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Art is highly subjective and contemporary art even more so. The mediums of what art can be created from and the expression of what art is continues to push boundaries. Gaining recognition as an artist is a dream for many talented individuals. There are some contemporary art artists, however, whose work is in high demand and their names synonymous with the words contemporary art.

American born, Jeff Koons, is a sculpture and mixed media artist whose individual pieces are capable of fetching millions. A favorite of the museum world and general public, Koons’ avant- garde art and reproductions show a rare and beautiful talent. One version of his Michael Jackson and Bubbles sculpture (elegantly crafted from porcelain and gold) sold for over $5 million in 1991. It is hard to believe this talented artist worked as a Wall Street commodities broker before gaining fame in the art world. Successful contemporary art artists like Koons provide inspiration to aspiring artists.

Contemporary art artists excel in a variety of mediums. The controversial Damien Hirst is known for his installation works, although he creates in other mediums as well. Installation art is art created in 2D and 3D mediums and is designed to challenge the way we see or think of a particular object or space. Hirst’s installation pieces The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (1991) and A Thousand Years (1989) are among his best known works. A quick glance at those two pieces gives us insight as to why Hirst is considered so controversial. A Thousand Years is a glass case filled with maggots feasting on a cow’s head and The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living is a tiger shark preserved in a tank of formaldehyde. During Hirst’s student’s days, he worked in a mortuary; it is though his job influenced his works of art. Clearly, a theme of death can be seen in many of his creations.

As you can see, the materials and subjects used by contemporary art artists can vary greatly.

Contemporary art artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst challenge our thinking about art and force us to look beyond the conventionally held boundaries of what art is. If you believe that art defies explanation, you can accept maggots feasted on a cow as art in the highest form. As previously mentioned, art is subjective. It means something different to each and every person that drinks it in. What it does, however, on a global scale, is move us. It may not always move us towards a place of happiness, content or beauty, but it moves us and that is one of the many purposes of contemporary art.