Go Back
Magazine

10 Emerging Artists to Watch in 2023

In the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, keeping up with emerging artists is crucial for any art lover. Every year, new talent rises to the top, bringing fresh perspectives anad innovative techniques to the scene. In this article, we will share our perspective on the top 10 emerging artists to watch in 2023.

Art
Art
10 Emerging Artists to Watch in 2023
Date
March 16, 2023
Read
15 Min

The contemporary art scene is a dynamic and ever-evolving space, with new artists emerging each year who offer fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the medium. These artists often challenge traditional notions of art by bringing new techniques, materials, and ideas to the table.

As art lovers and curators, we are always on the lookout for emerging talent that shows promise and has the potential to make a significant impact on the art world. The artists featured on this list represent a wide range of styles and mediums, from painting and sculpture to video and installation art. All have demonstrated exceptional creativity, skill, and vision in their work and have attracted the attention of curators, collectors, and critics alike.

While it can be difficult to predict which emerging artists will ultimately achieve long-term success, these 10 artists are all poised for greatness in 2023 and beyond. They have already made a significant impact in their respective fields, exhibiting their work at prestigious institutions and garnering critical acclaim. With their unique perspectives, innovative techniques, and unwavering dedication to their craft, they will continue to push the boundaries of contemporary art and inspire future generations of artists.

1. Emma Fineman

Picture: Courtesy of FAD Magazine

Emma Fineman is a rising star in the art world, known for her stunning abstract paintings full of energy and movement. Based in San Francisco, Fineman has been creating art for several years and has built a following for her unique style and use of color. Her work often features bold, geometric shapes and patterns arranged to create a sense of depth and movement on the canvas.

Fineman's use of color is particularly striking, with vibrant hues that pop off the canvas and draw the viewer in. Her compositions are confident and bold, suggesting a deep understanding of the principles of design and an intuitive sense of what works visually. It's no surprise that her work has been featured in several solo and group exhibitions across the country, and she has received numerous awards and accolades for her art.

Despite her relative youth in the art world, Emma Fineman is already making a name for herself as a rising talent to watch in 2023 and beyond. With her distinctive style, dynamic compositions, and bold use of color, she is sure to continue to make waves in the art world and capture the attention of collectors and curators alike.

2. Paul Anthony Smith

Picture: Courtesy of The New York Times

Paul Anthony Smith is a highly regarded contemporary artist born in Jamaica and based in Brooklyn, New York. His work explores issues of identity, culture, and representation, with a particular focus on the African diaspora and the complexities of its history and legacy.

Smith's mixed-media works are intricate and visually striking, incorporating a range of techniques and materials to create layered, textured surfaces that invite the viewer to look closely. He often begins with a photograph, which he then cuts and manipulates to create a new image that blurs the lines between reality and abstraction. The resulting works are both beautiful and thought-provoking, inviting viewers to consider questions of identity and belonging in a globalized world.

Smith's art has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions at prominent institutions around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Studio Museum in Harlem. He is also the recipient of several prestigious awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant.

As an artist deeply concerned with issues of race, identity, and representation, Paul Anthony Smith is an important voice in the contemporary art world. His works invite viewers to consider the complexities of our cultural moment and to reflect on the histories and experiences that have shaped our understanding of ourselves and others.

3. Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Picture of Njideka Akunyili Crosby artwork entitled - Before, Now, After (Mama, Mummy and Mamma), picture : Whitney Museum of American Art
Picture: Courtesy of Whitney Museum of American Art

Njideka Akunyili Crosby is a highly regarded contemporary artist born in Nigeria and based in Los Angeles, California. Her work explores themes of identity, memory, and diaspora, often incorporating elements of her African heritage as well as references to Western art history and popular culture.

Akunyili Crosby's paintings and collages are richly layered and dense with detail, inviting the viewer to engage with her work on multiple levels. She often incorporates personal photographs and other ephemera into her work, creating a sense of intimacy and connection that draws the viewer into her world.

Akunyili Crosby's work has been exhibited in major institutions around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. She has also received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a 2017 MacArthur Fellowship, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the arts.

As an artist deeply engaged with questions of identity, memory, and diaspora, Njideka Akunyili Crosby is an important voice in the contemporary art world. Her works invite viewers to consider the complexities of our globalized world and to reflect on the ways in which our individual experiences are shaped by the larger cultural and historical contexts in which we live.

4. Tschabalala Self

Picture: Courtesy of ICA Boston

Tschabalala Self is a contemporary artist based in New York City whose colorful, expressive, and highly textured works explore the intersections of race, gender, and identity. Her figurative works often feature black women as central subjects and are created using a variety of techniques including collage, printmaking, and painting.

Self's work is characterized by a bold and confident use of color, and her figures are often depicted with exaggerated features and proportions, challenging conventional notions of beauty and representation. Her work is heavily influenced by her upbringing in Harlem, and the neighborhood's vibrant cultural scene is evident in the energy and dynamism of her pieces.

Self's art has been exhibited at numerous prestigious institutions, including the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the New Museum in New York, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. In 2018, she was the recipient of the Studio Museum in Harlem's Wein Prize, which recognizes emerging black artists.

Through her art, Tschabalala Self challenges traditional notions of representation and beauty while celebrating the strength and resilience of Black women. Her work offers a powerful commentary on the complex intersections of race, gender, and identity, and invites viewers to engage with these issues in new and dynamic ways.

5. Salman Toor

Picture: Courtesy of The New York Times

Salman Toor is a talented painter who has garnered attention in the art world for his unique style and perspective. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Toor now resides in New York City, where he creates thought-provoking figurative paintings that examine themes of identity, queer culture, and diaspora. Toor's paintings are characterized by his use of bold colors and vivid brushstrokes, which lend a sense of playfulness and humor to his often contemplative subject matter.

Toor's work has been exhibited at a number of prestigious institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the New Museum in New York City. His paintings have been praised for their ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in a relatable and accessible way, making them popular with art collectors and casual viewers alike. With his unique perspective and ability to create work that speaks to a wide range of audiences, Toor is sure to continue to make an impact in the art world for years to come.

6. Salman Khoshroo

Picture: Courtesy of Art Plugged

Salman Khoshroo is an emerging artist who has garnered attention for his unique approach to painting. Born and raised in Iran, he now lives and works in New York City. Khoshroo's work blurs the line between abstraction and figuration, often incorporating text and other found materials to create visually striking compositions. His paintings are highly expressive, with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors that capture the viewer's attention. Khoshroo has exhibited his work in several solo and group exhibitions, including at the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London and the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago. In 2019, he was a finalist for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize, which recognizes the achievements of emerging artists in the region.

7. Awol Erizku

Picture: Courtesy of The New York Times

Awol Erizku is a multidisciplinary artist known for his thought-provoking works that address issues of race, gender, and power in contemporary society. Born in Ethiopia, Erizku immigrated to the United States as a child and has since become a leading voice in the art world. His work, which often incorporates found objects, photography, and text, is known for its daring and challenging nature. Erizku's exhibitions have been shown at major institutions around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and ICA Boston. His work often sparks important conversations about race and identity in contemporary art and culture.

8. Harold Ancart

Picture: Courtesy of David Kordansky Gallery

Harold Ancart's interest in art began at a young age, and he studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Visuels de La Cambre in Brussels before moving to New York in 2009. His work is inspired by the urban environment and the natural world, often depicting landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes. Ancart is known for his large-scale paintings, which he creates by layering thick, gestural brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and texture. He has also created several site-specific installations, including a massive outdoor sculpture in New York's Cadman Plaza Park. Ancart's work has been exhibited at several prominent institutions, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Menil Collection, and the David Zwirner Gallery.

9. Genesis Tramaine

Picture: Courtesy of Artspace.com

Genesis Tramaine is a Brooklyn-based artist who works in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, installation, and performance. Her work often focuses on the black experience and explores themes of identity, community, and spirituality. Tramaine uses found objects and everyday materials in her artwork, transforming them into powerful symbols of resilience and resistance. She is known for her use of bold colors, intricate patterns, and layered textures that create a sense of depth and richness in her work. Tramaine's work has been exhibited in galleries and institutions across the United States, including the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, and the Bronx Museum of the Arts. She has also been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, including The New York Times, Artforum, and Art in America.

10. Simphiwe Ndzube

Picture: Courtesy of Nicodim Gallery

Simphiwe Ndzube is a rising star on the contemporary art scene, known for his vibrant and imaginative works that challenge conventional artistic boundaries. Born in South Africa in 1990, Ndzube grew up during the tumultuous years of apartheid, and his experiences have influenced his art. He often draws on African folklore and mythology, as well as contemporary political and social issues, to create works that are both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.

Ndzube's work often incorporates a range of media, including painting, sculpture, and performance, and he is known for his use of found objects and materials such as cardboard, fabric, and wire. He also uses a bold and vibrant color palette, which contributes to the energetic and dynamic quality of his works.

Ndzube has exhibited his work at several prestigious institutions and galleries around the world. In 2019, he was included in the Venice Biennale, where he presented a large-scale installation exploring themes of migration and displacement. His work has also been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, the Rubell Museum in Miami, and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town, among others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the art world is a dynamic and ever-changing field, always filled with emerging talent. The 10 artists on this list offer a glimpse into the future of contemporary art with their unique perspectives, innovative techniques, and willingness to push boundaries. Their work showcases a range of styles and themes, from identity and cultural heritage to spirituality and the natural world. As art lovers, it's important to keep up with the newest voices in the field and appreciate the fresh perspectives they offer. We can look forward to seeing the impact these artists will have on the art world in 2023 and beyond.

FAQs

What does it mean for an artist to be "emerging"?

"Emerging" artists are those who are gaining recognition and making a name for themselves in the art world. They may be relatively new to the scene or have been working for several years but are just starting to gain wider recognition.

How do curators choose which artists to work with?

Curators choose artists to work with based on a variety of factors, including the quality of their work, their potential for growth and development, and how their work fits into the larger themes and ideas of an exhibition or collection.

Are emerging artists more affordable than established artists?

In general, emerging artists are more affordable than established artists, although this can vary depending on the artist, the medium, and the demand for their work.

What should I look for when buying art from an emerging artist?

When buying art from an emerging artist, it's important to consider the quality of their work, their potential for growth and development, and how their work fits into your personal collection or interests.

How can I support emerging artists?

You can support emerging artists by attending their exhibitions and buying their work, sharing their work on social media, and spreading the word about their talent and potential.

January 1, 2024
Art
Art
The Rise of Street Art as a Collectible Art Form

Street art, once perceived as mere vandalism, has undergone a remarkable transformation. It's now celebrated as a powerful form of cultural expression and a valuable collectible art form. This metamorphosis has not only changed the way we perceive urban landscapes but also how collectors and art enthusiasts value creativity sprayed on public walls. In this exploration, we delve into the colorful world of street art, tracing its origins, examining its rise in the art market, and understanding its unique appeal to collectors.‍

December 30, 2023
Educational
Educational
Contemporary Art Investment: A Small Guide for Collectors & Art Lovers

In the world of art, beauty isn't just in the eye of the beholder; it's also in the hands of the savvy investor. Contemporary art investment is a thrilling journey that allows art lovers to combine their passion with the potential for financial gain. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, this small guide is your ticket to navigating the dynamic and ever-evolving world of contemporary art investment.

November 5, 2023
Educational
Educational
Art Market Predictions: What Experts Say About the Future of Contemporary Art Investment

In this article, we will delve into the insights and predictions shared by experts in the field regarding the future of contemporary art investment.