10 Artists to Watch in 2025
1. Simone Leigh (USA)
Simone Leigh is a sculptor whose work centres on Black female identity and explores themes of race, resilience, and feminism. Known for representing the USA at the 2022 Venice Biennale, Leigh's use of ceramics, bronze, and mixed media has earned her critical acclaim. Her sculptures draw on African and African-American traditions, presenting a powerful fusion of history and contemporary concerns. As Leigh continues to make an impact on the global stage, she is undoubtedly one of the leading voices in contemporary art.
2. George Rouy (UK)
George Rouy has emerged as a prominent figure in the British art scene, known for his abstract depictions of the human body. His figures, often elongated and distorted, evoke intense emotional responses, blending vulnerability and sensuality. Rouy's haunting works reflect a raw portrayal of human desire and connection, and with upcoming exhibitions at major institutions such as ICA London, his influence is set to grow further.
3. Lauren Halsey (USA)
Lauren Halsey is an installation artist from Los Angeles whose work blends Afrofuturism with the aesthetics of street art and everyday urban culture. Her large-scale projects explore Black identity, gentrification, and community-building, often drawing on the architecture of LA. With her bold vision and immersive installations, Halsey is poised to make even bigger waves in the art world by 2025.
4. Sofia Hernandez Chong Cuy (Mexico/USA)
Sofia Hernandez Chong Cuy is a curator and artist whose work spans multiple disciplines, focusing on activism and underrepresented voices. She brings to the forefront marginalised narratives in Latinx and feminist art with a curatorial practice that challenges conventional perspectives. Hernandez is expected to continue her rise within the global art scene, influencing exhibitions and projects with her unique approach.
5. Freya Douglas-Morris (UK)
Freya Douglas-Morris creates ethereal, dream-like landscapes that transport viewers to imaginary worlds. Her work, rich in colour and texture, is celebrated for its meditative qualities. With recent exhibitions gaining international attention, Douglas-Morris is becoming one of Britain’s most intriguing contemporary painters.
6. Lukas Novak (Czech Republic)
Lukas Novak is an artist who combines technology and art to create immersive, interactive digital installations. Using motion sensors, projection mapping, and other technologies, Novak turns audiences into active participants in his art. His cutting-edge work represents a new frontier in interactive and immersive art, making him one to watch as technology continues to redefine how art is experienced.
7. Liu Wei (China)
Liu Wei is a contemporary painter renowned for his vibrant, abstract works that explore urbanisation and identity in modern China. Blending traditional and contemporary techniques, his art reflects societal changes and challenges perceptions of culture and space. Liu’s bold use of colour and form is gaining international recognition.
8. Jake Grewal (UK)
Jake Grewal is known for his romantic depictions of nature and the male form, often intertwined with themes of queer identity. His paintings, reminiscent of 19th-century Romanticism, provide a sense of escapism while addressing personal and political themes of intimacy and identity. Grewal’s works have quickly become favourites among collectors, and his star is expected to rise even higher in 2025.
9. Shadi Al-Atallah (Saudi Arabia/UK)
Shadi Al-Atallah is a non-binary artist whose large, colourful paintings merge figuration with surrealism, often tackling themes of mental health, identity, and intersectionality. Their work speaks to the experience of living between cultures and genders, offering a unique perspective on the contemporary experience. Al-Atallah’s bold style and engagement with pressing social issues have made them a significant voice in the UK art scene.
10. Lita Cabellut (Spain)
Lita Cabellut is an emerging painter known for her large-scale, emotive portraits that blend realism and abstraction. Drawing from her Romani heritage, her work addresses themes of identity and social issues. As her powerful pieces gain traction in galleries, she’s becoming an exciting artist to watch in 2025.
These ten artists are not just shaping the contemporary art scene; they are setting the stage for the future of creative expression. From performance art and digital installations to evocative paintings and sculptures, they represent the diversity and vibrancy of the art world in 2025. Whether addressing themes of identity, politics, or community, their work will continue to push boundaries and inspire new generations of art lovers.