affordable art: contemporary art
AFFORDABLE ART
In this series, we’re focusing on the categories that exist within art. The previous article was all about Photography, and this one is about Contemporary Art.
Contemporary art feels like a huge category of art. And it kind of is. Because Contemporary Art is defined as art made by artists living today, and after the Modern Art movement (1860s - 1970s).
Contemporary Art is characterised by its experimental nature and often reflects, or offers commentary on, society and topical issues. As you can imagine, this list isn’t exhaustive, but it does include a few favourites.
Our definition of affordable is anything under £150.
maria murhpy
Maria is many things; an Artist, Designer, Art Teacher *and* Illustrator. Fascinated by the human figure, she’s a figurative artist. To her, colour adds a satirical commentary to her work. For me, her use of colour paired with texture (like brush strokes and imperfect paint splodges) results in expressive pieces with their own sense of atmosphere and vibe. Like you could walk into the scene she’s depicted and get a feel for the characters occupying it.
Horses often appear in her work, and although she admits that she’s not sure why, she thinks they represent freedom and she’ll forever enjoy capturing their shape.
If your prized possession is a pair of cowboy boots or identify as a ‘horse girl’ or are usually dressed head-to-toe in colour, you’ll like a piece by Maria Murphy. (In case you didn’t think Maria’s work was a commentary on modern life, check out the titles of her work).
david shrigley
David Shrigley’s work is funny and rooted in everyday life. His signature style features crude, almost childlike drawings complete with a pithy observation written in imperfect, hand painted lettering: which makes it easy to spot his work, both in galleries and friends houses. His combination of drawing and handwritten note creates an endearing, unpretentious style that makes you feel like you’re in on a shared joke.
If you value imperfection or believe life demands silliness you’ll appreciate a piece by David Shrigley.
ceal warnants
Ceal Warnants work explores the dark side of British culture in general, but the majority of her work focuses on you and innocence. She mimics a vintage illustration style to create a commentary on the expectations placed on young people today, and how different this is to the expectations of the past. I find this tension between the old and new creates a pointed, if not playful take on society.
If you were raised on Enid Blyton, have a soft spot for kitsch and often end up arguing about women’s rights at dinner parties, you’ll appreciate a piece by Ceal Warnants.
mr bingo
Mr Bingo is a commercial illustrator. And while I very nearly didn’t include him in this guide (to save him for the Illustration specific guide) I decided to based on the social commentary of his work. Personal rationale / ramble aside, Mr Bingo is mostly known for what he calls ‘funny work’. To him, funny illustrations will always be more memorable than purely pretty illustrations that don’t say anything. His work mimics his personal dry sense of humour and borders on the existential, prompting questions like what are we doing, and are we actually having a nice time? And while some may find this morbid, I find his work comforting, grounding almost.
If you’re often accused of being acerbic, value people that ‘just get to the bloody point’ or are nearly always on the precipice of an existential crisis, you’ll appreciate a piece by M Bingo.
This article is the third article in the Affordable Art series, you’ll find every piece of art featured in this series, and more, on Pinterest.