body, but the timeless whisper of desire. Within her delicate audacity breathes an ancient allure: a force that draws us closer, even as it forever eludes our grasp.
Canvas, Acrylic
So Still (Sidewinder) - analog, mounted
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
So Still (Sidewinder) - 2005 Edition 1/5 or 2/5, 150x128cm. Analog C-Print, hand-printed by the artist, printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, mounted on Aluminum with matte UV-Pr...
Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$9,000
QUILTING TIME Hand Signed Lithograph, Black Family Life African American Culture
Located in Union City, NJ
QUILTING TIME is an original limited edition lithograph printed using traditional hand lithography methods on archival Somerset printmaking paper, 100% acid free. QUILTING TIME by th...
Lithograph
$1,943Sale Price|20% Off
WINTER LANDSCAPE XI - Contemporary Atmospheric, Modern Nature Painting
Located in Salzburg, AT
A few words of the artist about his art: When i painting landscapes, I usually choose simple geometric arrangements, contrasts of verticals and levels. I juxtapose the smooth surfac...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Alice Zilberberg - Comfort Me Conures, Photography 2020, Printed After
Located in Stamford, CT
Comfort Me Conures Series: Meditations Photo-based painting on Canson Infinity Rag Photographique Available sizes 30 x 20 in Edition of 15 40 x 27 in Edition of 12 60 x 40 in ...
Archival Paper, Digital
$10,900
The Philosophy of Tea - Still Life Landscape Pink Flowers Table Forest, 2020
Located in Kent, CT
In this lake landscape painting in oil on canvas, a cheerful outdoor scene is set with a still life arrangement of bright pink gladiolus flowers in a clear glass vase beside a smalle...
Canvas, Oil
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Follow Suit (Card Player) -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, People, Red
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This body of work mirrors the complexities of the human heart and emotions. It reminds us that emotions are not always straightforward but are layered with depth and nuance. This pai...
Canvas, Oil
Ballad (Bombay Beach) - Contemporary, Polaroid, Women
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Ballad (Bombay Beach) - 2023 40x50cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the Polaroid. Signature label and certificate. Artist inventory PL2023-08. N...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$1,123
Room 217 - Collector Portfolio # 4 out 7 - 12 Fine Art Prints Nude photography
Located in Brussels, BE
His series "Room" or "My carnival" evokes the fantasy of the mistress, fetishist eroticism, 5 to 7, free fantasy. Eric produces erotic art without ever biting into porn-chic always b...
Rag Paper, Archival Pigment
Ever present - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid, 21st Century
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Ever present - 2021 80x80cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the Polaroid. Signed on the back and with certificate. Artist inventory PL2021-1077. N...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
Melt with You - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid, 21st Century, Color
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
'Melt with You' part of the series 'Hands down' - 2019 20x20cm, Edition of 7/7 and 2 Artist Proofs available. Archival C-Print based on the Polaroid. Signature label and certifi...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
"The Shape of Woman" Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Samantha Millington’s unique style of figurative art pops and zings from the canvas while also nodding in the direction of cubism and goddess figures from pre-history. Both thoughtfu...
Oil, Acrylic
Deep Blue Landscape – Pure Pigment on Canvas by Marilina Marchica
Located in Agrigento, AG
Description: Blue Landscape is an original one-of-a-kind artwork by Italian artist Marilina Marchica. Executed with pure pigment pastel on canvas, this piece explores the depth of c...
Canvas, Pastel, Pigment
"Cairn #2 (5 Stack)" Stacked Takeout Containers Porcelain Sculpture
By Yoonmi Nam
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Cairn #2 (5 Stack)" is an original green ceramic sculpture by Yoonmi Nam made from directly slip casting the negative space of precariously stacked takeout containers and finishing ...
Porcelain, Glaze
Steps - underwater photograph - archival pigment print 43" x 35"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This ethereal underwater fine art photograph captures a figure suspended above submerged pool steps, rendered in soft aquamarine and pearl tones. The crystalline water creates a drea...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$380
Turpentine - Contemporary, Nude, Women, Polaroid, 21st Century
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Turpentine - 2021 25x20cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the Polaroid. Signature label and certificate. Artist inventory PL2021-1081. Not mounted...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$2,800
Calm Waters - Soft Abstract Cool Tone Textural Paint Graffiti Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$488Sale Price|24% Off
CENTAUR with ARCH - original large art by Paula Craioveanu - New Mythology
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Centaur with Arch 100x70cm / 30x27in ink, graphite, tempera on paper large size, shipped rolled in a tube directly from the artist's studio Antiquity is an endless inspiration res...
Ink, Tempera, Pencil
Pink Weather
Located in Zofingen, AG
Two silhouettes stand steady on the bright yellow field, as if listening to the sky shift above them. The horizon holds its deep blue line, calm and certain, while a burst of pink ri...
Canvas, Acrylic
Autumn Evening
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting captures a quiet autumn evening after the rain. A couple walks along a reflective street, where the glow of streetlights and the warm tones of the trees shimmer in the p...
Canvas, Acrylic
Kill Your Darlings No.18 - contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract painting was inspired by nature. This bucolic composition by Sandra Goldie, a Canadian artist features expressive, fluid brushstrokes. Shapes, hinting at ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,125
Paws and Stripes - Wild Cat Portrait Mixed Media Warm Tone Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Columbus, Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome specializes in dynamic and expressive animal portraits that radiate vitality and personality. Her unique style combines abstracted forms...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
Rjukandefossen Waterfall Forest Norway
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Rjukandefossen Waterfall Study 1, Norway - no. 21373 Archival pigment ink print, edition of 9. Signed, titled, dated and numbered by artist. Certificate of authenticity included. Pri...
Digital Pigment
$5,100
September (Expressionistic Land and Skyscape of Cloud and a Field of Flowers)
Located in Hudson, NY
September (Expressionistic Land and Skyscape of Cloud and a Field of Flowers) by David Konigsberg 2025, oil on panel, 24 x 32 inches Konigsberg is a conceptual realist who works acr...
Oil, Panel
Angelau, Winged Figure Linocut by Bernardo Modesto
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This striking black-and-white linocut by Bernardo Modesto presents a winged female figure seated within an oval frame, evoking both spiritual iconography and indigenous symbolism. Th...
Linocut
$380
Fair Weather (Till Death do us Part) - Contemporary, 21st Century, Polaroid
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Fair Weather (Till Death Do Us Part) - 2005, 20x24cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print print, based on the Polaroid, Certificate and Signature label Artist ...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
Pause -Contemporary, Polaroid, Black and White, Women, 21st Century, Nude
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Pause - 2020 40x50cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signed on the back and with certificate. Artist inventory PL2020-949. N...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
Royal Display by Dawne Raulet Contemporary Mixed Media, Peacock on Board
By Dawne Raulet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Royal Display by Dawne Raulet is a striking contemporary mixed media artwork on panel, measuring 40 x 30 inches. This original composition features a regal peacock rendered in lumino...
Mixed Media, Board
$35,000
Halcyon Gold - contemporary, abstract, gold-plated, steel, outdoor sculpture
By Viktor Mitic
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract sculpture was created from stainless steel and painted gold. This impressive monumental sculpture by Viktor Mitic was forged from stainless steel and pain...
Gold, Stainless Steel
$222
Rose The Pug 1 Pocket Painting, Pocket Painting, original painting, still-life
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Solar Eclipse (Diamond Ring Effect) (canvas size 5x5cm) is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic o...
Canvas, Oil