Contemporary art is a constantly evolving landscape, with new artists emerging on the scene every year. With so many talented individuals out there, it can be difficult to keep up with who’s who. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 9 contemporary artists you should know about. These artists have all had a major impact on the art world and their unique styles and perspectives will give you a window into that ever changing landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Kehinde Wiley – A Contemporary Artist Exploring Power and Identity
Kehinde Wiley is a New York-based artist known for his vibrant large-scale portraits of African American men and women. His work is influenced by classical European portraiture but updates it with contemporary styles and settings to create a unique and powerful visual language. Wiley often features his subjects set against intricate floral or colorful, decorative, patterned backgrounds wearing contemporary street-wear, challenging traditional depictions of power and authority. In addition to his paintings, Wiley has also created sculpture and public art projects. Wiley’s work challenges traditional depictions of power and authority, and he is considered one of the most important artists of our time.
H2: Background and Early Career
Wiley was born in Los Angeles in 1977 and grew up in South Central. He studied art at San Francisco Art Institute and later received his MFA from Yale University. Wiley’s early work focused on themes of race and sexuality, and he gained recognition for his depictions of young black men in street-wear against floral backgrounds.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Wiley’s style is a fusion of classical portraiture and contemporary street culture. He often depicts his subjects in bold, vibrant patterns and settings, challenging traditional depictions of power and authority. Wiley’s paintings are highly detailed and realistic, and he uses a variety of techniques to create texture and depth. He often begins with photographs of his subjects and then overlays the images with intricate patterns and designs.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Wiley’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of his most notable works include:
- “Napoleon Leading the Army Over the Alps” (2005) – A portrait of a young African American man in street-wear, modelled after Jacques-Louis David’s famous painting of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- “Equestrian Portrait of King Philip II (Michael Jackson)” (2010) – A portrait of the late pop star Michael Jackson dressed as a king, set against a background of swirling patterns.
- “Saint Andrew” (2018) – A large-scale painting of the Apostle Andrew, featuring a young African American man in street-wear.
H2: Awards and Recognition
Wiley has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including:
- The US Department of State Medal of Arts (2015)
- The W.E.B. Du Bois Medal from Harvard University (2018)
- The Inaugural Medal for Achievement in Fine Arts from the Department of State (2019)
H2: Conclusion
Kehinde Wiley is a contemporary artist whose work challenges traditional depictions of power and identity. His fusion of classical portraiture and contemporary street culture creates a unique visual language that has earned him international recognition and acclaim. Through his art, Wiley explores themes of race, gender, and power, inviting viewers to question their own perceptions of the world around them.
H3: Sources
- “Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic” exhibition catalogue, Brooklyn Museum (2015)
- “Kehinde Wiley: Trickster” exhibition catalogue, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (2020)
- “Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace” documentary film, directed by Jeff Dupre (2014)

2. Yayoi Kusama – The Avant-garde Artist Obsessed with Infinity
Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese artist who has been creating art for over 60 years. Her work spans a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, performance art and installations. Kusama is known for her avant-garde style, often incorporating bold colors, patterns, and repetitive shapes into her works. Her graphic style and use of polka dots, creates immersive environments that explore themes of infinity and repetition. Kusama’s obsession with infinity and repetition has become a signature element of her work and her iconic “Infinity Rooms” feature mirrored walls and ceilings that create an illusion of infinite space.
H2: Early Life and Career
Kusama was born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929. She moved to the United States in the late 1950s and quickly became involved in the New York avant-garde art scene. Kusama’s early works were influenced by Abstract Expressionism, but she soon developed her own distinctive style, incorporating elements of Surrealism and Pop Art.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Kusama’s style is characterized by her use of bold colors and patterns, often incorporating repetitive shapes such as dots, nets, and pumpkins. Her works often give the impression of infinity or endless repetition, reflecting her lifelong obsession with these concepts. Kusama has worked in a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Kusama’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of her most notable works include:
- “Infinity Mirror Room” (1965) – An installation featuring a mirrored room filled with polka-dot covered phallic sculptures.
- “The Obliteration Room” (2002) – An interactive installation where visitors are invited to cover a completely white room with colorful stickers.
- “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins” (2016) – An installation featuring dozens of illuminated pumpkin sculptures arranged in a mirrored room.
H2: Awards and Recognition
Kusama has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including:
- The Praemium Imperiale for painting (2006)
- The Order of Culture from the Japanese government (2016)
- The Legion of Honor from the French government (2019)
H2: Legacy and Influence
Kusama’s work has had a significant impact on the art world and has influenced a generation of artists. Her unique style, use of bold colors and patterns, and obsession with infinity and repetition have become iconic elements of contemporary art.
H3: Conclusion
Yayoi Kusama is a pioneering artist whose work has challenged traditional boundaries and inspired a new generation of artists. Her obsession with infinity and repetition has become a signature element of her work, and her bold use of color and pattern continues to captivate audiences around the world. As Kusama herself has said, “I will continue to create artwork that touches people’s hearts and makes them happy.”
H3: Sources
- “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors” exhibition catalogue, Smithsonian American Art Museum (2017)
- “Yayoi Kusama: Life is the Heart of a Rainbow” exhibition catalogue, National Gallery Singapore (2017)
- “Kusama: Infinity” documentary film, directed by Heather Lenz (2018)

3. Ai Weiwei – The Provocative Chinese Artist and Dissident
Ai Weiwei is a contemporary Chinese artist known for his provocative and politically charged works. He has used a variety of media to explore social and political issues, such as human rights, freedom of speech, and government corruption. Ai is known for his provocative installations and his willingness to challenge authority. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government, which has led to his arrest and detention.
Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist and political activist who has gained international recognition for his work. He has used a variety of media including sculpture, installation, photography, and film, and often reflects his own experiences with censorship and government oppression. His work explores social and political issues, such as human rights, freedom of speech, and government corruption. Ai is known for his provocative installations and his willingness to challenge authority. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Chinese government, which has led to his arrest and detention.
H2: Early Life and Career
Ai Weiwei was born in Beijing, China, in 1957. He spent much of his childhood in exile with his family due to his father’s political activism. Weiwei moved to New York City in the 1980s and became involved in the city’s avant-garde art scene. He returned to China in the early 1990s and became a prominent figure in the Chinese art world, working as an artist, architect, and activist.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Weiwei’s style is characterized by his use of everyday materials and objects, often recontextualized to make powerful political statements. He frequently incorporates themes of government censorship, human rights, and social justice into his works. Weiwei has worked in a variety of mediums, including sculpture, installation, photography, and film.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Weiwei’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of his most notable works include:
- “Sunflower Seeds” (2010) – An installation featuring 100 million porcelain sunflower seeds, each hand-painted by Chinese artisans.
- “Remembering” (2009) – A series of photographs featuring Weiwei giving the middle finger to various political landmarks around the world.
- “Forever Bicycles” (2011) – A sculpture made of 1,200 bicycles, arranged in a massive geometric structure.
H2: Activism and Political Controversies
Weiwei is a vocal critic of the Chinese government’s human rights violations and censorship. He has been arrested and detained by the Chinese government multiple times for his activism and outspoken views. In 2011, he was detained for 81 days without charge, sparking an international outcry for his release.
H2: Awards and Recognition
Weiwei has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including:
- The Golden Lion Award at the Venice Biennale (2011)
- The Time 100 list of the world’s most influential people (2013)
- Honorary doctorates from the Royal College of Art and the University of the Arts London (2015)
H2: Legacy and Influence
Weiwei’s work has had a significant impact on the art world and has inspired a generation of artists to use their platform to speak out against injustice and oppression. His willingness to challenge authority and to use his art as a tool for social and political change has made him a symbol of resistance and a hero to many.
H3: Conclusion
Ai Weiwei is a provocative and controversial artist whose work challenges the status quo and exposes government oppression and censorship. His art is a reflection of his own experiences with censorship and government oppression and has inspired a generation of artists to use their platform to speak out against injustice. As Weiwei himself has said, “The art always carries a message, even if the artist is not aware of it.”
H3: Sources
- “Ai Weiwei: According to What?” exhibition catalogue, Smithsonian American Art Museum (2012)
- “Never Sorry” documentary film, directed by Alison Klayman (2012)
- “Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” exhibition catalogue, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (2017)

4. The Provocative and Powerful Art of Kara Walker
Kara Walker is an American artist who is best known for Her signature style of cut-paper silhouettes has become iconic in the contemporary art world and has challenged viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s history of slavery and racism. Addressing the legacy of slavery and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America. Walker’s art is powerful and thought-provoking, and it has earned her numerous awards and accolades. She has also been involved in public art projects, such as a recent installation in New York’s Domino Park.
H2: Early Life and Career
Walker was born in California in 1969 and grew up in a family of artists. She received her BFA from the Atlanta College of Art and her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Walker gained international recognition for her work in the 1990s, which was heavily influenced by her experiences growing up in the American South.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Walker’s work is characterized by her use of black cut-paper silhouettes, often depicting scenes of slavery, racism, and violence. Her style is highly confrontational and aims to challenge viewers’ preconceived notions of history and identity. Walker’s works often blur the lines between fantasy and reality, leaving viewers to question the reliability of their own perceptions.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Walker’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of her most notable works include:
- “Gone: An Historical Romance of a Civil War as It Occurred Between the Dusky Thighs of One Young Negress and Her Heart” (1994) – A large-scale cut-paper silhouette installation depicting the horrors of slavery and the Civil War.
- “A Subtlety” (2014) – An installation of a sphinx-like figure made entirely of sugar, symbolizing the exploitation of black labour and the violence of the sugar trade.
- “Fons Americanus” (2019) – A large-scale fountain in the Tate Modern in London, depicting the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and its impact on contemporary society.
H2: Impact and Legacy
Walker’s work has had a profound impact on the art world and on contemporary discussions about race and identity. Her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and to challenge traditional narratives about American history has made her an important voice in the fight for racial justice. Her work has inspired a new generation of artists to use their art as a tool for social and political change.
H3: Conclusion
Kara Walker is a powerful and provocative artist whose work challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s history of slavery and racism. Her iconic cut-paper silhouettes and large-scale installations have become symbols of resistance and have inspired a new generation of artists to use their platform to fight for social and political change. As Walker herself has said, “I’m trying to make you feel what it was like to be a slave, to be marginalized, to be oppressed. I want to make you feel what I feel.”
H3: Sources
- “Kara Walker: My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love” exhibition catalogue, Walker Art Center (2007)
- “Kara Walker: A Black Hole is Everything a Star Longs to Be” exhibition catalogue, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (2016)
- “Kara Walker: Fons Americanus” exhibition catalogue, Tate Publishing (2020)

5. The Colorful and Controversial Art of Jeff Koons
Jeff Koons is one of the most celebrated and controversial artists of our time. Known for his colorful and highly polished sculptures, Koons has been praised for his ability to turn ordinary objects into works of art, while also being criticized for his commercialization of the art world. His sculptures often feature everyday objects, such as balloons or toys, transformed into larger-than-life creations. Koons’ art challenges our perceptions of what art can be and has sparked debates about the nature of artistic expression. He has been both celebrated and criticized for his work, which often blurs the line between high art and popular culture.
H2: Early Life and Career
Koons was born in Pennsylvania in 1955 and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He gained notoriety in the 1980s with his “ready-made” sculptures, which were made from everyday objects like vacuum cleaners and basketballs.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Koons’ work is characterized by his use of bright colors, reflective surfaces, and pop culture imagery. He often creates large-scale sculptures that blur the line between high and low art, using materials like stainless steel and inflatable plastic. Koons’ works are highly polished and often resemble kitsch objects, challenging viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of what constitutes art.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Koons’ work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of his most notable works include:
- “Balloon Dog” (1994-2000) – A series of five large-scale stainless steel sculptures depicting balloon animals, which have become some of Koons’ most recognizable works.
- Puppy” (1992) – A large-scale sculpture of a West Highland White Terrier made entirely of flowers, which was installed at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.
- “Rabbit” (1986) – A stainless steel sculpture of a rabbit, which sold at auction in 2019 for $91 million, making it the most expensive work by a living artist ever sold.
H2: Impact and Legacy
Koons’ work has been both celebrated and controversial throughout his career. While some critics argue that his work is overly commercialized and lacks substance, others see it as a commentary on contemporary culture and consumerism. Koons’ influence on the art world cannot be denied, as his works continue to command high prices at auction and inspire a new generation of artists.
H3: Conclusion
Jeff Koons is a colorful and controversial figure in the art world, known for his ability to turn everyday objects into works of art. While his work has been both celebrated and criticized, there is no denying his impact on contemporary art and his ability to challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art. As Koons himself has said, “Art is a way of expressing humanity, a way of bringing people together. It’s a language that everybody can speak.”
H3: Sources
- “Jeff Koons: A Retrospective” exhibition catalogue, Whitney Museum of American Art (2014)
- “Jeff Koons: Conversations with Norman Rosenthal” (2014)
- “The World According to Jeff Koons” documentary by Maura Axelrod (2018)

6. The Dynamic and Multilayered Art of Julie Mehretu
Julie Mehretu is an Ethiopian-born artist based in New York City. Her abstract paintings are highly layered and complex, featuring intricate networks of lines and shapes. Mehretu’s work explores themes of globalization, migration, and displacement, while also challenging traditional notions of abstraction and representation. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and she has also been involved in public art projects, such as a recent commission for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
H2: Early Life and Career
Mehretu was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1970 and later moved to the United States with her family. She received her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1997 and quickly gained recognition for her unique blend of abstract and figurative elements.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Mehretu’s work is characterized by its multilayered composition, bold use of color, and gestural marks. She often starts with a map or architectural plan as the foundation for her paintings and then layers on top of it with a variety of marks and symbols, creating a complex and dynamic visual language. Her works also incorporate a range of mediums, including ink, acrylic, and collage.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Mehretu’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of her most notable works include:
- “Mural” (2019) – A 23-foot-tall, four-panel painting commissioned by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which explores themes of migration, displacement, and resistance.
- Black Ground (Deep Light)” (2006) – A large-scale ink and acrylic painting that incorporates layers of gestural marks and geometric shapes, creating a sense of movement and depth.
- “Grey Area” (2006) – A series of prints that explore the intersection of architecture and urbanism, using a range of techniques such as etching, aquatint, and spit-bite.
H2: Impact and Legacy
Mehretu’s work has been widely praised for its complexity, dynamism, and ability to explore contemporary issues through abstraction. She has been awarded numerous accolades, including a MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 2005 and the US Department of State Medal of Arts in 2015. Her influence can be seen in the work of a new generation of artists who are pushing the boundaries of abstraction and representation.
H3: Conclusion
Julie Mehretu’s art is a testament to the power of abstraction to explore complex themes and ideas. Her dynamic and multilayered compositions challenge viewers to engage with the world in new ways, while also celebrating the beauty of gesture and mark-making. As Mehretu herself has said, “I believe that art has the power to create new realities and can be a catalyst for social and political change.”
H3: Sources
- “Julie Mehretu: A Universal History of Everything and Nothing” exhibition catalogue, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (2019)
- “Julie Mehretu: Drawing into Painting” by Jennifer Gross (2003)
- “Julie Mehretu: Mogamma, A Painting in Four Parts” exhibition catalogue, Deutsche Guggenheim (2010)

7. The Transformative and Provocative Art of Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman is an American photographer known for her transformative self-portraits that often challenge traditional ideas of femininity, gender and beauty. Her photographs feature Sherman herself in a variety of guises, from Hollywood starlets to ageing socialites. Sherman’s work is highly influential and has inspired countless other artists to explore issues of identity and representation. She has been honoured with numerous awards and retrospectives of her work have been held at major museums around the world. Her work has had a significant impact on the world of art and photography, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the complexities of self-representation.
H2: Early Life and Career
Sherman was born in Glen Ridge, New Jersey in 1954 and received her BFA from Buffalo State College in 1976. She began her career as a painter but soon turned to photography, experimenting with self-portraiture and costume.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Sherman’s work is characterized by her use of costumes, props, and makeup to transform herself into a range of characters and personas. She often uses the medium of photography to explore the ways in which identity is constructed and performed, playing with the conventions of portraiture and representation. Her works also incorporate elements of humour, satire, and critique.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Sherman’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of her most notable works include:
- “Untitled Film Stills” (1977-1980) – A series of black and white photographs that reference classic Hollywood film noir and explore the ways in which women are represented in the media.
- “History Portraits” (1989-1990) – A series of large-scale color photographs in which Sherman portrays various historical figures, from Marie Antoinette to Madame de Pompadour, challenging traditional notions of beauty and femininity.
- “Society Portraits” (2008) – A series of photographs in which Sherman portrays wealthy and powerful women, using satire and critique to comment on contemporary culture.
H2: Impact and Legacy
Sherman’s work has been widely praised for its ability to challenge and subvert traditional notions of identity and representation. She has been awarded numerous accolades, including a MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 1995 and the Infinity Award for Art from the International Center of Photography in 2016. Her influence can be seen in the work of a new generation of artists who are exploring the complexities of self-representation and the performance of identity.
H3: Conclusion
Cindy Sherman’s art is a testament to the power of self-representation and the ways in which identity is constructed and performed. Her transformative self-portraits challenge viewers to question their assumptions about gender, beauty, and representation, while also celebrating the art of transformation and the power of the imagination. As Sherman herself has said, “I think the most interesting thing is to take on a persona that is not you and see how you fit into it.”
H3: Sources
- “Cindy Sherman” by Eva Respini (2012)
- “Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills” by Cindy Sherman (2003)
- “Cindy Sherman: Retrospective” exhibition catalogue, Museum of Modern Art (2012)

8. Kerry James Marshall – Celebrating Blackness and Confronting Racism Through Art
Kerry James Marshall is a contemporary artist known for his vivid and powerful paintings that celebrate blackness and confront racism. His work challenges the dominant narratives of art history and shines a light on the contributions of black people to American culture. His work often features African American figures in heroic poses, set against vibrant, colorful backgrounds. Marshall’s art challenges the traditional narrative of Western art history and offers a powerful counterpoint to mainstream representations of blackness.
H2: Early Life and Career
Marshall was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1955 and grew up in Watts, Los Angeles. He received his BFA from Otis College of Art and Design in 1978 and went on to become a professor of art at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Marshall’s early work was heavily influenced by the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which sought to promote black culture and political consciousness through art.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Marshall’s paintings are known for their rich colors, bold lines, and attention to detail. He often incorporates black bodies into his works, depicting them with dignity, strength, and beauty. His use of traditional painting techniques, such as oil on canvas, is a deliberate choice meant to challenge the idea that black artists should only work in “low” art forms like photography or performance art.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Marshall’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of his most notable works include:
- “Our Town” (1995) – A series of paintings that explore the history of African Americans in the United States, focusing on their contributions to American culture and the struggle for civil rights.
- “Vignettes” (2003-2007) – A series of paintings that depict scenes of everyday life in black communities, challenging the dominant narratives of poverty and violence often associated with these communities.
- “Mastry” (2016) – A retrospective of Marshall’s work that was exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Met Breuer in New York, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.
H2: Impact and Legacy
Marshall’s work has had a profound impact on the world of art and on the broader cultural conversation about race in America. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including a MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 1997 and the National Medal of Arts in 2016. His influence can be seen in the work of a new generation of artists who are exploring the intersections of race, politics, and art.
H3: Conclusion
Kerry James Marshall’s art is a celebration of blackness and a powerful challenge to the dominant narratives of American culture. Through his paintings, he has confronted racism, challenged stereotypes, and celebrated the contributions of black people to American history and culture. As Marshall himself has said, “The question for me has always been how to make something that’s meaningful and powerful and that can help to change people’s lives.”
H3: Sources
- “Kerry James Marshall: Mastry” exhibition catalogue (2016)
- “Kerry James Marshall: Look See” by Helen Molesworth (2016)
- “Kerry James Marshall: History of Painting” exhibition catalogue (2014)

9. Shirin Neshat – A Powerful Voice for Iranian Women
Shirin Neshat is an Iranian artist who is best known for her powerful and evocative photographs and videos that explore the experiences of women in Islamic societies. Her work often features powerful, iconic images of women that challenge traditional notions of gender and identity. She explore themes of identity, gender, and politics in Iran and the Middle East. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and has won numerous awards and accolades.
H2: Early Life and Career
Neshat was born in Qazvin, Iran in 1957 and moved to the United States in 1974 to study art at the University of California, Berkeley. Her early work was influenced by the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the subsequent Islamic Republic, which imposed strict laws and restrictions on women’s rights and artistic expression.
H2: Artistic Style and Techniques
Neshat’s work is characterized by its striking black-and-white imagery, which often features portraits of women with Farsi calligraphy overlaid on their faces and bodies. She uses these images to explore themes of identity, gender, and political repression in Iran and the Middle East. Her work often incorporates sound and video, creating immersive installations that engage the viewer on multiple levels.
H2: Major Works and Exhibitions
Neshat’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Some of her most notable works include:
- “Women of Allah” (1993-1997) – A series of photographs that depict Iranian women in traditional Islamic dress, holding guns and ammunition, challenging stereotypes and exploring the complex relationship between women, Islam, and political violence.
- “Turbulent” (1998) – A video installation that features two separate projections, one showing a man singing in a male-only space, the other showing a woman singing in a female-only space, exploring the gender segregation and division of public and private spaces in Iranian society.
- “The Home of My Eyes” (2015) – A series of photographs and videos that explores the culture and traditions of Azerbaijan, a region in northern Iran with a rich history and culture that is often overlooked or marginalized.
H2: Impact and Legacy
Neshat’s work has had a profound impact on the world of art and on the broader cultural conversation about Iran and the Middle East. Her images of Iranian women have challenged stereotypes and given voice to a group that is often silenced or ignored. She has received numerous awards and honours for her work, including the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale in 1999.
H3: Conclusion
Shirin Neshat is a powerful voice for Iranian women and a fearless explorer of the complex and often fraught relationship between identity, gender, and politics in Iran and the Middle East. Her work is a testament to the power of art to challenge stereotypes, give voice to the marginalized, and engage us in a deeper understanding of the world around us.
H3: Sources
- “Shirin Neshat: Facing History” exhibition catalogue (2015)
- “Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again” by Tausif Noor (2020)
- “Shirin Neshat: Women Without Men” exhibition catalogue (2009)

Final Words
I hope you have enjoyed this journey into the world of modern contemporary art and I hope you have learned something along the way. You might not personally appreciate the work and ideas of all of them, but their importance in the art world should not be underestimated. Some will have more of an impact long term than others, and if you can’t appreciate them, go and look for artists whose work you can appreciate. Their is never a shortage of new up and coming artists trying to find the people who do appreciate their work.