10 Contemporary Artists You Should Know in 2025
The art world is always evolving, with new voices emerging each year. As a collector or art enthusiast, it's important to stay ahead of trends and discover new talent. Here are 10 contemporary artists you should know in 2025, whose works are anticipated to gain significant recognition and value.
1. Julie Mehretu - Expanding Geographies
Julie Mehretu is renowned for her abstract maps and architectural drawings that explore themes of migration, displacement, and geopolitical conflict. Her intricate layered compositions mix elements of cartography, history, and geography, offering a fresh perspective on global connections. With her growing recognition, Mehretu is poised to see her work valued at even higher prices in the coming years.
2. Jordan Casteel - Portraits of Humanity
Jordan Casteel has emerged as a leading contemporary portrait artist, known for her vibrant and intimate depictions of people from her community. Her works explore themes of race, identity, and intimacy, often portraying everyday individuals in a powerful, humanizing way. With exhibitions in top institutions like the Denver Art Museum, her work is quickly becoming highly collectible.
3. Amoako Boafo - Bold Portraits with Meaning
Ghanaian artist Amoako Boafo has made waves in the contemporary art world with his bold, colorful portraits that explore themes of African identity, the diaspora, and the human experience. His signature finger-painting technique adds texture and depth to his work, capturing the essence of his subjects in vivid color. Boafo's popularity is rising rapidly, making him one of the most exciting artists to watch.
4. Dana Schutz - Emotional and Abstract Narratives
Dana Schutz’s vibrant and often controversial paintings delve into human emotions, pop culture, and societal reflections. Known for her exaggerated figures and narrative-driven works, Schutz’s pieces blur the line between figurative and abstract painting. Her provocative work continues to be shown at major international art fairs and auction houses, signaling her continued relevance in the art market.
5. Takashi Murakami - Superflat Meets the Digital Age
Takashi Murakami is one of Japan’s most prominent contemporary artists, famous for his colorful, cartoonish aesthetic and his incorporation of traditional Japanese culture with modern pop art influences. His "superflat" style has made an enormous impact on the art market, and his collaborations with brands like Louis Vuitton and his embrace of NFTs show that Murakami is an artist ahead of the curve. Expect his work to continue rising in value in the coming years.
6. Tschabalala Self - Exploring Identity and the Female Form
Tschabalala Self is an emerging star whose mixed-media works explore issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Known for her large-scale works that feature powerful, expressive depictions of the female body, Self’s art challenges traditional notions of beauty and identity. Her work, which blends painting, fabric, and collage techniques, has already garnered considerable attention in the art world.
7. Kaws (Brian Donnelly) - Pop Culture and High Art Collide
Kaws, the pseudonym of Brian Donnelly, has gained immense popularity over the past decade, with his distinctive characters, playful yet dark interpretations of pop culture, and successful collaborations with brands like Dior and Uniqlo. With the rise of street art and a growing focus on collectible art toys, Kaws continues to lead the charge in blending fine art and commercial culture. His sculptures, paintings, and limited-edition products are some of the most highly coveted pieces in contemporary art.
8. Cecily Brown - The Sensual Abstract
Cecily Brown is known for her sensual and abstract paintings that often reference classical art, combining them with contemporary subjects. Her works, characterized by their fluid brushstrokes and energetic compositions, evoke a sense of physicality and emotion. Brown’s paintings are included in major private and institutional collections, and her work continues to command attention on the global art market.
9. David Hammons - Conceptual Art and Social Commentary
David Hammons is one of the most influential African American artists of his generation. His provocative works explore themes of race, politics, and identity in American society. Using a wide range of media, from found objects to performance art, Hammons’ conceptual approach continues to challenge audiences and spark important conversations in the art world.
10. Shirin Neshat - The Power of Photography and Film
Iranian artist Shirin Neshat is celebrated for her powerful photography and video installations that address themes of gender, cultural identity, and the experience of women in the Islamic world. Her work often explores the tension between modernity and tradition, making it relevant in today’s global art scene. With her continued exploration of pressing cultural issues, Neshat remains one of the most important contemporary artists to watch.
