2025’s Boldest Artists Redefine Contemporary Creativity Across Mediums
The art world in 2025 saw a diverse range of creative voices gaining attention. From figurative painters to performance artists, each brought a unique approach to their craft. Works spanning oil paintings, street art, and conceptual performances drew audiences across galleries and exhibitions worldwide.
ShuJie Wang, a Chinese-born figurative painter now based in France, continued to explore emotion through scenes of couples, families, and solitude. Her oil paintings, often applied with a palette knife, relied on bold color choices to convey feeling. Watercolor also featured in her work, adding a softer contrast to her expressive style.
In Amsterdam, Mariah Birsak developed a vivid figurative style blending symbolic animals, dreamlike interiors, and bright landscapes. Critics described her approach as 'Colorful Flat Illustrations', where figuration met abstraction in playful compositions. French street artist Aket Kubic made waves by reinterpreting cubism with a geometric, urban twist. His 'Fights' series and high-profile collaborations cemented his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary street art. Meanwhile, performance artist Marina Abramović remained a central figure in 2025. Her year included a major exhibition at Schloss Moyland, running until January 11, 2026, where she engaged in dialogue with Joseph Beuys’ legacy. Known for her explorations of presence and human connection, Abramović’s conceptual work continued to draw international attention. London-based photographer Richard Dunkley also gained momentum, merging fashion imagery with personal artistic research. His photographs attracted growing interest from collectors, marking a notable shift in his career.
These artists, each with distinct techniques and themes, shaped conversations in contemporary art during 2025. Their exhibitions, collaborations, and evolving styles reflected a dynamic year for creative expression. From gallery walls to public spaces, their work reached audiences in new and engaging ways.
