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.
In The Presence of Fragrant Bliss - Abstract Landscape Mixed Media Art on Canvas
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
Turquoise Dots - Vibrant Yellow Contemporary Abstract Figurative Sculptural Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nebraka-based Jamie Burmeister is a sculptural artist known for his original artworks incorporating original small bronze figures, standing at just up to 4 inches tall. His unique fi...
Metal
$2,850
Morning Blooming - Butter Yellow Floral Landscape Mixed Media Art on Canvas
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
Garden - Contemporary Jade Green Aqua Blue Poured Painting, 2025
Located in Kent, CT
Garden by Susan English, a contemporary poured painting, is a wonderful play of color, light, and composition. Vertical stripes and blocks of color in hues of soft jade, pale mint gr...
Acrylic Polymer, Panel
$600
“Talking Stick”, Clown, Teeth, Plant, Pink, Green, White, Text, Acrylic Painting
By Sandra Cohen
Located in Franklin, MA
"Talking Stick" by Sandra Cohen, is a 12 x 12 x .5 inch acrylic painting on archival board. A verdant green brushstroke grows like a vine from the center bottom. it's leaves push upw...
Panel, Acrylic
$1,813Sale Price|35% Off
Heaven on Earth - Ethereal green abstract landscape painting
Located in Silverthorne, CO
There is this idea of heaven as a place so mysterious to me. A place gated and guarded, a place in some other realm. A place of angels. But what if heaven in here? This earth beneat...
Oil
$675
Love Bomb - Original Minimalist Black and White Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
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
Line 0623-01 by Ahn Hyun-Ju - Abstract painting, minimalism, bright colours
By Ahn Hyun-Ju
Located in Paris, FR
Line 0623-01 is an abstract painting by contemporary Korean artist Ahn Hyun-Ju. Polyester, pigments and acrylic on aluminium, 52 cm x 32 cm x 2.7 cm. Signed, sold unframed. This pai...
Mixed Media
Anew
Located in Burlingame, CA
Elizabeth Geisler is best known for her dazzling contemporary water reflection paintings that bridge realism with abstraction. Up close, the paintings appear ambiguous and loose, yet...
Acrylic, Panel
$1,800
Scaffold Two - Geometric Abstract Light Blue Navy Ivory Beige Lines Shapes, 2021
Located in Kent, CT
Geometric shapes in shades of blue from cobalt to pale periwinkle, and delicate angular lines in black and dark gray are dynamic against a soft background fading from dark navy at th...
Paper, Oil, Acrylic, Panel
$7,048
What Lingers, Large Abstract Landscape, Contemporary, French, Oil on canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter based in Normandy, France. Working exclusively in oil on canvas, she has developed a distinctive visual language rooted in layering, ma...
Oil
Baroque Pearl
Located in Zofingen, AG
Series: Sea Within — Journey Between Light and Silence. A luminous baroque pearl emerges from an open oyster — a symbol of individuality shaped by time. Subtle pearlescent accents an...
Canvas, Acrylic
'Veil' Acrylic Painting on Panel, Contemporary Landscape, 21st Century
Located in Burlingame, CA
Elizabeth Geisler is best known for her dazzling contemporary water reflection paintings that bridge realism with abstraction. Up close, the paintings appear ambiguous and loose, yet...
Acrylic, Panel
$800Sale Price|20% Off
"My Horizon - Fiji" Color Field Contemporary Painting on Paper Rothko Inspired
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
An acrylic and oil on heavy weight paper piece with bright use of color and texture. We are focused on the simplicity of beauty in the moment as Shaoul creates a translucent but very...
Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Lines of Light #2 (Dusk) - Original Moody Surrealist Acrylic Painting on Panel
By Mike Gough
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gough’s interest in the elusive quality of memory has always been an invariable interest in his art practice. Rooted in memories of his upbringing in Newfoundland, Gough’s paintings ...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
HG66 - Playful Chaos Hidden Garden, 2023
By Damien Hirst
Located in Manchester, GB
Damien Hirst, HG66 - Playful Chaos Hidden Gardens, 2023 Oil on canvas presented in a white, hand-painted wooden frame 62.3 x 45 cm (24.5 x 17.7 in) Original artwork Hand-Signed by D...
Canvas, Oil
$4,111
Ce qui demeure — Abstract Library, Minimalism, Oil Painting, Contemporary, 2026
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas – 54 x 65 cm (21.3 x 25.6 in) Framed dimensions: 61 x 72 cm (24 x 28.3 in) Framed in natural wood or black floater frame (your choice) Signed – Certificate of authentic...
Oil
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
$675
Calm Mood #2 - Abstract 'I LOVE YOU' Graffiti Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
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
$675
Taupie - Abstract Gold 'I LOVE YOU' Graffiti Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
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, Ink
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Freedom Flowers: Acrylic Painting, Bold, Contemporary, Nature, Art, Large
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Freedom Flowers Painting Flowers Freedom Contemporary Modern Bold Original Nature Statement Joy Whilst creating Freedom Flowers, I connected to the gift of nature, the abund...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Untitled 1 - Handwoven Landscape Painting, Wowen and Painted Artwork
Located in Salzburg, AT
Untitled, from the Horizon series, handwoven landscape, linen yarn, organic cotton, wool, 60 x 80 cm, 2024. Canvas is entirely constructed on a weaving loom. Each of the steps of t...
Textile, Linen, Yarn
Pair of Blue Birds - Abstract Folk Art Inspired Botanical Painting on Raw Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker’s "Pair of Blue Birds" is a striking example of contemporary folk art that merges whimsical symbolism with bold abstraction. This original acrylic and gouache paintin...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
$580
My Favorite Game #2 - Colorful Pacman Inspired Graffiti Mixed Media Painting
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
Untitled. Ref. 94019
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Capelán's work stands out for its rigorous handling of diverse artistic techniques and procedures, ranging from drawing to installation, including painting, printmaking, photography,...
Canvas, Mixed Media
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
Drift (Contemporary Abstract Horizontal Oil Painting on Canvas in Pastels)
By Jenny Nelson
Located in Hudson, NY
"Drift" painted by Hudson Valley artist, Jenny Nelson, in 2025 Oil on canvas 30 x 60 inches with white painted sides, unframed Excellent condition, ready to hang Signed, verso Thi...
Canvas, Oil
$1,644
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
Golden (Abstract Square oil Painting on Canvas with Blues and Yellows)
By Jenny Nelson
Located in Hudson, NY
'Golden' painted by Hudson Valley artist, Jenny Nelson, in 2025 Oil on canvas 30 x 30 inches with white painted sides, unframed Excellent condition, ready to hang Signed, verso T...
Canvas, Oil
$1,221Sale Price|65% Off
Violet night of the soul - Large violet abstract landscape painting
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Violet night of the soul", a large, enveloping painting that surrounds you with an ethereal and dramatic moment of the sky and the earth coming together. A classic ascension paintin...
Oil
$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
"You Are Here: S Thing" Thread and Acrylic in Graffiti Letter
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This sculpture titled "You Are Here: S Thing" is an original artwork by Kelly Kozma made of thread scraps & acrylic on panel. The piece measures 4"h x 4"w x 1.75"d. Kelly Kozma ...
Found Objects, Acrylic, Panel
$1,644
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
Castaway - Abstract Playful Earth Tone Textural Paint Splat Mixed Media 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, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Mobile Shapes and Curves, Pastel Tones Triptych, Organic Modern Shapes on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mobile Shapes and Curves, is an original painting that presents a lyrical study in movement and form. This large-scale triptych orchestrates a dance of organic silhouettes across a ...
Acrylic, Handmade Paper
$1,250
A Single Bud - Abstract Contemporary Folk Art Inspired Painting on Raw Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Meredith Walker’s "A Single Bud" is a luminous example of modern abstract botanical painting that fuses organic minimalism with symbolic form. This unique painting invites viewers in...
Canvas, Acrylic, Gouache
Between the Landscape and Geometry - Modern Woven and Painted Abstract Artwork
Located in Salzburg, AT
Between the Landscape and Geometry, hand weaving, linen yarn, wool, acrylic textile paint, 70 x 65 cm, 2024. There is a second painting from this series - my other article here, mat...
Textile, Cotton, Linen, Yarn, Acrylic, Wool
Permutations
Located in Burlingame, CA
Elizabeth Geisler is best known for her dazzling contemporary water reflection paintings that bridge realism with abstraction. Up close, the paintings appear ambiguous and loose, yet...
Canvas, Acrylic
$667Sale Price|25% Off
Abstract Vines, Geometric Bauhaus Arches, Gridded Forma in Vivid Tones on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Abstract Vines by natalia Roman channels the spirit of Bauhaus with a modern sensibility, balancing geometry, symmetry, and refined color interaction. This composition is structured ...
Paper, 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
Serie Dibujos Felices 10 - Original Red Blue Watercolor and Ink Artwork on Paper
By "Sergio ""Valenz"" Valenzuela"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sergio Valenzuela “Valenz” is a contemporary Guatemalan artist who tells stories with everyday objects, primarily expressing them with graphite and acrylic on canvas. His artworks pr...
Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Archival Paper
Stay Forever
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Blue, indigo, navy, water, sky 31 x 31" Inspired by the drama of nature and light, Cynthia creates abstracted landscapes with oil on canvas.
Canvas, Oil
$505
Poppin' Graff - Abstract Colorful Textural 'Love You' 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
The Heat - Handwoven Abstract Landscape, Contemporary Woven and Painted Artwork
Located in Salzburg, AT
‚The Heat’, handwoven landscape, linen yarn, organic cotton, acrylic textile paint, 60 x 50 cm, 2021. This work are a symbiosis of two disciplines of art, Painting and Weaving. Handw...
Textile, Cotton, Linen, Yarn, Acrylic
Off-White Figurative Painting on Large-Scale Canvas, 2025 - 'Pugnator 065'
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...
Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Beautiful Mantra" Abstract Geometric Grid in Pastel Colors
By Kevin Snipes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Beautiful Manta" is an original piece by Kevin Snipes made from ink, gouache, pastel, and acrylic on paper. This piece measures 8.25”h x 6”w and is signed en verso. Kevin Snipes (h...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Gouache, Pastel
Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting in Green with Penguin, "The Forgotten"
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Contemporary abstract oil painting on canvas in shades of green, created with professional Winsor & Newton and Rembrandt oil paints. The surface is built up through successive la...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Fall into Silence
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Blue, indigo, navy, water, sky 31 x 31" Inspired by the drama of nature and light, Cynthia creates abstracted landscapes with oil on canvas.
Canvas, Oil
$6,061
Green light by Mathieu Piffeteau - Abstract painting, optical illusion, green
Located in Paris, FR
Green light is a unique oil on canvas painting by contemporary artist Mathieu Piffeteau, dimensions are 150 × 150 cm (59 × 59 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and comes wi...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas with Bird "Premonition of Eternity"
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Premonition of Eternity" – Contemporary abstract oil painting on canvas. The surface is constructed through successive layers of greens, gold, sepia, and magenta, incorporating tran...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Azul Profundo - Abstract Blue Tone Southwestern Inspired Still Life Painting
By Will Beger
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Will Beger and his contemporary-minimalist paintings, take on an entirely unique approach to southwest art. Influenced by his youth and inspired by nature, he effortlessly captures a...
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
$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
Taupe 2 - Abstract Colorful Cool Tone Original Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elisabeth Grace, a visionary artist based in Denver, CO (USA), is renowned for her immersive large-scale paintings, collages, murals, and installation art. With a BA in oil painting ...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
$1,997
Where light lingers longest - Contemporary Architecture pool House Oil Painting
Located in DE
Lilly Muth's architectural paintings transport viewers on a visual journey to a different world, where imagination knows no bounds and the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur...
Canvas, Oil
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
Garden of early delights I by Joachim van der Vlugt - Semi-abstract painting
Located in Paris, FR
Garden of early delights I is a unique oil on canvas painting by contemporary artist Joachim van der Vlugt, dimensions are 160 × 130 cm (63 × 51.2 in). The artwork is signed, sold un...
Canvas, Oil
$1,870
Vivid Blossoming Arcs, Primary Tones Triptych, Umbrella Curves Hue on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Vivid Blossoming Arcs II” is a striking triptych that channels the spirit of the Bauhaus movement through precise geometric composition and a masterful command of color. Each panel ...
Paper, Oil, Acrylic
$2,232
Where Each Day Feels Like a Dream - Contemporary Architecture Pool Oil Painting
Located in DE
Lilly Muth's architectural paintings transport viewers on a visual journey to a different world, where imagination knows no bounds and the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary Abstract Figurative Graffiti, 115X115 cm, Excellent
Located in New York, NY
The image is a colorful, abstract acrylic on canvas artwork that combines figurative and geometric elements. At the center, there is a person with short dark hair, resting their arms...
Canvas, Oil