1. Marcel Duchamp's Fountain: The Birth of Conceptual Art

In 1917, Duchamp submitted a urinal as art, signing it 'R. Mutt'. This audacious act challenged traditional notions, emphasizing the idea over craftsmanship. Fountain is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the evolution of conceptual art, pushing boundaries and encouraging artists to think outside conventional methods.

2. Banksy's Dismaland: A Dark Twist on Disneyland

In 2015, street artist Banksy created Dismaland, a temporary art installation parodying theme parks. Featuring works critiquing consumerism and societal issues, Dismaland invited visitors to rethink escapism and the darker sides of modern life in a playful yet profound manner.

3. Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms

Yayoi Kusama’s immersive installations are a brilliant example of psychological engagement. Her use of mirrors and lights creates infinite reflections, drawing viewers into her unique world. Kusama's work challenges perceptions of reality and self, making her a standout figure in contemporary art.

4. Damien Hirst's The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living

Hirst's work features a tiger shark preserved in formaldehyde, raising questions about mortality. This shocking piece sparked debate about the role of death in art. By confronting death directly, Hirst transformed how we view art and the relationship between viewer and artwork.

5. Ai Weiwei’s Sunflower Seeds: A Commentary on Mass Production

Ai Weiwei's installation of millions of handcrafted porcelain sunflower seeds challenged ideas of art and commercialism. Each seed symbolized individuality despite being part of a collective. This juxtaposition highlighted issues of mass production and the personal stories behind it.

6. Kehinde Wiley's Portrait of Barack Obama

Kehinde Wiley’s striking portrayal of Barack Obama shattered conventions of traditional portraiture. Using vibrant colors and intricate backgrounds, Wiley combined classical styles with contemporary subjects. This piece redefined the representation of power and diversity in art history.

7. Olafur Eliasson's The Weather Project

This installation at the Tate Modern utilized artificial sun, mist, and mirrors, immersing the viewer in a surreal environment. Eliasson's creation prompted viewers to engage with their surroundings and each other. This work invited reflection on nature and perception, challenging the way we experience art in physical space.

8. Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s The Gates

In 2005, the duo installed 7,503 saffron-colored fabric gates in Central Park. This temporary installation transformed the landscape, encouraging viewers to see the park in a new light. The Gates encouraged public interaction with art in an unconventional way, redefining both the space and experience of the viewer.

9. Jeff Koons’ Balloon Animals

Koons’s oversized sculptures of balloon animals simultaneously evoke nostalgia and critique consumer culture. Each piece, crafted from stainless steel, challenges traditional craftsmanship. Koons has blurred the lines between high art and kitsch, prompting viewers to question the value of artistic originality.

10. Cindy Sherman’s Untitled Film Stills

In her series of self-portraits, Sherman explored identity and representation in film. By depicting herself in various roles, she questioned the role of women in media. This series revolutionized the concept of self-portraiture and how we perceive image and narrative in art.

11. Takashi Murakami's Superflat Movement

Murakami’s Superflat art merges traditional Japanese art with contemporary culture. Through works that combine high and low art, he challenges hierarchies within art. This movement has redefined the perception of Japanese art globally, making it approachable and relevant to modern audiences.

12. Piet Mondrian's De Stijl Movement

Mondrian pioneered the De Stijl movement, focusing on abstraction and linear forms. He pushed the boundaries of painting to include a universal aesthetic. His emphasis on geometric forms revolutionized not only painting but also architecture and design, influencing everything from furniture to buildings.

13. Zaha Hadid’s Architectural Innovations

Zaha Hadid’s fluid designs broke free from traditional architectural forms. Her approach embraced curves and unconventional materials, leading to stunning structures like the Heydar Aliyev Center. Hadid's work challenged the notion of what buildings could be, making her a key figure in modern architecture.

14. Salvador Dalí’s Surrealism

Dalí shocked audiences with dream-like imagery that combined the bizarre and the beautiful. His meticulous detail in seemingly nonsensical landscapes defied reality. Dalí's risk-taking in surrealism opened new avenues for exploring the subconscious in art.

15. Henri Matisse’s Cut-Outs

In his later years, Matisse famously created cut-out artworks by cutting shapes from colored paper. This radical departure from painting emphasized color and form. His cut-outs broke conventional techniques, showing that art could be both playful and profound.

16. Frank Gehry’s Deconstructivism

Gehry’s designs often appear fragmented and chaotic, challenging notions of stability in architecture. His Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a landmark example of this style. Gehry’s approach to deconstructivism reshaped contemporary architecture, making it a focal point of urban landscapes.

17. Yayoi Kusama's Installation with Dots

Kusama's obsession with polka dots has manifested in various immersive environments and large-scale installations. These spaces invite viewers to become part of the artwork. Her fearless exploration of personal experiences and mental health within art creates a communal atmosphere of connection.

18. Richard Serra’s Verb List

In the late 1960s, Serra created a series of 'verb' sculptures challenging conventional sculpture. These pieces encouraged viewer interaction and engagement. Serra's approach demonstrated that art does not have to be static but can evolve through the viewer's experience.

19. Jenny Holzer's Text Art

Holzer's use of language as art, particularly through LED displays, conveys complex social issues. Her iconic quotes challenge observers to reflect. By incorporating text into urban landscapes, Holzer redefined the boundaries of art, making it accessible and provocative.

20. Random International's The Rain Room

This installation allows visitors to walk through a room of rain without getting wet by using sensors. It explores interaction between technology and art, offering unique experiences. This fusion of nature and technology redefines how art can be experienced in modern society.

20 Unusual Examples of Risk-Taking in Art and Design That Redefined Their Genres

Key Steps to Embrace Risk in Art and Design:

• Research and embrace unconventional influences.
• Experiment with materials and techniques that challenge norms.
• Engage audiences in new, interactive ways.
• Collaborate with other artists to gain fresh perspectives.
• Document your process to understand your risks better.
• Create art that addresses current social or personal issues.
• Be open to critique and use it constructively.
• Participate in interdisciplinary projects to expand your understanding.
• Use technology creatively to enhance your art.
• Reflect on your creative journey and willingness to take risks.