When you’ve got over 12 years of experience in supplying art for hotel interior design and other venues, you learn a thing or two about the names that are worth watching. This post is written as a celebration of some of the most exciting contemporary artists in 2021.


Their innovation, bravery, and artistic flair continue to shape the world of art and its role in our everyday lives. If you haven’t seen these names before – listen up; they’re really quite something. They help inspire us to provide incredible art for venues everywhere.


Contemporary Artists Definition


The contemporary artists on this page have been chosen, in part, for their spectacular wall art that breathes new life into any room it touches. These artists are still practicing today and contribute a rich, unique perspective to the world of contemporary art.


Read on to get inspired!


#01 Liu Xiaodong


Liu Xiaodong’s large-scale paintings capture global challenges such as the climate crisis, economic catastrophes, and human displacement. These are explored with both grace and bravery and confront the viewer with subjects that are unshakably human.

Each composition is built with a level of intricacy and care that connects profoundly to the subject matter of each piece. First rising from the Chinese Neo-Realism period in the 90s, Xiaodong has been contributing spectacular wall art to the world ever since.


#02 Takashi Murakami


Taking influence from contemporary Japanese art and pop culture, Takashi Murakami’s paintings strike an idiosyncratic harmony between fine art, history, and popular culture. This artist is often fondly referred to as the ‘Japanese Andy Warhol’.

Murakami’s dedication to emerging artists is particularly noteworthy. His regular art fairs are designed to champion new artists from Japan and beyond. With bold colours, striking motifs and a flair for levity, Murakami is one of those contemporary artists we keep coming back to.


#03 David Hockney


David Hockney is considered by many to be one of the most important contributors to the Pop Art movement of the 20th century. His work continues to have great influence on contemporary art around the world.

In fact in 2018, his piece, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures), became the most expensive piece of art by a living artist ever sold at auction. His colourful prints and paintings inspire new generations of artists every year.


#04 Cecily Brown


Parallels are often drawn between Cecily Brown and artists such as Bacon or Willem de Kooning. Her bright, vibrant paintings shift constantly between figurative and abstract models. Their expressive style has captured the attention of critics around the world.


What is particularly striking about Brown’s work is its ability to render paint as if it were human flesh. The human form comes to life on the canvas, evoking themes of life, death, and all worldly desires in between.


#05 Njideka Akunyili Crosby



This artist's spectacular wall art explores a kind of liminal space experienced by immigrants around the world. It is neither Nigerian nor American – it is something uncomfortably in between.

Colourful, eye-catching collages capture scenes of everyday life, interiors, and social gatherings. They explore the rich history of Nigeria and its existence in today’s post-colonial landscape. This artist’s work is regularly featured at renowned galleries around the world – certainly a name worth knowing.


SOA Arts – Hotel Interior Design and More


At SOA Arts, we have over a decade’s experience in curating, commissioning, and sourcing spectacular art for your business or commercial venue. Our wholesale art is ideally suited for hotel interior design, restaurant interiors, and much more.

Our catalogue is updated constantly in line with trends and changes in the industry worldwide. Get in touch today with your questions, queries, and inquiries. We work flexibly and are confident we can make things work for you.