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.
"Bull in Blue", Animal Oil Painting on Canvas. Signed, Large Format
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
“Blue Bull” is an original oil painting on canvas by Colombian artist Luis Xiua, whose work integrates figurative and abstract elements inspired by nature, symbolism, and Constructiv...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$3,750Sale Price|25% Off
Philosopher surreal original painting oil canvas Paula Craioveanu large 30x38in
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Philosopher" . Original, unique painting. oil on canvas, 30x38in. Shipped rolled in a tube. This painting is a wonderfully expressive piece that immediately draws you in with its b...
Canvas, Oil
$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
Still Among the Living Things - 21st Century Contemporary Woman Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
“Still Among the Living Thing” is a meditation on presence, on what it means to exist gently yet fully within one’s space. The woman stands calm, surrounded by the quiet abundance of...
Canvas, Acrylic
Cherry Delight
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Cherry Delight” is a work about an experience that does not seek to закрепить itself in the future. About intimacy accepted as an event rather than a promise. Like the taste of cher...
Canvas, Oil
Waiting To Blossom -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Mixed Media, Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
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 Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Roots and Rhythm - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Mixed Media, Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
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 Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Through The Lens of Calm - 21st Century Contemporary Figurative, Couple, Fashion
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 Adewuyi Theophi...
Canvas, Oil
Bull III by Christophe Dupety - Animal painting, abstract, violet, vivid colours
Located in Paris, FR
Bull III is a unique acrylic on paper painting by contemporary artist Christophe Dupety, dimensions are 65 × 50 cm (25.6 × 19.7 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and comes wi...
Paper, Acrylic
Quiet Moments of Life
Located in Zofingen, AG
This large-scale painting captures the quiet flow of everyday life — moments of movement, pause, and shared presence unfolding within a green, open landscape. Figures appear and disa...
Canvas, Acrylic
$425
Don't Look Back - Abstract Vintage Inspired Figurative Horse Painting on Canvas
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 ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Shared Blooming
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Shared Blooming” is a space of transition. A moment when familiar scales shift and horizons open differently. The figure within the canvas does not oppose the environment; it is emb...
Canvas, Oil
Ignite2
Located in Zofingen, AG
In my work, I explore how inherited emotional distance turns into a lifelong search for intimacy. I am interested in moments in which connection does not require justification, where...
Canvas, Oil
$875
"Reflections Through Zion Canyon" Abstracted Landscape, Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"You know you are in a special place when it radiates the colors of luck and fortune." - Michelle Condrat About the artist: Michelle Condrat was born and raised in Salt Lake City,...
Oil
Argnam by Ramon Enrich - Architecture painting, stripes, earth tones
By Ramon Enrich
Located in Paris, FR
Argnam is a painting by Spanish contemporary artist Ramon Enrich. This artwork features a stark, geometric setting with a striped background of red and ochre tones, and a solitary g...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,342Sale Price|20% Off
Fluorescent Framed Figurative Portrait With Botanical Emoji and Green Face
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Fluorescent framed figurative portrait exploring digital identity through a hybrid language of botanical emoji faces, organic matter, and exaggerated human features. This large-scale...
Acrylic, Board, Wood
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
The Love - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women, Couple
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
"Wolf in Green", Animal Oil Painting on Canvas. Signed
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
“Green Wolf” is an original oil painting on canvas by Colombian artist Luis Xiua, whose work integrates figurative and abstract elements inspired by nature, symbolism, and Constructi...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Fly Me To The Moon -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
$1,714
Dreamer - 21st Century Figure Painting of a nude Girl Sleeping on a Couch
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Carolien van Olphen Dreamer Oil on wood panel 23 x 35 cm (Framed 31 x 41 cm, frame is included) Dutch artist Carolien van Olphen has left a great impression in many places with her...
Wood Panel, Oil
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Sincerity of Purpose -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
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
NU - Richard Gibbons, Original Oil, Framed
Located in Chicago, IL
This painting exemplifies Richard Gibbons’s sustained engagement with the classical reclining figure, reinterpreted through his distinctly introspective and architectural sensibility...
Panel, Oil
(Gognitive Load, Part 1)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
(Gognitive Load, Part 1) Watercolor on heavy wove paper with collage elements, 2024 Signed lower right above spiral notebook (see photo) Condition: Excellent, never framed Image/Shee...
Watercolor
Winter Stream - Contemporary Atmospheric Landscape Oil Pastel Painting
By Janusz Kokot
Located in Salzburg, AT
Janusz Kokot was born in Kalisz in 1960. He studied at the Pedagogical University in Częstochowa at the Art Institute. He practices painting and drawing. In the years 1988 - 2020 he ...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Pencil
Summer Birches - Atmospheric Nature Painting, Framed
Located in Salzburg, AT
This painting is signed on the back, the frames are made of oak A few words of the artist about his art: When i painting landscapes, I usually choose simple geometric arrangements,...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Hotel room. From The Light Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
While "Composition for Film" evokes notable associations with masters of painting and poetry known precisely for their ability to evoke slow time, intimacy, poetry, and introversion ...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting Collage of Reclining Figures Alba Fabre
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$7,552
Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting of Two Reclining Figures Alba Fabre Spanish
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Contemporary Figurative Body Drawing with Human Figures Alba Fabre Spanish
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Carbon Pencil, Cotton Canvas
Island Entertainment - 21st Century Contemporary Imaginary Landscapes
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Michiel Schrijver 'Island Entertainment' 30 x 40 cm (Framed included in price 34 x 44) acryl on canvas Dutch Painter Michiel Schrijver lives and works in the center of the Netherla...
Canvas, Acrylic
REFLECTIONS XI - Contemporary Atmospheric Lake Landscape
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
Wild Flower Cowgirl - Abstract Colorful Figurative Pinup Painting on Canvas
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 ...
Canvas, Paint, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Both Barrels, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The painting hits immediately with confrontation. That mechanical immediacy produces an adrenaline response: tension, alarm, the urge to duck or to meet the fig...
Oil
$1,475
Sun Fern - Figurative Abstract Folk Art Inspired Modern Painting on Raw Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker’s "Sun Fern" is a radiant work of contemporary folk art that combines mystical symbolism with organic abstraction. This original acrylic and gouache painting on raw c...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
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
$3,880Sale Price|20% Off
Lead (Three of Heart) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
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
$400Sale Price|20% Off
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
Lemniscate - 21st Century Contemporary Realistic Still life Painting
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Erik van de Beek (Dutch artist) Lemniscate 15,2 x 27,9 cm ( framed included 19,2 x 31,9 cm) Oil paint on wood panel Artist Erik van de Beek lives and works in Nijmegen. The modest N...
Oil, Wood Panel
$1,678
The mountains we dream in - B.Schaumann Contemporary architectural Painting
Located in DE
Barber Schaumann is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract interpretations of the female form. Her work combines bold colors with modern, geometric shapes, blending el...
Canvas, Oil
Against All Odds -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Mixed Media, Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
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 Bakare Babatund...
Oil, Mixed Media, Canvas, Fabric
The Best is Yet to Come For You - Abstract Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Artwork
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, Ink, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
An April Day
Located in Zofingen, AG
An April Day captures a quiet, intimate moment set within the awakening softness of spring. Two figures sit at a small table, surrounded by lush greenery and delicate touches of bloo...
Canvas, Acrylic
Screwe Moral - Oil Paint by Elena Mardashova - 2025
Located in Roma, IT
'Elegance', original oil painting on canvas 60 x 50 cm, 2025 Artist - Elena Mardashova
Oil, Canvas
$3,250Sale Price|35% 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
P-GELD by Ramon Enrich - Geometric landscape painting, acrylic on canvas
By Ramon Enrich
Located in Paris, FR
P-GELD is a painting by Spanish contemporary artist Ramon Enrich. This artwork is an acrylic on canvas. Dimensions are 50 x 60 cm (19.6 × 23.6 in). In this work, Ramon Enrich explor...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,680Sale Price|20% Off
Diversity of Thoughts -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, African
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
Blue Cowgirl - Abstract Figurative Pinup Western Inspired Painting on Canvas
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 ...
Canvas, Paint, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,678
Dreams from the shoreline - B.Schaumann Contemporary architectural Painting
Located in DE
Barber Schaumann is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract interpretations of the female form. Her work combines bold colors with modern, geometric shapes, blending el...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Orelisa - 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
$555
Desert Heartbreaker - Figurative Colorful Western Pinup Cowgirl Mixed Media Art
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, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Oil Pastel
Oil Painting on Canvas. "Study For a Magenta Spirit"
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Figurative oil painting on a square canvas. The composition presents a mystical being, a sprite from another dimension, in connection with an invisible world where peace exists beyon...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Life Journey 2 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Figurative, Realism
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 the Artist Joy Eyitayo...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Blue Fig
Located in Zofingen, AG
A fragment of a fig tree, rendered in the spirit of Matisse, appears in simple lines and deep blue silhouettes. Against the light background reminiscent of a sun-washed Mediterranean...
Canvas, Acrylic
When the light began to move - B.Schaumann Contemporary architectural Painting
Located in DE
Barber Schaumann is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract interpretations of the female form. Her work combines bold colors with modern, geometric shapes, blending el...
Canvas, Acrylic
2 Beachballers - acrylic and oil on canvas
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Wencke Uhl is a contemporary figurative paintress living and working in Germany. She draws inspiration from human beauty and the female form. As a teenager Uhl wanted to become a fa...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$8,415
Amaryllis -21st Century Contemporary Realistic Still life Painting of Flowers
By Bart Koning
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Bart Koning (Dutch artist) Amaryllis 46,2 x 36,8 cm ( framed included 46,6 x 37,2 cm) Oil paint on wood panel We're proud to introduce Dutch/ German artist Bart Koning. Incredibly ...
Oil, Wood Panel
Ink Painting, Female Nude Figure, Sauna & the Water Jug by America Martin
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
America Martin "Sauna & the Water Jug" Ink on Paper 22 x 15 inches America Martin is an internationally represented Colombian-American fine artist based in Los Angeles. America...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper
$4,280Sale Price|20% Off
The Tolerant - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Modern, Dog, Couple, Cat
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
$455
Last Shot - Vintage Inspired Figurative Pin Up Cowgirl Western 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, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Spray Paint
Small Winter Landscape - Atmospheric Nature Painting, Framed
Located in Salzburg, AT
This painting is signed on the back, the frames are made of oak A few words of the artist about his art: When i painting landscapes, I usually choose simple geometric arrangements,...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic