The Contemporary Figure

This collection of works features contemporary objects from the 1960s to today with varying presentations of the human figure. Although artists have depicted the human figure for millennia, 20th-century movements such as Conceptual art, Minimalism, and Abstract Expressionism moved away from the time-honored practice of figurative art. Our current moment is rich with a resurgence of diverse artists working with the figure.

Art history has seldom elevated works of art that feature people of color or their stories. The contemporary artists of color included in The Contemporary Figure are utilizing a traditional artistic style to communicate critical dialogues surrounding race and representation. Figural art has the capacity to communicate narrative, social critique, historical moments, and the complexities of human emotion and identity.

Featuring new acquisitions by artists Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Vanessa German, and Simone Leigh.

Images: Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, English (born 1977). The Fondness, 2010. Oil on canvas, 81 1/8 x 49 inches. Promised gift of William and Christena Gautreaux. Art © Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. Photo courtesy Nelson-Atkins Media Services / Joshua Ferdinand. Fairfield Porter, American (1907-1975). The Mirror, 1966. Oil on canvas, 72 x 60 inches. Gift of the Enid and Crosby Kemper Foundation, F86-25. Art © Estate of Fairfield Porter / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo courtesy Nelson-Atkins Media Services / Jamison Miller.