The contemporary art scene is constantly evolving, yet it frequently looks back to re-examine and redefine what it means to be truly iconic. The group exhibition "ICONIC", presented by 33 Contemporary at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art in Wisconsin (running from March 5 to June 13, 2026), does exactly this. This compelling show brings together a diverse array of artists who explore the concept of the "icon" through various mediums, styles, and subjects.

From reimagined historical figures and pop culture mainstays to the quiet power of the everyday individual, the artworks in this exhibition challenge our perceptions of legacy and significance. Below, we highlight 10 remarkable artists featured in the "ICONIC" show whose works demand your attention.

1. John Hyland

John Hyland brings a unique perspective to contemporary figurative realism, drawing on his extensive background as an editor and reporter for The New York Times and The Hartford Courant. His transition from journalism to fine art is evident in his narrative-driven approach to portraiture. In the "ICONIC" exhibition, Hyland presents works such as Splendor: Portrait of Natalie Wood, Mardonna, and Immortal: Portrait of Henry Cavill. By reimagining both historical and modern pop culture icons through a contemporary lens, Hyland bridges the gap between classic celebrity and modern reverence, inviting viewers to question how we construct and consume fame.

2. Kimberly Dow

Based in North Carolina, Kimberly Dow is celebrated for her profound figurative realism, which frequently centers on the female form and its psychological depth. Her piece in the show, Mother of All Consequences, exemplifies her mastery of capturing complex emotional states. Dow’s work often explores themes of strength, identity, and the enduring archetype of Venus. Through her meticulous technique, she reclaims these classical motifs, presenting women not merely as muses, but as powerful, self-defined entities navigating the modern world.

3. Shannon Fannin

While many artists in the exhibition focus on the human figure, Austin-based artist Shannon Fannin turns her hyper-realistic lens toward the mechanical. Fannin is renowned for her large-scale, incredibly detailed paintings of vehicles, capturing the beauty of automotive and aeronautical engineering. Her contributions to the show, Officer, I Can Explain (2006 Ford GT - Heritage Edition) and Sweet Annie (Antonov An-2 Airplane), elevate classic machinery to an iconic status. Fannin’s work evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, celebrating the design and cultural impact of these mechanical marvels.

4. Sara Scribner

Sara Scribner’s art transports viewers into a realm of whimsical figurative realism laced with surrealist elements. The Colorado-based artist, who earned her BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, often depicts young women in ethereal, dreamlike settings. Her featured work, I Love You, showcases her signature style: subjects adorned in vintage clothing and surrounded by lush floral motifs. Scribner’s narrative-driven portraiture honors classical techniques while weaving enchanting, mysterious stories that captivate the imagination.

5. Pegah Samaie

Iranian-American artist Pegah Samaie uses her realistic portraiture as a powerful vehicle for social commentary. With degrees from the Laguna College of Art and Design, Samaie’s work is deeply rooted in advocacy for women's rights and resilience. Her pieces in the exhibition, Red and A Beautiful Smile, confront the harsh experiences and societal constraints faced by women. Through her psychologically charged figurative art, Samaie transforms her subjects into icons of endurance and strength, giving voice to those who are often silenced.

6. Patricia Schappler

Patricia Schappler, an award-winning painter and draftsman based in New Hampshire, blends realist and expressive traditions to create highly evocative figurative works. Her piece In The Beginning highlights her narrative-driven approach, which frequently draws inspiration from myths, fairy tales, and biblical stories. Schappler’s art is characterized by its psychological complexity and sensual use of materials. By tapping into universal stories, she creates timeless images that resonate deeply with the human experience.

7. Aki Kano

New York-based artist Aki Kano brings the delicate yet precise medium of watercolor to the forefront of representational portraiture. As the President of the American Artists Professional League, Kano is a leading voice in contemporary watercolor. Her featured work, Portrait of the Artist Shopping, demonstrates her exceptional ability to capture the unique personality and fashion sense of her subjects. Kano’s portraits are vibrant and intimate, proving that watercolor can achieve a level of detail and character often reserved for oil painting.

8. Gwen Manfrin

California native Gwen Manfrin excels in realistic figurative illustration, utilizing a masterful combination of watercolor and graphite. With a BA from UCLA and an extensive exhibition history, Manfrin’s work is deeply inspired by human emotion and chance encounters. Her piece The Dancer captures the fleeting essence of her subject with remarkable sensitivity. Manfrin’s ability to distill complex emotional resonance into her illustrations makes her subjects feel both immediate and enduringly iconic.

9. Alayne Sahar

Alayne Sahar is a contemporary Romantic Realist whose watercolor paintings offer ethereal depictions of the female figure immersed in the natural world. Her work in the show, Evolve, perfectly encapsulates her aesthetic, where the mood is consistently romantic and deeply connected to nature. Sahar frequently explores "goddess" archetypes, presenting women in harmonious, almost mystical relationships with their environments. Her delicate brushwork and evocative color palettes create a sense of timeless beauty.

10. Ivan Pazlamatchev

Bulgarian-American painter Ivan Pazlamatchev roots his work firmly in the figurative tradition, drawing heavily on Renaissance and Classical influences. Based in New York, Pazlamatchev’s paintings are known for their allegorical narratives and compositional tensions. His featured works, Kral 2 and Maybe Europa, showcase his intense focus on the human face, which he describes as a "mirror to the world." By revealing the secrets, moods, and desires of his subjects, Pazlamatchev creates psychologically profound portraits that echo the grandeur of historical masterpieces.

Exhibition Details:

•Title: ICONIC

•Dates: March 5 – June 13, 2026

•Location: Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, 309 McClellan Street, Wausau, WI

Whether you are drawn to hyper-realistic depictions of classic cars, psychologically complex portraits, or ethereal watercolor figures, the "ICONIC" exhibition offers a profound exploration of what captures our collective imagination today. Be sure to explore these artists and their incredible contributions to contemporary art.