Artists have been shaping the world since time immemorial. Every era has its own set of talented, creative minds that have left an indelible mark on society and culture. In the twenty-first century, art has continued to find myriad forms – from visual arts and photography, to music and theatre. Modern artists from all disciplines push the boundaries of what is considered possible, inspiring generations to come.
Whether you’re looking for a new perspective on art, wanting to try something new, or hoping to get inspired, here is a list of some of the top modern artists to get inspired by.
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist whose vibrant and bold artwork has been a source of inspiration for many. From bright and infinity dotted installations, to paintings and sculptures, Kusama’s artwork has been credited with creating one of the most recognisable contemporary art styles of our time. In her works, Kusama often reflects her own inner psych and uses her art to express her fears, obsessions and emotions. Her works have been showcased in all four corners of the world and in 2008, Kusama was the first Japanese artists to be awarded the prestigious Praemium Imperiale, for painting, given by the Japan Art Association.
JR
JR is a French artist, photographer and urban art activist. His thought-provoking works, mainly featuring large-scale, black and white photographs, have earned him global acclaim. JR’s street art’s aim to spread social messages and challenge people’s perceptions, often pasting images and photographs on buildings, walls and monuments. His work is often a form of social comment, and several of his projects have focused on issues surrounding immigration and democracy.
Banksy
Banksy is the pseudonym of a mysterious British street artist. He made his name by creating works that bridge the boundaries between high and low culture, having claimed the attention of museums and galleries. Banksy’s often political graffiti works are renowned for their thought provoking messages, aesthetic beauty and sense of humour. What’s more, most of his pictures feature in books, music videos and fashion. His work can be seen scattered in various cities around the world – from London and Paris to Sydney and New York.
Jeff Koons
Jeff Koons is an American sculptor and painter who works in numerous media. His neon-coloured art is known for its bright and inviting tones. Koons innovates by redefining traditional art themes and makes unexpected use of everyday objects, exploring the boundaries between the sacred and the mundane. Koons’ work has been widely exhibited and can be found in some of the most renowned galleries and art collections on the planet. He has also been credited for being one of the most expensive living artists in the world.
Kehinde Wiley
Kehinde Wiley is an acclaimed international visual artist, famous for re-appropriating traditional Western art in a contemporary context. By painting traditional portraits of African descendent people, Wiley’s vibrant works of art challenge stereotypical perceptions of beauty. His art has been featured in galleries and museums around the world, and in 2007, Wiley was the first African-American to receive a Presidential Medal of Art from United States President Barack Obama.
El Anatsui
El Anatsui is a Ghanaian sculptor and installation artist who works primarily with found objects. He collects everyday materials such as bottle caps, aluminium and copper to create captivating sculptural works. Anatsui’s thought-provoking works are a form of social comment and often illustrate notions of consumption and industrialisation. With the use of his hands, Anatsui has created intricate ridge vine-like artworks, which shimmer like metal cloths when viewed from far away. He has been credited for revolutionising African sculpture, with several of his pieces having been permanently purchased by prestigious galleries such as the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art and the Louvre Museum.
The six artists featured in this list demonstrate the power of modern art and the magnitude of the creativity of the twenty-first-century. Artists, who until recently may have been unknown, have managed to captivate audiences and leave an irreversible mark on art and culture. Whether it’s a materials metal sculpture of a neon-coloured painting, these modern artists have produced works of art that have earned them global recognition and have inspired many along the way.
