What is Contemporary Art?

Despite its simple name, art historians have struggled to find a concrete definition for contemporary art. Indeed, the art movement has a diverse history and style that is hard for many people to pin down. Contemporary art began in approximately the late 1960s, as the era of modernism faded away. 

In general, contemporary art is global, diverse, and the art of today. Contemporary art combines materials, methods, and subjects that challenge ingrained topics of the 20th century. Instead of having set principles or ideologies, contemporary art focuses on joining a broader cultural dialogue concerning identity, family, community, and nationality. 

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Here are some of WXLLSPACE’s artists making big strides in the contemporary art world. 

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Amelia Hadouchi from Montreal 

Visit Amelia on her website: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/amelia-hadouchi 

Taking inspiration from natural patterns in volcanic lava, ocean waves, cosmos, and more, Amelia invokes positivity and well-being through her art. Her work hopes to transport its viewers above Earth in space or down beneath the ocean waves, serving as windows to the wonders of the world. Amelia has worked with brands like Volvo and Mercedes and has pushed her philanthropist efforts such as her collaboration with Fashion Fights Cancer. 

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Noé Barnett from Alberquerque

Visit Barnett on his website: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/noe-barnett 

This Albuquerque native infuses life into streets and other urban settings through vibrant creations to give back to the culturally diverse city that influenced his art. Barnett uses colorful dialogue to invigorate public spaces with beautiful artistic narratives. Through his work, Barnett asks his audience to look, ponder, and perceive the world through a critical, yet hopeful, lens. 

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Shawn Bullen from Manhattan

Visit Bullen on his website: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/shawn-bullen 

A seasoned veteran with 20 years of experience, Bullen brings large-scale visuals to different neighborhoods around the US, from Evanston to San Francisco. Bullen has worked with a range of clients from Google, Apple, and American Express, and has been published in several outlets including Hype-Beast and the New York Times. Bullen has a range of styles and talents and can produce stunning, high-quality work. 

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Rowan Willigan from Manhattan

Visit Rowan on her website: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/rowan-willigan 

Influenced by her background as a dancer, Rowan paints with elements of movement, balance, and lines. The outdoors in the Hudson Valley inspires her art, adding flowers and other forms of nature iconography. In addition to ceramics and murals, Rowan paints one-of-a-kind portraits. She has served multiple clients, from hotels to breweries. 

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Adrian Avila from Miami

Visit Adrian on his website: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/adrian-avila 

Originally from Cuba and with an illustrious art background, Adrian has worked in editorial illustrations at Disney and Warner Brothers before moving on to his personal art practice. His art focuses on different forms of indoctrination throughout his life related to feminity, knowledge, spirituality, and power. He brings the perspective of a visual anthropologist as he unlearns social paradigms through his visual language of texture, linear patterns, and sacred geometric shapes. 

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