Image via Complex Original
Wherever you stand on the Snapchat vs. Instagram vs. Facebook Stories debate, it’s undeniable that all three social media platforms are designed to keep us scrolling through their feeds into eternity. But there are differences between them. Snapchat is built for one-to-one communication (this is the app that started as Silicon Valley’s answer to the battlecry “send nudes,” after all), and Facebook delivers our daily deluge of [fake] news. But for anyone really interested in visuals and aesthetics, Instagram is the platform to watch.
Photographers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, and other artists have found that Instagram is a key tool to promote their artwork and gain followings of loyal fans and collectors. Even street artists, whose work has always been inherently temporary, can upload their wheatpastes and tags to the digital museum that is Instagram. It’s no wonder that some artists are even embedding the social media platform into their work. Take Yung Jake, an artist famous for his emoji portraits of celebrities, who’s used Instagram in his video pieces. Or Richard Prince, who sold enlarged images from Instagram for $100,000 a few years back. As these artists know, the platform is the perfect medium for promoting their creations — and it’s also an experimental place that often becomes the subject of their work in clever ways.
If you’re an art lover, someone looking for visual inspiration, or a person who’s just bored and wants to be entertained by interesting things, following a bunch of artists' accounts on Instagram is a no-brainer. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best creators showcasing their work on the social media platform. Check out our list of The Best Artists to Follow on Instagram, and hopefully you’ll have something to scroll through besides your friends’ shots of their new sneakers. (But if that’s your thing, we have a list for that, too).
Laurie Simmons
Instagram name: lauriesimmons
Why you should follow: A photographer, writer, and artist, Laurie Simmons uses her Instagram feed as a square window into her personal life. That includes, among other things, lots of Lena Dunham appearances (she Dunham's mother, after all). It also includes trips to the Venice Biennale and other major art events and visits to the studios and shows of her many famous friends.
Kenny Scharf
Instagram name: kennyscharf
Why you should follow: Troublemaking artist Kenny Scharf is well known for his antics as well as his colorful, eye-popping output. From photos of him hotboxing Richard Serra's Vortex sculpture, to tons of images of his trippy characters, there is never a dull moment on Scharf's Instagram.
Gary Baseman
Instagram name: garybaseman
Why you should follow: Gary Baseman's work ranges from the utterly abstract to neo-pop compositions, and the photos he shares on Instagram are just as varied. There are in-process shots with collaborators like Shepard Fairey and also full-on candids of his recent works. Baseman's feed gives fans insight to the man's work, life, and process.
Olek
Instagram name: oleknyc
Why you should follow: This New York City-based crochet/street/conceptual artist uses a traditionally feminine material — yarn — to challenge our ideas of feminism and power. Her work ranges from knit billboards to “yarnbombs,” street installations that cover an innocuous object in neon-colored fabric. Whether you find her work on the street or on your Instagram feed, it’s equally surprising and delightful.
Daniel Arsham
Instagram name: danielarsham
Why you should follow: Daniel Arsham, co-founder of Snarkitecture, is worth the follow for the amazing pieces that he creates, and the company he keeps is an added bonus. You never know when Bill Clinton, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, or Usher will be featured in a photo as a collaborator or simply a friend passing through. Arsham's Instagram is often the first place that the artist shares details about special projects and other news, so it would be wise to keep an eye on it.
José Parlá
Instagram name: joseparla
Why you should follow: Jose Parla is a widely-known street and graffiti artist whose Instagram depicts his worldly lifestyle. You're just as likely to get a recommendation for food or music as you are a peek at his new abstract works or experiments with lettering.
Ryan McGinness
Instagram name: mcginnessworks
Why you should follow: With Ryan McGinness' Instagram, you don't always know what you will get. While he once provided chiefly small doses of his strangely dark motivational work in the form of typographical phrases set in black circles with white backgrounds, he's also taken to sharing colorful abstract pieces as his work has evolved. As McGinness writes, "Welcome to the New Now Post-Art Art."
Toyin Odutola
Instagram name: toyinojihodutola
Why you should follow: Odutola often depicts people from her native Nigeria in ways that challenge the traditions of portraiture. Her Instagram is not only filled with her work, but also other images from which she draws inspiration.
Shepard Fairey
Instagram name: obeygiant
Why you should follow: The O.G. political street artist, and also the man behind Obama’s “HOPE” campaign poster, Shepard Fairey's work is hard to mistake. From T-shirts to murals to prints, his Instagram is filled with his signature style, as well as videos of his process.
Todd James
Instagram name: toddjamesreas
Why you should follow: If you're offended by bright colors, exaggerated female bodies, and hashtags instead of long pretentious captions about art, then you shouldn't be on Instagram. Todd James' colorful feed is filled with his bold and often funny illustrations.
Porous Walker
Instagram name: porous_walker
Why you should follow: Filled with giant sketches of genetalia and comical sex acts, Porous Walker’s drawings are definitely NSFW. But once you’ve left your 9-5, it’s definitely worth scrolling through his feed, which is a perfect mixture of crude, clever, and downright hilarious.
Melodie Perrault
Instagram name: melodieperrault
Why you should follow: Melodie Perrault may be the female alternative to Porous Walker, and she often collaborates with him. Based in Montreal, she fills her Instagram with drawings of devilish nudes, sketches of weed-smoking ladies, and videos of her adorable dog.
Devin Troy Strothers
Instagram name: devintroy
Why you should follow: Devin Troy Strothers is hilarious on Instagram. From kicking it with Andy Milonakis to going wild at Medieval Times, there are lots funny adventures to go along with the sculptures, mixed media work, paintings, and cute corgi pics.
Nosego
Instagram name: nosego
Why you should follow: The street art of Nosego (aka Yis Goodwin) is unique and eye-popping. He manages to meld fine art realism with pop art iconography. His fame has grown quickly, especially on Instagram, which is one of the main repositories for a look at his work.
Eric Elms
Instagram name: elmselms
Why you should follow: The street artist Eric Elms is best known for his work with companies like Nike and Vans OTW, but wait until you meet his French Bulldog, Buster. Elms shares his art and his sense of humor and also posts a chronicle of his adventures and inspirations from around the globe.
Bodil Jane
Instagram name: bodiljane
Why you should follow: This Amsterdam-based illustrator adorns everything from paper to tote bags to laptop cases with her signature pictures of colorfully dressed people and vibrant plants. Her extremely delightful prints sell out fast, so following her on Instagram is the best way to stay updated on a new product drop.
Ai Weiwei
Instagram name: aiww
Why you should follow: From his early blogging days, Ai Weiwei has used the Internet to maintain a public profile and push the boundaries of censorship in his native country of China. From sharing funny selfies to starting political photo trends, Weiwei knows how to use the platform better than most, going beyond self promotion to reveal the true social power of social media.
George Greaves
Instagram name: georgegreaves_
Why you should follow: Comprised of geometric interiors, colorful landscapes, and a striking play of light and dark, George Greaves’ work animates grids so that simple shapes are never boring. The artist behind Printed Goods sells his creations as affordable prints and T-shirts, so his Instagram is definitely worth following if you’re looking to grow your art collection without breaking the bank.
Frank Kozik
Instagram name: frankkozik
Why you should follow: Frank Kozik's Instagram is what you would expect if you knew his work. There are lots of photos of his toys and prints, but there are also shots of cars, bikes, and jellyfish. The non-art shouldn't stop you from following, though—it's often just as interesting.
Ryan Trecartin
Instagram name: ryantrecartin
Why you should follow: Trecartin's feed is kind of a nightmare where nothing's wrong. It's full of wild colors, distorted faces, and cheeky clips—just a glimpse into the filmmaker's fast paced lifestyle and quirky sense of humor.
Jonathan Mannion
Instagram name: jonathanmannion
Why you should follow: Jonathan Mannion refers to himself as "the hip-hop photographer," and no one can dispute that claim. He has shot every notable figure in the hip-hop world, from Biggie Smalls to Trinidad James. This is a must-follow feed for both aspiring photographers and hip-hop fans—and for glimpses of how he applies his photorapher's eye to non-music subjects, too.
STASH
Instagram name: mr_stash
Why you should follow: STASH is a New York graffiti legend who started out painting subway cars and city walls with the likes of Basquiat and Keith Haring. He has always spoken volumes with his work, and his Instagram is no exception. STASH has an eye for the compelling, the endearing, and the fun.
Estevan Oriol
Instagram name: estevanoriol
Why you should follow: Estevan Oriol is one of the most prominent hip-hop photographers and videographers of the past decade. The Southern California-based artist shares sentimental shots of his daughter, as well as examples of his city's rich culture, from cars to tattoos and everything in-between.
Cindy Sherman
Instagram name: _cindysherman_
Why you should follow: Known for challenging perceptions of femininity and the male gaze in the ’80s, Sherman hasn’t slowed down since then. Typically casting herself as her subject, often in supremely unflattering and downright creepy makeup, her portraits are both alarming and impossible to stop scrolling though.
Alex Pardee
Instagram name: alexpardee
Why you should follow: Alex Pardee is known for his distinctive H.R. Giger-meets-Tim Burton visual style, but on his Instagram he keeps things a bit lighter. Among jokes, pics of his process, and updates on his goings on, Pardee gives fans a peek into his past.
Hank Willis Thomas
Instagram name: hankwillisthomas
Why you should follow: Hank Willis Thomas is a photographer and visual artist who focuses on race, popular culture, and advertising. While Thomas definitely knows how to get the most out of a staged photograph, he largely posts images from his adventures, including meetings with celebrities like Swizz Beatz and Carmelo Anthony.
Petra Collins
Instagram name: petrafcollins
Why you should follow: Photographer and videographer Petra Collins is also a curator and fashion model herself, so it’s no wonder she’s worked with a cadre of celebrity subjects, most recently collaborating with Selena Gomez on the aesthetic for the singer’s “Fetish” video. Collins’ visuals are filled with dreamy colors and hazy light, so her Instagram is always a pleasure for the eyes.
Craig Wetherby
Instagram name: mistergoodlife
Why you should follow: Craig Wetherby has contributed photos to nearly every publication around, collaborated with major brands, and produced album art for many musicians. He does post regular iPhone images, but he also puts up photos he took with a proper camera. Wetherby has an amazing vision, and his feed is a consistent source of eye candy.
Saber
Instagram name: saberawr
Why you should follow: For someone who likes to work big when it comes to walls, Saber is pretty good at curating small squares of his art and things that appeal to him on a daily basis. REVOK listed him as one the 25 Greatest Los Angeles Graffiti Writers, and one look at his feed will show you why.
Claw Money
Instagram name: clawmoney
Why you should follow: Claw Money is a NYC-based graffiti artist who has collaborated with M.I.A, Kanye West, Marc Ecko, Calvin Klein, and Nike. Her sense of humor is reason enough to follow her, but there are plenty of shots of graffiti and other projects to satisfy your art tooth, too.
Curtis Kulig
Instagram name: curtiskuligstudio
Why you should follow: Photographer-turned-graffiti artist Curtis Kulig (best known for his LOVE ME pieces) uses Instagram to document his travels and life outside of work, but that often means a glimpse into a world of high-art inspirations.
Scott Campbell
Instagram name: jscottcampbellart
Why you should follow: Scott Campbell, the world-renowned illustrator and comic book artist, posts lots of sketches and finished pieces on Instagram. He also uses the forum to announce upcoming appearances at comic book conventions and new projects. His Instagram is invaluable to fans of the genre.
D*Face
Instagram name: dface_official
Why you should follow: D*Face's dope art is inspired by conspiracy theory, war, and death. The UK-based street artist has been at it for a long time and is still creating great work around the world, giving fans a front row seat with fairly consistent posts.
Tony Gum
Instagram name: tony_gum
Why you should follow: Tony Gum is still young, which is why she calls herself an “artist in training,” but one look at the the South African creative’s feed and you know that she has talent. Gum’s photos capture modern African fashion, street scenes, and vibrant culture in a timeless way.
Usugrow
Instagram name: usugrow
Why you should follow: "Ominous" and "terrifying" are not two words we use often when describing Instagram accounts, but they're accurate when speaking about graphic designer and artist Usugrow's page. He's earned a reputation for producing some of the most precise designs around, and there is a lot of great imagery here, but his Instagram also documents his experiences across the globe.
Sam Flores
Instagram name: samagram12
Why you should follow: One of the first street artists to receive mainstream notoriety, Sam Flores remains one of the top players in the visual arts game for his unique take on spritely characters and his ability to take on any job with ingenuity. Instagram captures the creativity, passion, and humor of his personality.
Martha Cooper
Instagram name: marthacoopergram
Why you should follow: Martha Cooper is one of the most legendary graffiti and urban life photographers of our time. After 65 years, she is still taking photos. Cooper is worth following for her day-to-day fascination with graffiti, in and out of New York City.
AJ Fosik
Instagram name: ajfosik
Why you should follow: Sculptor AJ Fosik creates culturally indistinct sculptures of mad beasts that fall somewhere between Japanese mythology, Pacific Northwest totems, and the imagination of an eight-year-old. His Instagram shows how he brings these stoic (and sometimes scary) creatures to life.
Tomokazu Matsuyama
Instagram name: tomokazumatsuyama
Why you should follow: Tomokazu Matsuyama was featured on last year's list of the 100 Most Influential Artists of the Complex Decade for his eye-popping visual work. Plenty of that shows up both completed and in-process on his Instagram. There are snapshots of his travels, his friends, and anything that even momentarily catches his eye.
FAILE
Instagram name: faileart
Why you should follow: FAILE posts photos from their studio of in-process screen prints, completed sets, old graffiti, and other things that they find interesting enough to share with their fans. It's a great way to see their work before it has been altered by the elements of the outside world.
Alex Israel
Instagram name: alexisrael
Why you should follow: Los Angeles-based artist Alex Israel updates his Instagram with snaps from his daily life, but unlike the rest of us, that includes hanging with Jeff Koons and RZA, getting up close and personal with Keith Haring pieces, and hanging front row at Coachella.
Kate Hush
Instagram name: katehush
Why you should follow: Despite her last name, there’s nothing quiet about Kate Hush’s art. She works primarily in neon, and her depictions of couples, stilettos, and breasts glow across her Instagram feed.
Tofer Chin
Instagram name: toferchin
Why you should follow: Los Angeles-based conceptual artist Topher Chin's Instagram account is nothing short of alien. It's often hard to tell if the photos he posts are computer renderings of martian landscapes or detailed textural closeups. Chin posts tons of photos of his work in process, as well as the work of his friends, leading fans to new avenues on both ends.
Brent Rollins
Instagram name: brentronic
Why you should follow: Complex's own Brent Rollins favors dramatic monochrome snaps of New York City, painting a lucid dreamworld as seen through the eye of a designer.
JR
Instagram name: jr
Why you should follow: French street artist JR uses his Instagram to give thanks to those who help him with his work. From sharing anecdotes of his team of framers, to shooting portraits of his gallery installers, to regramming the snaps of Israelis who have helped make his "Face 2 Face" project a success, JR's Instagram doesn't shy away from sharing credit. He also post images of paste-ups around the world.
Os Gemeos
Instagram name: osgemeos
Why you should follow: Street art brothers Os Gemeos use Instagram as a way to keep up with their travels in and out of their home country of Brazil. They snap pics of every new piece they put up, often with both English and Portuguese captions. Whether they're sharing new work, hanging out with other artists like KAWS and JR, visiting Martha Cooper's archive, or revealing that they used to rap together as kids, there's a lot to see here.
13th Witness
Instagram name: 13thwitness
Why you should follow: 13th Witness is one of the best Instagram photographers ever. His incredible snaps of cityscapes meld perfectly with mind-bending abstract shots.
KAWS
Instagram name: kaws
Why you should follow: KAWS, aka Brian Donnelly, fills his Instagram with shots of upcoming gallery shows, giving collectors a leg up on what's to come. He also posts photos of what inspires him, the exhibitions and gallery shows he visits around the world, old pieces of his that the public may have missed, and the occasional selfie with a celebrity friend. For someone so provocative and famous, KAWS is refreshingly transparent.
Takashi Murakami
Instagram name: takashipom
Why you should follow: Takashi Murakami's vivid, colorful works are perfectly suited for the filters of Instagram, but he apparently never uses them. Murakami's #nofilter life, his work, and his process are all shared along with smiling selfies and jokes. When he posts photos of his art, it's usually a detail shot, so you will still have to see his work in person to fully appreciate it.
Futura
Instagram name: futuradosmil
Why you should follow: Futura has managed to stay on the cutting edge of the graffiti world after 40-plus years in the game. He's become a major player in the art world, positioning himself as one of the world's go-to power designers. His Instagram includes travel shots and ALL CAPS captions, mixed with more artistic images and selfies.