What is contemporary art?

Contemporary art denotes work created by 21st-century artists.

What is conceptual art in contemporary art?

In contemporary art, conceptual art is a movement that began in the 1960s. Artists producing conceptual art assign more importance to the idea behind the art than to the piece itself. An example is Joseph Kosuth’s One and Three Chairs, a piece consisting of a real chair, a photograph of a chair and the dictionary definition of the word chair. When the work was displayed, Kosuth included instructions for any chair to be photographed and then displayed beside its image. In this way, the chair itself is not the artwork. Rather, the art comes from examining the way the object, image and words provide competing and complementary definitions of what a chair is. Find a large selection of fine art on 1stDibs.

What is the meaning of contemporary art?

The meaning of contemporary art is art produced by living artists. The category typically includes works created in the late 20th century as well as in the 21st century. Given its timeliness, contemporary art often responds to current issues and themes that are relevant to an everyday audience. Contemporary art succeeded modern art, which is art made during a period that began in approximately 1850. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of contemporary art.

What are the contemporary art genres?

Contemporary art encompasses painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance and video art, among other genres.

Why is contemporary art important?

Contemporary art is important because of how it responds to the current moment. Contemporary art generally describes pieces created after 1970 or being made by living artists anywhere in the world. Through their works, contemporary artists provide commentary about social issues, history and the human condition. By engaging with contemporary art, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the world and new perspectives. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of contemporary art.

What are the characteristics of contemporary art?

Contemporary art has no defining feature or characteristic.The term simply refers to recent creations.

What is the difference between modern art and contemporary art?

The difference between modern art and contemporary art comes down to age. Contemporary art refers to art produced by artists who are still alive or were active during the 1960s and later. Modern art is the term for artworks made between 1850 or 1860 and 1960. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of modern and contemporary art.

What is the difference between contemporary art and modern art?

The term contemporary is applied to art by 21st-century artists; modern art refers to works created from the1880s and through the 1960s.

Contemporary Outdoor Art

Tall Contemporary Sculpture

Abstract Large Outdoor Sculptures

Abstract Totem

Metier D Art

Indoor Metal Sculpture

Monumental Sculpture

Aluminum Modern Sculptures

Outdoor Paintings

$18,000

Echoes - figurative, contemporary, corten steel outdoor sculpture

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This monumental steel figurative sculpture of a moose is designed for the outdoors. The majestic moose, an iconic national symbol, is the subject of this imposing realistic silhouet...

Category

2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Pierre YermiaLarge Feline by Pierre Yermia - Animal Bronze Sculpture, Outdoor Art, Contemporary

$27,116

Large Feline by Pierre Yermia - Animal Bronze Sculpture, Outdoor Art

By Pierre Yermia

Located in Paris, FR

Large Feline is a bronze sculpture by French contemporary artist Pierre Yermia, dimensions are 24 × 175 × 47 cm (9.4 × 68.9 × 18.5 in). The sculpture is signed and numbered, it is p...

Category

2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures

Bronze

$18,500

Geyser - tall, contemporary, abstract, stainless steel, outdoor, sculpture

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Quebec sculptor Bernard Hamel often looks to nature as a source of inspiration for his contemporary sculptures. Geyser emulates the fluid form of a spout of water erupting from the g...

Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stainless Steel

Jah QubePhilosopher's Stone - contemporary, aluminum, stainless steel, outdoor sculpture, 2024

$32,000

Philosopher's Stone - contemporary, aluminum, stainless steel, outdoor sculpture

By Jah Qube

Located in Bloomfield, ON

The powerful architectural form of this contemporary sculpture was created by Jah Qube—a collaboration between Toronto-based artist Javid Jah and Alex Akbari, a masterful fabricator....

Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

David PerrettGeological Survey No3 - contemporary, abstract, multimedia, outdoor sculpture, 2025

$35,000

Geological Survey No3 - contemporary, abstract, multimedia, outdoor sculpture

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This contemporary abstract monumental stone sculpture is by David Perrett. The captivating sculptural work of David Perrett is highly valued for its dynamic vision and raw beauty. P...

Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Granite, Metal, Steel

Viktor MiticSirius No 2 - contemporary, abstract, Corten steel, outdoor sculpture, 2025

$45,000

Sirius No 2 - contemporary, abstract, Corten steel, outdoor sculpture

By Viktor Mitic

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This monumental contemporary outdoor steel sculpture is by Viktor Mitic.

Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

$3,500

Proud to be Canadian No 3 - contemporary, figurative, steel, outdoor sculpture

By Danny Perkins

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This contemporary outdoor figurative sculpture is a metal maple leaf.

Category

2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Unavailable

H 44 in W 60 in D 120 in

"Cryptic Voyage" outdoor sculpture

Located in Glen Ellen, CA

This surreal suspended sculpture in painted steel hangs from a wire to enliven any outdoor space. The large white mouth in the center blows bright pink birds into the air while a whi...

Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Frank Morbillo"Revolution" outdoor steel sculpture, 2002

Unavailable

H 125 in W 46 in D 46 in

"Revolution" outdoor steel sculpture

By Frank Morbillo

Located in Glen Ellen, CA

Minimal, geometric sculpture in steel with rust patina. A series of ten cubes are stacked -- seemingly precariously -- in a winding, vertical tower with exciting movement and light/s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Jeff Glode Wise"Focused Anomaly" outdoor sculpture, 2019

Unavailable

H 144 in W 60 in D 60 in

"Focused Anomaly" outdoor sculpture

Located in Glen Ellen, CA

A playful monumental sculpture by Jeff Glode Wise in welded and powder-coated steel with a cut-glass sphere. Jeff Glode Wise makes wildly exuberant sculptures. He utilizes such dive...

Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Carole A. FeuermanChristina - Life-Size - Indoor/Outdoor, 2022

Unavailable

H 73 in W 19 in D 14 in

Christina - Life-Size - Indoor/Outdoor

By Carole A. Feuerman

Located in Miami, FL

Carole A. Feuerman (born 1945) is an American sculptor and author working in Hyperrealism. She is one of the three major artists credited with starting the movement in the late 1970s...

Category

2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Corpheum XIX - large, geometric, abstract, stainless steel outdoor sculpture

By Claude Millette

Located in Bloomfield, ON

The graceful arc of a dancer in motion is emulated in the fluid form of this elegant sculpture by Claude Millette. Three attached curved columns of polished stainless steel appear to...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stainless Steel

Marcel Barbeau RCADream Screens (Paravents du Reve) - large, abstract, outdoor steel sculpture, 1990

$130,000

H 111 in W 81 in D 38 in

Dream Screens (Paravents du Reve) - large, abstract, outdoor steel sculpture

Located in Bloomfield, ON

Mid-century modern outdoor sculpture. This imposing metal sculpture by the renowned Quebecois artist, Marcel Barbeau dominates the landscape. This monumental piece, ‘paravents du rê...

Category

1990s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Steel

$11,209

H 55.12 in W 37.41 in D 35.44 in

Curved and Taped Red

By Joost van Bleiswijk, Kiki & Joost

Located in Eindhoven, NL

Curved and taped is a collection of sculptural forms that push the boundaries of architecture, art and design. The project is the result of an expressive gesture that moves away from...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

$8,509

H 66.93 in W 31.5 in D 19.69 in

Outdoor Italian Stone Sculpture of Classical Torso with Base

Located in Rome, IT

This reproduction of a classical Hellenistic sculpture, a timeless piece for interior and a garden decoration. Measurement: Torso cm 100 base cm 70.

Category

1980s Academic Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Contemporary Outdoor Art", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Contemporary Outdoor Art For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the piece of contemporary outdoor art you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Find Abstract versions now, or shop for Abstract creations for a more modern example of these cherished works. You’re likely to find the perfect item from our selection of contemporary outdoor art among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those made as recently as the 21st Century. On 1stDibs, the right choice in our collection of contemporary outdoor art is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes black, gray, gold and blue. Creating an object in our assortment of contemporary outdoor art has been a part of the legacy of many artists, but those crafted by Sebastian Reiter, Celeste Reiter, Gillie and Marc Schattner, Kuno Vollet and Mariko are consistently popular. Artworks like these of any era or style can make for thoughtful decor in any space, but a selection from our variety of those made in metal, bronze and plastic can add an especially memorable touch. If space is limited, you can find a small option in this array of contemporary outdoor art measuring 3.15 high and 5.91 wide, while our inventory also includes works up to 236.23 across to better suit those in the market for a large piece of contemporary outdoor art.

How Much is a Contemporary Outdoor Art?

The price for a piece of contemporary outdoor art in our collection starts at $143 and tops out at $130,000 with the average selling for $9,500.

Finding the Right Sculptures for You

The history of sculpture as we know it is believed to have origins in Ancient Greece, while small sculptural carvings are among the most common examples of prehistoric art. In short, sculpture as a fine art has been with us forever. A powerful three-dimensional means of creative expression, sculpture has long been most frequently associated with religion — consider the limestone Great Sphinx in Giza, Egypt — while the tradition of collecting sculpture, which has also been traced back to Greece as well as to China, far precedes the emergence of museums.

Technique and materials in sculpture have changed over time. Stone sculpture, which essentially began as images carved into cave walls, is as old as human civilization itself. The majority of surviving sculpted works from ancient cultures are stone. Traditionally, this material and pottery as well as metal — bronze in particular — were among the most common materials associated with this field of visual art. Artists have long sought new ways and materials in order to make sculptures and express their ideas. Material, after all, is the vehicle through which artists express themselves, or at least work out the problems knocking around in their heads. It also allows them to push the boundaries of form, subverting our expectations and upending convention. As an influential sculptor as much as he was a revolutionary painter and printmaker, Pablo Picasso worked with everything from wire to wood to bicycle seats.

If you are a lover of art and antiques or are thinking of bringing a work of sculpture into your home for the first time, there are several details to keep in mind. As with all other works of art, think about what you like. What speaks to you? Visit local galleries and museums. Take in works of public art and art fairs when you can and find out what kind of sculpture you like. When you’ve come to a decision about a specific work, try to find out all you can about the piece, and if you’re not buying from a sculptor directly, work with an art expert to confirm the work’s authenticity.

And when you bring your sculpture home, remember: No matter how big or small your new addition is, it will make a statement in your space. Large- and even medium-sized sculptures can be heavy, so hire some professional art handlers as necessary and find a good place in your home for your piece. Whether you’re installing a towering new figurative sculpture — a colorful character by KAWS or hyperreal work by Carole A. Feuerman, perhaps — or an abstract work by Won Lee, you’ll want the sculpture to be safe from being knocked over. (You’ll find that most sculptures should be displayed at eye level, while some large busts look best from below.)

On 1stDibs, find a broad range of exceptional sculptures for sale. Browse works by your favorite creator, style, period or other attribute.

Questions About Contemporary Outdoor Art

What is contemporary art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Contemporary art denotes work created by 21st-century artists.
What is conceptual art in contemporary art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
In contemporary art, conceptual art is a movement that began in the 1960s. Artists producing conceptual art assign more importance to the idea behind the art than to the piece itself. An example is Joseph Kosuth’s One and Three Chairs, a piece consisting of a real chair, a photograph of a chair and the dictionary definition of the word chair. When the work was displayed, Kosuth included instructions for any chair to be photographed and then displayed beside its image. In this way, the chair itself is not the artwork. Rather, the art comes from examining the way the object, image and words provide competing and complementary definitions of what a chair is. Find a large selection of fine art on 1stDibs.
What is the meaning of contemporary art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
The meaning of contemporary art is art produced by living artists. The category typically includes works created in the late 20th century as well as in the 21st century. Given its timeliness, contemporary art often responds to current issues and themes that are relevant to an everyday audience. Contemporary art succeeded modern art, which is art made during a period that began in approximately 1850. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of contemporary art.
What are the contemporary art genres?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Contemporary art encompasses painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance and video art, among other genres.
Why is contemporary art important?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
Contemporary art is important because of how it responds to the current moment. Contemporary art generally describes pieces created after 1970 or being made by living artists anywhere in the world. Through their works, contemporary artists provide commentary about social issues, history and the human condition. By engaging with contemporary art, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the world and new perspectives. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of contemporary art.
What are the characteristics of contemporary art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Contemporary art has no defining feature or characteristic.The term simply refers to recent creations.
What is the difference between modern art and contemporary art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
The difference between modern art and contemporary art comes down to age. Contemporary art refers to art produced by artists who are still alive or were active during the 1960s and later. Modern art is the term for artworks made between 1850 or 1860 and 1960. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of modern and contemporary art.
What is the difference between contemporary art and modern art?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
The term contemporary is applied to art by 21st-century artists; modern art refers to works created from the1880s and through the 1960s.

100 Works That Remind Us Why Glass Can Be a Radical Art Form

A new show at Upstate New York’s Corning Museum of Glass shows off the best and brightest contemporary works of the last few years.

Proving It’s More Than Mansions, Palms and Beaches, a Storied Florida Playground Is Getting Serious about Art

The newly redesigned Norton Museum and other impressive exhibition spaces around Palm Beach are drawing art aficionados to the tony enclave year-round.