10 Inspirational Artists you need to follow on Instagram

Art has been given another platform to express itself, thanks to the power of Instagram. Nowadays, artists, far and wide showcase their work while broadening their audiences. What’s more, the social platform also gives artists the chance to let viewers in on parts of their personal life. So in the name of the art of today, here are 10 top artists to follow right now.

Ai Wei Wei

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Without Fear or Favour (2010) BBC, Directed by Matthew Springford Duration: 50m “Arts documentary, first broadcast before Ai Weiwei’s arrest by the Chinese authorities in April 2011, and his subsequent release after being detained for 11 weeks. Architect, photographer, curator and blogger, Ai Weiwei is China’s most famous and politically outspoken contemporary artist. Alan Yentob explores the story of Ai Weiwei’s life and art, and reveals how this most courageous and determined of artists continues to fight for artistic freedom of expression while living under the restrictive shadows of authoritarian rule.” Showtime: Wednesday, Feb 19, 22:00

A post shared by Ai Weiwei (@aiww) on Feb 19, 2020 at 3:02am PST

Instagram: @aiww

Follow for: an insight into the Chinese renegade artist’s creative and political viewpoint. As well as plenty of selfies with his work and friends of the art world to scroll through.

Anish Kapoor

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Anish Kapoor (@dirty_corner) on Jul 9, 2018 at 6:25am PDT

Instagram: @dirty_corner

Follow for: art using the world’s ‘blackest black’, in which Anish Kapoor has purchased exclusive rights to, along with more hyper-pigmented work from the British Indian sculptor.

Banksy

 

View this post on Instagram

 

. Shredding the Girl and Balloon – the Director’s cut. Link in bio. Some people think it didn’t really shred. It did. Some people think the auction house were in on it, they weren’t.

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Oct 17, 2018 at 2:51pm PDT

Instagram: @banksy

Follow for: unannounced projects, sneak peeks and more from the anonymous and unpredictable street artist. There are also a few witty socio-political thoughts (typical of Banksy) to read now and again.

Damien Hirst

 

View this post on Instagram

 

This Kaleidoscope painting has 12 lines of reflection or symmetry. I think the blue butterflies are my favourites. It’s such an amazing blue, so sexy and a feast for the eyes. I titled the series of blue butterfly works ‘Ice’. The colour and the patterns that are created in this way always feel deeply religious and spiritual to me. Believe or don’t believe, but it’s hard to argue with. . This work’s called ‘Buddhist Mantra’ and it’s from 2014.

A post shared by Damien Hirst (@damienhirst) on Feb 16, 2020 at 7:20am PST

Instagram: @damienhirst

Follow for: recent works and exhibitions from the celebrated British contemporary artist, as well as shots of him in action in studio.

Jeff Koons

 

View this post on Instagram

 

“Bluebird Planter”(2010-2016) has a relationship with the monumental floral sculptures Puppy and Split-Rocker along with Ovid. The live plants that fill the bluebird celebrate the power of nature while the reflective, stainless steel surface celebrates abstraction. The sculpture is polychromed in transparent color gradations. #jeffkoons #bluebirdplanter #ovid #abstraction #sculpture #flowers

A post shared by Jeff Koons (@jeffkoons) on Jan 20, 2020 at 12:33pm PST

Instagram: @jeffkoons

Follow for: images of the American artist’s works, both old and new. His Instagram also illustrates parts of his personal life including his travels and family that will feature on the ‘gram from time to time.

JR

 

View this post on Instagram

 

New piece up in Havana, Cuba on the side of @galleriacontinua @artecontinua_lahabana for the XIII Biennial !

A post shared by JR (@jr) on Apr 12, 2019 at 9:30am PDT

Instagram: @jr

Follow for: records of the French photographer and street artist’s works all over the world. The ‘photograffeur’ (as he describes himself) also likes to post a fair few selfies with famous friends and will sometimes share their works too.

Kaws

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Long week… #KAWS #GONE

A post shared by @ kaws on Feb 7, 2020 at 3:55pm PST

Instagram: @kaws

Follow for: what the American artist and designer (real name Brian Donnelly) is known for: giant inflatables and mutant toys, but also for candid snapshots of his personal life, including photos of friends and his children.

Olafur Eliasson

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Earth kaleidoscope, 2006

A post shared by Studio Olafur Eliasson (@studioolafureliasson) on Feb 27, 2020 at 1:41am PST

Instagram: @studioolafureliasson

Follow for: eco-inspired thoughts and artworks from the Danish-Icelandic artist who often uses natural elements to convey the movement. He will also post photos of his most recent projects alongside art archives, and even environmental calls for action.

Petra Collins

 

View this post on Instagram

 

💇🏻‍♀️🕸 @i_am_kiko

A post shared by Petra Collins (@petrafcollins) on Nov 18, 2019 at 9:58am PST

Instagram: @petrafcollins

Follow for: a blend of fashion photography and editorial art. The Canadian artist, model and photographer’s feed has a very distinct aesthetic that showcases sexy pastel-hued images portraying a new age of feminist power.

Takashi Murakami

 

View this post on Instagram

 

New! Tonari no Smiley_kun No.1

A post shared by Takashi Murakami (@takashipom) on Dec 30, 2019 at 7:02pm PST

Instagram: @takashipom
Follow for: fun snaps of the Japanese contemporary artist and his popular works. Aside form his celebrated super flats, you will also find selfies and photos with celeb friends including the likes of Pharrell and Kanye West.

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Hong Kong.