As 2024 continues to unfold, the art world has witnessed some of the most impactful and thought-provoking works of recent history.
From reimagined materials to technology-driven creations, these pieces reflect the chaotic yet transformative times we live in.
Here are five of the top 25 artworks of the year, according to Art News:
Jean-Léon Gérôme’s The Harem in the Kiosk (1870-75): Rediscovered within a modern lens, Gérôme’s Orientalist painting continues to provoke dialogue on colonialism and visual representation.
Featured at Qatar’s Mathaf, this work underscores the allure and critique of 19th-century European perspectives on North Africa and the Middle East.
Photo : Lusail Museum
Charlie Engman’s Cursed (2024): Engman’s exploration of generative AI through uncanny, surreal images challenges the boundaries between reality and distortion.
His work, which critiques AI’s capabilities, invites viewers to reconsider the role of technology in art creation.
Photo : Courtesy of the artist, SPBH Editions, and MACK
Porfirio Gutierrez’s Linea del Tiempo (2024): In his stunning textile installation at LACMA, Gutierrez reinterprets Indigenous practices with natural dyes, creating a powerful visual narrative that connects ecological preservation with cultural heritage.
Photo : Courtesy the artist
Duccio’s Maestà (1308-11): The monumental return of Duccio’s altarpiece to the Met marks a significant moment in art history, with its gold-leafed depictions of Christ’s life now reassembled for the first time in centuries, emphasizing the resilience and importance of medieval artistry.
Photo : Michael Bodycomb/©The Frick Collection
Arlene Shechet’s Girl Group (2024): At the Storm King Art Center, Shechet’s organic sculptures blend playful colors and forms, pushing the boundaries of digital fabrication in sculpture. This work challenges traditional sculptural materials and methods, embracing the future of art creation.
Photo : Michael Bodycomb/©The Frick Collection
These works not only reflect diverse cultural narratives but also pave the way for the future of art in an era increasingly influenced by technology, activism, and historical reflection.
Read Art News’ pick for the Defining Artworks of 2024 here.
