Most Influential Artists of the 21st Century

Julie Mehretu is a key figure in contemporary art for her innovative approach to painting and drawing, creating complex, large-scale works that explore architecture, history, and global identity. Her distinctive style, which fuses abstract and figurative elements with layers of visual information, has redefined the modern pictorial language and profoundly influenced a generation of artists.

• 21st-century twist on artistic tradition

• Defines 21st-century art

• Dynamic visual articulation of contemporary experience

• Depicts social behavior and the psychogeography of space

Gerhard Richter is a central figure in contemporary art due to his constant experimentation with various styles and media, challenging conventions and exploring the nature of painting and imagery. His work, ranging from figurative paintings to radically different abstractions, has exerted a profound influence on subsequent generations of artists seeking to expand the boundaries of artistic expression.

• Versatility and exploration between figurative and abstract painting

• Considered the 'Picasso of the 21st Century'

Jeff Koons has redefined the perception of contemporary art through his bold use of industrial materials and his focus on popular culture. His work, often monumental and provocative, has generated significant debate about value, the market, and the very definition of art, solidifying his influence on subsequent generations of artists.

• Most valued living artist

• It is a unique cultural phenomenon

• One of the most influential contemporary artists

Ai Weiwei is a central figure in contemporary art due to his bold activism and his ability to merge social and political critique with innovative artistic practices. His work challenges conventions and generates global dialogue on human rights and freedom of expression, making him an unavoidable reference point of the 21st century.

• Advocate for human rights and freedom of expression

• Influential figure in Chinese modernism and cultural development

• Denounces censorship and repression

Yayoi Kusama has redefined contemporary art with her unique focus on repetition, obsession, and sensory immersion. Her large-scale installations, such as the 'Infinity Mirror Rooms,' have captivated global audiences and profoundly influenced how we experience art, solidifying her status as a seminal figure of the 21st century.

• Her legacy has left an indelible mark on the current artistic landscape

• She is the most sought-after living artist in the world

• Her visual language is unmistakable

• She is a precursor of the Pop Art, Minimalism, and Feminist Art movements

Susana Solano is a key figure in contemporary sculpture, whose work has redefined the relationship between space, form, and material. Her innovative approach and ability to evoke deep emotions through often monumental structures have positioned her as an artist of great influence in the 21st-century art scene.

• Acclaimed by critics since the beginning of her career

• Her work speaks of the freedom to contemplate art

• Works have acquired a poetic character

• She has known how to adapt to the changes in contemporary art

Richard Prince is a central figure in contemporary art for his bold exploration of appropriation and the deconstruction of American visual culture. His work challenges notions of originality and authorship, profoundly influencing subsequent generations of artists who question representation and identity.

• Influential contemporary artist

• Innovative use of appropriation in art

Cindy Sherman is a pivotal figure in contemporary art for her groundbreaking exploration of identity, gender, and representation through photography. Her work has challenged traditional perceptions and profoundly influenced generations of artists addressing similar themes.

• Milestone in contemporary photography and postmodernism

• Internationally recognized for her photographs

• Generates a cultural critique from a female perspective

• Pioneer of postmodernism

Anish Kapoor is a central figure in contemporary art for his innovative exploration of form, space, and perception. His monumental sculptures and bold use of materials have redefined the viewer's experience and have had a lasting impact on global artistic discourse.

• Creates ambitious projects

• Explores the interplay of mass and void

• Experiments with optics

• Inspired by rich colors of India

Takashi Murakami is a central figure in contemporary art for his innovative fusion of high art culture with popular culture, creating a distinctive visual style known as 'Superflat'. His influence extends beyond galleries, impacting fashion, design, and advertising, and redefining the relationship between art and the global market in the 21st century.

• Founder of the Superflat art movement

• Superflat is a major popular art trend

• Combines Japanese pop culture and traditional art

• Leaves a mark on popular art

Kehinde Wiley has established himself as a highly influential artistic figure in the 21st century for his bold reinterpretation of classical portraits, replacing European historical figures with people of African descent and the African diaspora. His work challenges dominant narratives and celebrates the presence and power of marginalized communities, generating significant cultural and social impact.

• Breathes new life into classical art

• Collates modern culture with influence of Old Masters

• Exerts a global influence

• One of the world's most iconic visual artists