A world without art would not be a world worth living in. Many great men have echoed these words in some form or another over the years; and most people today would still agree that they reign true. Art has the unique ability to stir up emotions that you might not even know you have. Whether it is in the form of a beautiful painting, a moving song, or a thought-provoking picture, everyone can derive enjoyment from art. Today, there are more modalities than ever before, where creative minds are expressing themselves and truly transforming the world. Here are some of those top artists today.

Kurt Wenner – 3D Street Art

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Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kurt Wenner claims to the be originator of this modern form of art; and no one else seems to dispute this. Back in 1982, he did his first work in Rome, transforming classical italian architecture into his now increasingly-popular art. Besides inventing this amazing world of 3D art, Kurt Wenner continues to produce some of the most beautiful renditions of street and sidewalk art.

Humans of New York – Photography

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Taking pictures is nothing new and a great many artists today are showing that photography is a complex art form that is still evolving with technology. Of course, some people go above and beyond this; the Humans of New York project definitely fits this category. Showcasing the lives of regular people in New York, they have been able to reach a wide audience and change the way many look at the world. If nothing else, the fact that their book, Humans of New York: Stories, was able to make it to the #1 spot on the New York Times Best Seller’s list says quite a lot.

Ed Ruscha – Painting and More

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An icon in the Pop Art movement, Ed Ruscha is definitely well known for his paintings, but it is difficult to say whether or not that would be his top selling point. Over the years, he has worked with a wide variety of different forms, including painting, photography, collages, books, and more. His works have inspired many pop artists and in 2013, the Whitney Museum Gala honored him for his contributions to the artistic community.

Francis Alÿs – A New Look at Society

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It’s hard to categorize what Francis Alys does, but there is no question that it is art at its best. He works to call out society on its conditions and really makes people think about where they are and how they impact the world. One example is when he gathered 500 people (wielding shovels) to line up at the edge of a dune and push a few inches of dirt over top and down to the other side. This demonstrated that, with enough time, one could really move a mountain.

Taylor Swift – Music

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Though some might not like to admit it, Taylor Swift is the biggest name in music right now. Even if she is not always producing the number-one song, her ability to capture the attention of fans is nothing short of extraordinary. Some hail her as the best marketed musician of all time and her attitude toward fans keeps people coming back. When you factor in how well her lyrics reach young adults, you have a real recipe for success among music artists today.

Do you have any other innovative artists that you think are changing the world right now? Let us know who you would add in the comments below.

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