Many think of contemporary artwork as an art object located in a gallery, museum, or private collection. Yet, some artists with a revolutionary approach envision artwork as a transformative instrument that can alter the space in which it is installed and spark innovative conversations about public art. Here is a review of the top 4 art objects that transcended the boundaries of conventional art and offered new artistic perspectives to viewers.

Top 4 Contemporary Artwork Examples with a Difference

#1 “The Gates” by Christo and Jeanne-Claude

The 2005 art installation, The Gates, was created in New York by the artist duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude. It included over 7,500 saffron-colored fabric panels organized into a 23-mile-long line in Central Park. This public space artwork was of a temporary nature, but it took over two decades to complete. The artists’ intention behind The Gates was to visualize the processes of change, difference, and renewal, as well as to turn people’s attention to predetermined, man-made routes.

#2 “Cloud Gate” by Anish Kapoor

Cloud Gate was installed in 2006 in Chicago. It represents a 110-ton sculpture with mirror surfaces that reflect and curve the Chicago skyline. The artwork has been widely recognized as a trailblazing object that fuses the boundary between sculpture and architecture. It was created using meticulous, innovative polishing techniques to make the stainless-steel panels reflective and nearly invisible.

#3 “The Weather Project” by Olafur Eliasson

Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall was embellished by a one-of-a-kind art installation in 2003-2004. Brought to life by Olafur Eliasson, The Weather Project featured a huge artificial sun surrounded by a mist-filled atmosphere. The skilled use of mono-frequency lighting and mist machines helped the artist create a unique atmospheric design and an impression of sun shining inside the room.

#4 “Infinity Mirror Rooms” by Yayoi Kusama

Infinity Mirror Rooms is an art project that has been ongoing since 1965, with many art objects installed in various geographical locations. In every new installation, Yayoi Kusama tries to create an infinity illusion with a skilled combination of calibrated mirrors and lighting. These interactive artworks explore the themes of repetition and obsession and illustrate the artist’s ideas about structural design.

This review shows that contemporary artwork can be something bigger than a large-scale object. Such installations function as testaments to the artist’s creativity, imagination, engineering genius, and logistical excellence. Floating over water or draping natural landscapes, they invite the audience to think bigger and reconsider the relationship between humans, nature, and art.