The art of modern painting is works created currently or in the recent past. A certain number of years will pass, and these paintings will become part of history. Works of painting created from the 60s of the last century to the present day reflect several trends in modern art that can be classified as postmodernism. During Art Nouveau times, the work of painters was more widely represented, and in the 70s of the twentieth century there was a change in the social orientation of the art of painting.

Contemporary art

Artists of modern painting primarily represent new trends in fine art. In cultural terminology, there is the concept of “contemporary art”, which in some way correlates with the concept of “contemporary painting”. By contemporary art, artists most often mean innovation, when the painter turns to cutting-edge themes, regardless of their focus. The picture can be painted in and depict any industrial enterprise. Or on the canvas there is a landscape landscape with a wheat field, meadow, forest, but at the same time a combine harvester will certainly be drawn in the distance. The style of modern painting assumes a social orientation of the picture. At the same time the landscapes contemporary artists without social connotations are valued much more highly.

Choosing a direction

Since the late 90s, artists of modern painting have abandoned industrial themes and transferred their creativity to the mainstream of pure visual arts. Masters of fine portrait painting, landscape subjects, and still lifes in the style of Flemish painting appeared. And gradually, true art began to appear in modern painting, in no way inferior to the paintings created by outstanding artists of the 18th and 19th centuries, and in some ways even superior to them. Today's brush masters are helped by a developed technical base and an abundance of new tools that allow them to fully reflect their plans on canvas. Thus, artists of modern painting can create to the best of their abilities. Of course, the quality of paints or brushes is important in the process of painting, but the main thing is talent.

Abstract expressionism

Modern artists adhere to painting methods that allow the use of non-geometric strokes applied in large numbers on a large canvas. Large brushes are used, sometimes paint brushes. Such painting can hardly be called art in the classical sense of the word, but abstraction is a continuation of surrealism, which appeared back in 1920 thanks to the ideas of Andre Breton and immediately found a lot of followers, such as Salvator Dali, Hans Hofmann, Adolf Gottlieb. At the same time, artists of modern painting understand expressionism in their own way. Today, this genre differs from its predecessor in the size of the canvases, which can reach three meters in length.

Pop Art

The counterbalance to abstractionism was the conceptual new avant-gardeism, promoting aesthetic values. Modern artists began to include images of famous figures in their paintings, such as Mao Zedong or Marilyn Monroe. This art is called "pop art" - a popular, generally recognized direction in painting. Mass culture replaced abstract art and gave rise to a special type of aesthetics, which in a colorful, spectacular manner presented to the public what was on everyone’s lips, some recent events or images widely famous people in different life situations.

The founders and followers of pop art were Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann, Peter Blake, Roy Lichtenstein.

Photorealism

Contemporary art is multifaceted; often a new direction arises in it, combining two or more types of visual creativity. Photorealism became such a form of artist’s self-expression. This style of painting appeared in the USA in 1968. It was invented by avant-garde artist Louis Meisel, and the genre was introduced two years later, at the Whitney Museum during the exhibition “Twenty-Two Realists.”

Painting in the style of photorealism is associated with photography; the movement of the object is frozen in time. A photorealist artist collects his image, which will be captured in the picture, using photographs. From a negative or slide, the image is transferred to the canvas by projection or using a scale grid. Then a full-fledged picture is created using painting technologies.

The heyday of photorealism occurred in the mid-70s, then there was a decline in popularity, and in the early 90s the genre was revived again. Established artists worked mainly in the USA, among them there were many sculptors who also created their works using image projection. The most famous masters of painting based on photorealism are Richard Estes, Charles Bellet, Thomas Blackwell, Robert Demekis, Donald Eddy, Duane Hanson.

Photorealist artists younger generation- Raffaella Spence, Roberto Bernardi, Chiara Albertoni, Tony Brunelli, Olivier Romano, Bertrand Meniel, Clive Head.

Contemporary artists of Russia

• Serge Fedulov (born 1958), a native of Nevinnomyssk, Stavropol Territory. Participant of several exhibitions in Latin America and Europe. His paintings are distinguished by their realism and contrasting color combinations.
• Mikhail Golubev (born 1981), graduated from the art class of the Omsk School of Painting. Currently lives in St. Petersburg. He is distinguished by an unusual style of creativity; all his works are paintings-reflections with deep philosophical overtones.
• Dmitry Annenkov (born 1965) in Moscow. Graduated from the Stroganov Art Institute. Popular abroad, but gives preference to Russian exhibitions. Annenkov's art is realistic; the artist is a recognized master of still life.

Russian impressionists

• Alexey Chernigin, Russian impressionist artist (born 1975), is the son of the famous artist Alexander Chernigin. Studied painting and graphic design at art school Nizhny Novgorod. Graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Architectural Institute with a degree in Industrial Design. Member of the Union of Artists of Russia since 1998. Since 2001, he has been a teacher at NGASU at the Department of Interior Design.
• Konstantin Lupanov, Krasnodar artist (born 1977). Graduated from the Industrial Academy at the State University of Culture and Arts with a degree in Monumental Painting. Participant of many art exhibitions in St. Petersburg. Distinguished by a rare manner oil painting with twisting of the stroke. Lupanov's paintings are completely devoid of contrasting color combinations; the images seem to flow into one another. The artist himself calls his works “cheerful, irresponsible daub,” but there is some coquetry in this statement: the paintings are actually painted quite professionally.

Russian artists painting in nude style

• Sergei Marshennikov (born 1971), one of the most famous Russian artists of our time. Graduated from the Ufa College of Arts. His paintings are an example of blatant realism. The works give the impression of an artistic photograph, the composition is so precise and every stroke is verified. The artist’s wife, Natalya, most often plays the role of model, and this helps him create a sensual picture.
• Vera Vasilievna Donskaya-Khilko (born 1964), granddaughter of the famous opera singer Lavrenty Dmitrievich Donskoy. The brightest representative of modern Russian painting. He draws in the style of a plot nude. In the artist’s creative palette one can find beauties from an oriental harem and naked village girls on the river bank on the night of Ivan Kupala, a Russian bathhouse with hot women going out into the snow and swimming in an ice hole. The artist draws a lot and talentedly.

Contemporary Russian artists and their work are of increasing interest to connoisseurs of fine arts around the world.

Contemporary painting as world art

Currently, visual creativity has taken forms different from those that were in demand in the 18th and 19th centuries. Contemporary artists of the world turned to the avant-garde in a narrower interpretation, the canvases acquired sophistication and became more meaningful. Society today needs updated art; the need extends to all types of creativity, including painting. Paintings by contemporary artists, if they are done well enough high level, are sold out, become the subject of bargaining or exchange. Some paintings are included in the list of especially valuable works of art. Paintings from the past, painted by great painters, are still in demand, but contemporary artists are becoming increasingly popular. Oil, tempera, watercolor, and other paints help them in creativity and the successful implementation of their plans. Painters, as a rule, adhere to one style. It could be a landscape, a portrait, battle scenes or another genre. Accordingly, the artist chooses a certain type of paint for his work.

Contemporary artists of the world

The most famous contemporary artists differ in their painting style, their brush is recognizable, sometimes you don’t even need to look at the signature at the bottom of the canvas. Famous masters of modern painting are Philip Pearlstein, Alexander Isachev, Francis Bacon, Stanislav Plutenko, Peter Blake, Freud Lucien, Michael Parkes, Guy Johnson, Eric Fischl, Nikolai Blokhin, Vasily Shulzhenko.

Leonardo di Ser Piero da Vinci (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) was a famous Italian painter, architect, philosopher, musician, writer, explorer, mathematician, engineer, anatomist, inventor and geologist. He is known for his paintings, the most famous of which are “The Last Supper” and “Mona Lisa,” as well as numerous inventions that were far ahead of their time, but remained only on paper. In addition, Leonardo da Vinci made important contributions to the development of anatomy, astronomy and technology.

Raphael Santi (March 28, 1483 – April 6, 1520) was a great Italian artist and architect active during the Renaissance, spanning the period from the late 15th to the early years of the 16th century. Traditionally, Raphael is considered one of the three great masters of this period, along with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Many of his works are in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, in a room called Raphael's Stanzas. Among others, his most famous work, “The School of Athens,” is located here.

Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez (June 6, 1599 - August 6, 1660) - Spanish painter, portrait painter, court painter of King Philip IV, the greatest representative of the golden age of Spanish painting. In addition to numerous paintings depicting historical and cultural scenes from the past, he painted many portraits of Spanish royal family, as well as other famous European figures. Velázquez's most famous work is considered to be the painting "Las Meninas" (or "The Family of Philip IV") from 1656, located in the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Martir Patricio Ruiz y Picasso (October 25, 1881 - April 8, 1973) - world famous Spanish artist and sculptor, founder of the movement in fine art - cubism. Considered one of the greatest artists influenced the development of fine arts in the 20th century. Experts recognized him as the best artist who has lived over the last 100 years, as well as the most “expensive” in the world. During his life, Picasso created about 20 thousand works (according to other sources, 80 thousand).

Vincent Willem van Gogh (March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890) was a famous Dutch artist who gained fame only after his death. According to many experts, Van Gogh is one of the greatest artists in history. European art, as well as one of the most prominent representatives of post-impressionism. Author of more than 2,100 works of art, including 870 paintings, 1 thousand drawings and 133 sketches. His numerous self-portraits, landscapes and portraits are among the most recognizable and expensive works of art in the world. The most famous work of Vincent Van Gogh is perhaps considered a series of paintings called “Sunflowers”.

Michelangelo Buonarroti (March 6, 1475 - February 18, 1564) - world-famous Italian sculptor, artist, architect, poet and thinker, who left an indelible imprint on the whole world culture. The artist's most famous work is perhaps the frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Among his sculptures, the most famous are “Pieta” (“Lamentation of Christ”) and “David”. Among the works of architecture - the design of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. It is interesting that Michelangelo became the first representative of Western European art whose biography was written during his lifetime.

In fourth place in the ranking of the most famous artists in the world is Masaccio (December 21, 1401-1428), a great Italian artist who had a huge influence on other masters. Masaccio lived a very short life, so there is little biographical evidence about him. Only four of his frescoes have survived, which are undoubtedly the work of Masaccio. Others are believed to have been destroyed. Masaccio's most famous work is considered to be the fresco of the Trinity in the Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy.

Peter Paul Rubens (28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish (South Dutch) painter, one of the greatest artists of the Baroque era, known for his extravagant style. He was considered the most versatile artist of his time. In his works, Rubens emphasized and embodied the vitality and sensuality of color. He painted numerous portraits, landscapes and historical paintings with mythological, religious and allegorical subjects. Rubens's most famous work is the triptych “The Descent from the Cross,” painted between 1610 and 1614 and which brought the artist worldwide fame.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (September 29, 1571 - July 18, 1610) - great Italian artist of the early Baroque period, founder of European realistic art. painting XVII century. In his works, Caravaggio skillfully used contrasts of light and shadow, focusing on details. He often depicted ordinary Romans, people from the streets and markets in the images of saints and madonnas. Examples include “Matthew the Evangelist,” “Bacchus,” “The Conversion of Saul,” etc. One of the artist’s most famous paintings is “The Lute Player” (1595), which Caravaggio called his most successful piece of painting.

Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (1606-1669) is a famous Dutch painter and engraver who is considered the greatest and most famous artist peace. Author of about 600 paintings, 300 etchings and 2 thousand drawings. Its characteristic feature is the masterful play with light effects and deep shadows. The most famous work of Rembrandt is considered to be the four-meter painting “The Night Watch”, painted in 1642 and now stored in State Museum Amsterdam.

Majestic and diverse Russian painting always delights viewers with its inconstancy and perfection of artistic forms. This is a feature of the works of famous art masters. They always surprised us with their extraordinary approach to work, their reverent attitude towards the feelings and sensations of each person. Perhaps this is why Russian artists so often depicted portrait compositions that vividly combined emotional images and epically calm motifs. No wonder Maxim Gorky once said that an artist is the heart of his country, the voice of an entire era. Indeed, the majestic and elegant paintings of Russian artists vividly convey the inspiration of their time. Similar to the aspirations of the famous author Anton Chekhov, many sought to bring into Russian paintings the unique flavor of their people, as well as an unquenchable dream of beauty. It is difficult to underestimate the extraordinary paintings of these masters of majestic art, because truly extraordinary works of various genres were born under their brushes. Academic painting, portrait, historical painting, landscape, works of romanticism, modernism or symbolism - all of them still bring joy and inspiration to their viewers. Everyone finds in them something more than colorful colors, graceful lines and inimitable genres of world art. Perhaps such an abundance of forms and images with which Russian painting surprises is connected with the enormous potential of the artists’ surrounding world. Levitan also said that every note of lush nature contains a majestic and extraordinary palette of colors. With such a beginning, a magnificent expanse appears for the artist’s brush. Therefore, all Russian paintings are distinguished by their exquisite severity and attractive beauty, which is so difficult to tear yourself away from.

Russian painting is rightfully distinguished from the world artistic arts. The fact is that until the seventeenth century, domestic painting was associated exclusively with religious theme. The situation changed with the coming to power of the reforming tsar, Peter the Great. Thanks to his reforms, Russian masters began to engage in secular painting, and icon painting separated as a separate direction. The seventeenth century is the time of such artists as Simon Ushakov and Joseph Vladimirov. Then, in Russian art world portrait was born and quickly became popular. In the eighteenth century, the first artists appeared who moved from portraiture to landscape painting. The artists’ pronounced sympathy for winter panoramas is noticeable. The eighteenth century was also remembered for the emergence of everyday painting. In the nineteenth century, three movements gained popularity in Russia: romanticism, realism and classicism. As before, Russian artists continued to turn to the portrait genre. It was then that the world-famous portraits and self-portraits of O. Kiprensky and V. Tropinin appeared. In the second half of the nineteenth century, artists increasingly depicted the common Russian people in their oppressed state. Realism becomes the central movement of painting of this period. It was then that the Itinerant artists appeared, depicting only real, real life. Well, the twentieth century is, of course, the avant-garde. The artists of that time significantly influenced both their followers in Russia and throughout the world. Their paintings became the forerunners of abstract art. Russian painting is a huge amazing world talented artists who glorified Russia with their creations

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Italian artist Aurelio Bruni. He lives and works in Umbria. The artist paints in the style of hyperrealism and symbolism, organized 25 personal exhibitions, participated in 53 collective exhibitions, and has 10 various awards and prizes.

“The Road to York via Sledmere” is a painting by the famous contemporary British artist David Hockney. On 21 June 2006, Hockney's Splash was sold for £2.6 million. His Grand Canyon painting, made up of 60 small paintings combined to create one huge painting, was bought by the National Gallery of Australia for $4.6 million. The painting "The Housewife of Beverly Hills" sold for $7.9 million at Christie's in New York. In 2016, his landscape "Waldgate Woods" was sold at Sotheby's for £9.4 million. This price became a new record for David Hockney.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary American artist Warren Chang. Thanks to his masterful rendering of light and muted tones, his paintings look very realistic and perfectly convey emotions and mood. Most of his paintings depict people busy with their professional activity or everyday activities. He also paints interior paintings. Warren Chang has many different titles and awards. Lives and works in Monterey, California.

The painting is an abstraction of the modern famous German artist Gerhard Richter, who is one of the richest artists in the whole world. The painting shown in this photo was sold in London at Sotheby's for $44.52 million (30.4 million).

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary French artist Martial Rice. In 1993, one of his works was bought by billionaire Francois Pinault. In 2011, Rice's painting "The Last Year in Capri" was sold for $6.58 million at Christie's auction (the most expensive price among all previously sold works by other living French artists). In 2013, he entered the Top 50 most expensive living artists.

Painting by the famous contemporary Canadian artist Albini Leblanc, a master of miniature cityscapes with a palette knife. The artist lives and works in Quebec. His work can be seen in art galleries in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Quebec City. Albini Leblanc organized 15 personal exhibitions, participated in 7 collective exhibitions, and has 8 different awards and prizes.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Japanese artist Tomoko Kashiki. The artist organized solo exhibitions in Singapore, France and Japan, and participated in collective exhibitions in China, the USA, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Her work can be seen in public collections in Art gallery Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; in one of the largest Japanese insurance companies - Dai-ichi Life Insurance Limited; at the Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania, Australia; in Toyota Art Collection.

Painting “Coloring” by the famous modern Ukrainian artist Oleg Tistol. This painting sold at Phillips for $53,900. According to Forbes, Oleg Tistol is one of the three most successful artists in Ukraine. He was born in Vradievka, Nikolaev region, lives and works in Kyiv, is a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, took part in many exhibitions in Ukraine, Russia, Estonia, Poland, USA, Iceland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Great Britain, Denmark, Brazil, Germany , Norway, France and Italy. Oleg Tistol participated in the biennale: in 1994 - “17th September”, 22nd Biennale in Sao Paulo; in 2001 - “The first Ukrainian project”, 49th Venice Biennale. His paintings are in collections: in the PinchukArtCentre, in Kyiv, in Ukraine; in the Norton Dodge Collection, in the USA; at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; at the Christoph Merian Stiftung, Basel, Switzerland; at the Ministry of Culture of Turkey, in Ankara; at the Museum of the History of Moscow, Russia.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Polish artist Wojciech Babski. The artist lives and works in Katowice. It is popular not only in Poland, but also abroad. Wojciech Babski received the following awards: 1st place in the nomination "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of pop art paintings; 1st place in the nomination "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of paintings commenting on politics; 3rd place in the category "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category acrylic paintings; 4th and 5th places in the nomination "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of expressionism.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Belarusian artist Anna Silivonchik. The artist was born in Gomel, today she lives and works in Minsk. Anna Silivonchik is a member of the Belarusian Union of Artists, was awarded the medal “Talent and Vocation” by the international alliance “Peacemaker”, her works are in the National Museum of the Republic of Belarus, the Museum of Modern Art in Minsk, the Museum of Contemporary Russian Art in Jersey City (USA), funds Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble, Yelabuga State Museum-Reserve in Russia, private collections in Belarus, Russia, France, USA, Japan, Israel, Italy, Germany and Poland. In the period from 2001 to 2016, the artist organized many personal exhibitions in Belarus, Russia, Germany and Ukraine, and also participated in collective exhibitions in Belarus, USA, Russia, Estonia, Ukraine, Latvia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany , Hungary, the Netherlands and Kazakhstan.

Painting by the famous modern Turkish artist Gürbüz Dogan Ekcioglu. The world-famous Turkish cartoonist and graphic artist, originally from Ordu, has more than 70 awards, approximately a third of which are international. Grbz Doan Ekiolu participated in many collective exhibitions, both in Turkey and abroad, and held more than 20 personal exhibitions, one of which was held in New York. His work has been published in the Atlantic, the New York Times, and has graced the covers of the New Yorker and Forbes magazines.

Painting by the famous contemporary Egyptian artist Hossam Dirar. The artist was born, lives and works in Cairo. Hossam Dirar has held many solo exhibitions in countries such as: Bahrain, Great Britain, Slovakia, Italy, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Egypt. He also participated in collective exhibitions in Germany, Egypt and South Africa.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi “The Last Supper”. This painting was sold in October 2013 in Hong Kong at Sotheby's for $23.3 million, setting a new record for contemporary Asian art. Earlier, in May 2008, when Christie's held its first sale of Asian contemporary art in Hong Kong , his Mask Series Painting No. 6 sold for HK$75,367,500. This was a world record that year for sale price among all artists.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Greek artist Nikos Giftakis. The artist was born, lives and works in Athens. He is very popular not only in Greece, he organized personal exhibitions and participated in many collective exhibitions in countries such as Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Brazil, Russia and Greece.

Painting by the famous contemporary Georgian artist David Popiashvili. The artist is from Tbilisi, is a member of the Union of Artists of Georgia, and has participated in exhibitions in France, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia and Georgia. Many of his works are in museums and private collections in Georgia and abroad.

The painting was painted by the famous contemporary UAE artist Abdul Qader Al-Rais. The artist is one of the founders of the Emirates Fine Arts Society and is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary art in the Emirates. His work can be found in the Emirates Palace (the presidential hotel in Abu Dhabi), government offices and in the personal art collections of members of the royal family in Dubai. The artist participated in various collective exhibitions, and also organized personal exhibitions in different countries(Czech Republic, Lebanon, USA, Germany, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and UAE), received many awards.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Dutch artist Tjalf Sparnaay. The artist is originally from the Netherlands, lives and works in the city of Hilversum, organized 14 solo exhibitions and participated in many collective exhibitions in different countries (USA, UK, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Canada, Austria and the Netherlands). His works are in private and public collections in many countries.

Painting by the famous contemporary Spanish artist Miguel Barceló. In 2003 he received the Prince of Asturias Prize for Art, one of the most important prizes in Spain. In 2004, he exhibited at the Louvre the watercolors he created to illustrate " Divine Comedy", becoming the first living contemporary artist to exhibit at the museum. The artist is among the top 30 richest artists in the world. His paintings are expensive. For example, this one, the photo of which is presented above, costs 244,398 USD.

The painting was painted by the famous contemporary Swiss artist Urs Fischer. The artist, originally from Zurich, is among the top 50 richest artists in the world. He is famous for his provocative approach to art, but is subject to its laws; he opposes the presentation of art as a commercial commodity, although he himself sells his works at high prices, skillfully interacting with the art market and collectors.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Israeli artist Orna Ben-Shoshan. She lives and works in the city of Ra'anana, has held many solo exhibitions and participated in collective exhibitions in countries such as the USA, Italy, Great Britain, Cyprus, France and Israel. Looking at the artist’s works, you will be fascinated by an amazing world where everything is possible. Take advantage of this to enrich your imagination, expand your horizons, and meet a rapidly growing talented artist.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Thai artist Direk Kingnock, a watercolorist originally from the town of Nakhon Ratchasima. He now lives and works in Khon Kaen city. Already at the age of 9, Direk won a gold medal International competition Japanese children's creativity. He has participated in exhibitions in Vietnam, China, Turkey, Italy, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Greece, Albania and Thailand.

Painting by the famous contemporary Norwegian artist Christer Karlstad. He lives and works in Drammen, has held solo exhibitions and participated in group exhibitions in the USA, Sweden, and Norway.

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Danish artist, Jan Esmann. The artist was born, lives and works in Denmark, participated in exhibitions in countries such as Germany, USA, Denmark.

The painting was painted by the famous contemporary Swedish artist Nisse Nidej Ottenhag. The artist, originally from the small town of Lilla Edet, has participated in many exhibitions in different countries (in the USA, France, Monaco, Namibia and Sweden).

The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Australian artist Elizabeth Barsham. She was born, lives and works in Tasmania and has won many awards. Her works can often be found on magazine covers or as illustrations for articles. She is also often written about in the press. The artist took part in large quantities exhibitions and organized personal exhibitions in different countries (in the UK, Singapore, Italy, Australia).

What is the price modern Art? Which living artists enjoy the greatest recognition, the measure of which is banknotes? The Artnet website answered this question by analyzing the results of auctions from 2011 to 2015 and compiling a list best selling contemporary artists. Alas, there were no creators from Russia on the list.

10. Ed Rusha

In the 60s of the last century, Ed, along with such famous artists as Andy Warhol and Jim Dine, took part in the historical event “New Image of Ordinary Objects”. It was one of the first exhibitions of the emerging Pop Art style in America. To the unenlightened eye, Rushei's paintings most resemble a stenciled inscription against the backdrop of landscapes or a cheerful splash of flowers. However, within 4 years his creations were sold for a total of $129,030,255.

9. Richard Prince

Richard made a name for himself by re-photographing images from print advertisements, editing them in random order and embellishing them with punchy slogans. Marlboro cowboys, celebrities, porn stars, nurses and biker girlfriends have all suffered at his hands. He also paints car hoods. The public appreciated his works $146,056,862– this is exactly the amount that several of the artist’s works were sold for.

8. Yayoi Kusama

The artist, who suffers from mental illness, likes to cover surfaces with dots of paint - called "infinity nets". She managed to turn both this pea and her own illness into a trademark and is now the best-selling contemporary artist in the world ( $152,768,689).

7. Peter Doig

One of the representatives of traditional landscape painting. His work enjoys constant popularity among viewers who are tired of the hyper-ironic postmodernism - after all, after the inscriptions, collages of photographs and polka-dot chairs, it is so pleasant to stop your gaze on the tropical night landscape. Over the course of 4 years, paintings were sold for $155,229,785.

6. Fan Zeng

Calligraphic inscriptions, transparent watercolor landscapes and portraits in traditional Chinese style are also selling well - $176,718,242 from 2011 to 2015.

5. Cui Ruzhou

This contemporary Chinese artist is famous for his ink paintings of flowers, birds and landscapes. However, ordinary people are unable to understand the powerful power of art - and in 2012, a cleaning lady at the Grand Hayatt Hotel accidentally threw one of his works worth $3.7 million into the trash. Cui Ruzhou's works for 4 recent years were sold for $223,551,382.

4. Zeng Fanzhi

Complex multicolor works by another Chinese artist, where living creatures and objects are either entangled in a web or lost in a winter forest, as well as ominous pioneers with bloody hands, also sold well from 2011 to 2015 - for $267,949,220.

3. Christopher Wool

Christopher's trademark is huge white canvases with black lettering. Four of these letters spelling out the word Riot were sold at Sotheby's for $29.9 million. And in just 4 years, the artist’s works were sold for an amount of $323,997,854.

2. Jeff Koons

The former husband of porn star Cicciolina prefers to work in the neo-pop genre. He is especially famous for his steel sculptures imitating toys made from oblong balloons. For one of the works (a steel orange dog) $58.4 million was paid at Christie's auction. Jeff also plans to install a crane in front of the Los Angeles Museum of Art on which a steam locomotive will be hung so that it puffs and emits clouds of smoke. From 2011 to 2015, Koons sold works for a total of $379,778,439.

1. Gerard Richter

In first place in the ranking of artists with the best-selling paintings is a master who does not even consider himself such. According to Gerard he for a long time created something not related to art, composition, color, creativity, etc. Namely, he covered the canvases with stains of paint using scrapers and spatulas. One of these paintings called “Abstract Image”, most reminiscent of a watermelon that died in agony, was valued at Sotheby’s auction for $43.6 million, and the artist’s works sold for a modest amount of $1,165,527,419.