Top 5 Contemporary Art Trends to Watch for in 2025
As the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) and Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) collectively celebrate 100 years of shaping the province’s artistic landscape, contemporary art continues to evolve in exciting ways. This milestone was marked with the opening of Knowledge Made Concrete: 100 Years of Teaching and Collecting at the Illingworth Kerr Gallery (IKG) at AUArts, featuring works from 33 artists who are current or former AUArts faculty and alumni.
Following the exhibition opening on January 16, we hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion at ModSquad Café in Calgary on January 17. Moderated by AGA curator Lindsey Sharman, the discussion featured insights from Tak Pham, Su Ying Strang, and other industry leaders on the future of contemporary art in Alberta and beyond. AGA Director and Chief Curator Catherine Crowston, along with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, opened the conversation, setting the stage for a deep dive into emerging trends.
ModSquad’s dedication to supporting the arts in Canada played a crucial role in making this event possible. When businesses invest in the arts, they help cultivate inspiring and inclusive communities where creativity thrives. With that spirit in mind, here are five key trends shaping the art world in 2025.
A discussion panel at ModSquad Café in Calgary, moderated by AGA curator Lindsey Sharman and featuring Tak Pham, Su Ying Strang, and other industry leaders.
1. Supporting Senior Artists with Longevity in Practice
AGA curator Lindsey Sharman emphasized the importance of championing artists with decades of experience, such as Marie Lannoo, Katie Ohe, Catherine Burgess, and Alison Rossiter. Their continued curiosity and dedication to artistic investigation serve as inspiration for emerging artists.
Catherine Burgess, Nineteen Eighty-Nine, 1990. Art Gallery of Alberta Collection, gift of Ken Bradley, in memory of his parents Doris and Jim Bradley.
2. Prioritizing In-Person Art Experiences Over Digital Engagement
Sharman is advocating for less reliance on online art experiences in favor of in-gallery engagement. Upcoming exhibitions will emphasize tactile, interactive, and sensory-driven works, such as scented and touchable pieces by Allison Tunis and playable arcade installations by Teresa Tam.
A visitor enjoys Teresa Tam's installation 'Good Job Arcade', on display in exhibition "what we leave, what we take" at the AGA.
3. Grassroots and Community-Driven Art Spaces
Su Ying Stang, Director of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery, highlighted independent organizations redefining the role of galleries as community hubs. Examples include Crenshaw Dairy Mart (Los Angeles), which builds "abolitionist pods" for community sustainability, and 221A (Vancouver), which focuses on research and policy development for the arts.
4. Artist Collectives Shaping the Future of Art Spaces
Stang pointed to Indigenous-led collectives like Ociciwan (Edmonton) and daphne (Montreal) as key players in creating autonomous, artist-driven spaces. These collectives are fostering new models of artistic collaboration and engagement.
5. The Role of AI in Art and Creative Innovation
Curator Tak Pham sees AI as a transformative tool rather than a threat. He cited historical examples of artists embracing new technologies—such as Nam June Paik and Olafur Eliasson—and highlighted contemporary artists like Sougwen Chung, Jeremy Bailey, and Xuan Ye, who use AI to push artistic boundaries.
As we look ahead to 2025, these trends highlight the evolving landscape of contemporary art. One that values deep artistic practice, in-person engagement, community-driven initiatives, and technological innovation. Whether through supporting senior artists, fostering grassroots spaces, or exploring AI’s creative potential, curators and artists alike are shaping a future that pushes boundaries while staying connected to audiences in meaningful ways. At the AGA, we’re excited to see how these insights unfold and continue to inspire new artistic conversations. We invite you to join in on those conversations and stay tuned to upcoming events.