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Conceptual Figurative Paintings

CONCEPTUAL STYLE

In 1967, artist Sol LeWitt wrote that in “Conceptual art the idea or concept is the most important aspect of the work.” He was giving a name to an art movement that had emerged in the 1960s in which artists were less focused on their medium being something traditionally “artistic” and instead engaged in using any object, movement, form, action or place to express an idea.

LeWitt’s work was featured alongside an assemblage of notes, drawings and outlines by other artists in “Working Drawings and Other Visible Things on Paper Not Necessarily Meant to Be Viewed as Art,” a groundbreaking show at New York City’s School of Visual Arts curated by Mel Bochner, another leading exponent of Conceptualism. Building on radical 20th-century statements, like Fountain (1917) by French artist Marcel Duchamp, Conceptual artists around Europe and North and South America were not interested in the commercial art scene and rather directly challenged its systems and values.

Stretching into the 1970s, this movement has also been called Post-Object art and Dematerialized art. Conceptual art reflected a larger era of social and political upheaval. Pieces associated with the style range from Roelof Louw’s Soul City (Pyramid of Oranges) (1967) — a work of installation art that sees fresh oranges stacked into a pyramid from which visitors are allowed to take one orange away — to On Kawara’s “Today” series, which saw the Japanese artist carefully painting a date in white acrylic on canvases consisting of a single color from 1966 to his death in 2014. Artists such as Ed Ruscha, who created the Twentysix Gasoline Stations book — a collection of photos of gas stations that is widely said to be the first modern artists’ book — made photography a major platform for Conceptual art, as did Bruce Nauman, who burned one of Ruscha's books and then photographed it for his own.

Conceptual art’s legacy of questioning artistic authorship, ownership and how to work with complex ideas of space and time had a significant influence on the decades of culture that followed, and it continues to inform art today.

The collection of Conceptual photography, paintings and sculptures on 1stDibs includes artworks by John Baldessari, Jenny Holzer, Lawrence Weiner, Joseph Kosuth and others.

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Style: Conceptual
Tree Diva
Located in New York, NY
Photograph of aged tree that is then brought to life through some acrylic touches. Photograph produced by Dye Sublimation - which means archival inks infused into aluminum. Abou...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Metal

Pieces
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting. The implied narrative adds to the piece. A glimpse into a child's world, one we all have experienced. Tone is engaging, fun with universal appeal. About the art...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Backstage Rant" Conceptual Text Based Painting
Located in New York, NY
This large scale conceptual text based painting by New York artist, David Kramer, features, in bold type the phase: "... I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Commuter
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting. The implied narrative adds to the piece. A glimpse into a child's world, one we all have experienced. Tone is engaging, fun with universal appeal. About the art...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

' Do You See That I Love You? ' oil on canvas
Located in London, GB
' Do You See That I Love You? ' 2013 oil on canvas 70 w x 60 h cm signed on reverse by artist. Unique work. About the artist : Katherine Russell is a L...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

Beatles on Times Square
Located in New York, NY
Homage to Beatles Abbey Road in Times Square. Oil on canvas. Feels like you are in the heart of NYC. Took over 300 hours to paint. About The Artist: D’Avino cultivated his ...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

The Walking Spaceman
Located in New York, NY
Homage to the Toys of the past. Oil on canvas. Vibrant colors. Evokes great memories. About The Artist: D’Avino cultivated his life-long interest in Art at the State Univers...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Car and Truck Crashing with Random Cosmic Laser Beam
Located in New York, NY
Acrylic on Canvas. Energy. Vibrant colors. Impactful portrayal of a crash with science fiction infusion. About the Artist: "Growing up in England during the 80s, the influence and love of American sub cultures through TV, and being surrounded by large non-spaces of US air bases around East Anglia, gave me a slightly odd and romantic view of America. I finished the Masters Degree bronze-casting course at the Royal College of Art in 1999 and have pursued my passion for Art ever since. I have built up a body of work that follows the theme of a journey into abstraction, inspired by Robert Smithson, Donald Judd, Fiona Banner, Cornelia Parker...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Amber Lens
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original enamel on metal painting by emerging contemporary conceptual artist Craig Sheperd (b. 1984) Craig Sheperd’s paintings, most of which are enamel on metal, were created o...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Enamel, Metal

LOL (laugh out loud)
Located in Buffalo, NY
LOL (laugh out loud) 2014 4x6" framed. 8x10" SUBTEXT This series of small paintings are a mash-up of Renaissance Choir book borders with their ornate grotesques and drolleries combi...
Category

Early 2000s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Tractor Replaces the Horse
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original enamel on metal painting by emerging contemporary conceptual artist Craig Sheperd (b. 1984) Craig Sheperd’s paintings, most of which are enamel on metal, were created o...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Enamel, Metal

Kremlin (Rusia)
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Multidisciplinary artist. Twenty years of artistic experience in the Fine Arts. Eight years of practice as a University professor of Fine Arts. Broad knowledge of design software: Ad...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Casa Blanca (USA)
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Multidisciplinary artist. Twenty years of artistic experience in the Fine Arts. Eight years of practice as a University professor of Fine Arts. Broad knowledge of design software: Ad...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Organism II
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Liana Vassalou, Greek (1948 - ) Title: Organism II Year: 1979 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 56 in. x 48 in. (142.24 cm x 121.92 cm) Frame Size: 56.5 x 48.5 inches
Category

1970s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

MYSTERY TRAIN
Located in New York, NY
Enamels, oils, acrylics, mounted subway tiles, adhered poster on wood with wood frame created by artist. A confluence of inspirations from the artist's graffiti artistry. About the Artist Born in Belgium and artistically inclined at an early age, V.P. was executing well- defined pencil sketched portraits of anyone who would sit for him by age 4. The family’s emigration to the United States in 1967 landed the 8 year old in the Fordham section of the Bronx at the height of the psychedelic era and POP ART movement.  The Fordham Road shopping district offered the young budding artist a fount of inspiration in the form of vibrant Rock & Roll, “black-light” posters in the windows of “head-shops” and the elaborately colored wardrobes of the hippies crowding the boulevard. The pivotal shift in V.P.’s artistic expression was fueled in 1968 by the sight of a Peter Max designed billboard.  Armed with magic markers and acrylic paints, V.P. recreated the vibrant designs from Max’s billboard, the music posters in store windows and the paisley patterns of the shirts the “flower children” favored, as well as the names and slogans painted on the walls of the neighborhood.  The early seventies brought with it a wondrous sight passing overhead on the sides of the elevated trains. NYC Subway Graffiti had arrived.  Looking up and seeing the esoteric names intricately rendered in multi colored swirls and strategically placed on the sides of the trains completely enthralled V.P.’s creative and adventurous spirit. Compelled to be a part of this fascinating movement he watched and rode the subways, deciphering the names and studying the “styles” on the steel rolling art gallery. Using his artistic influences and skills with markers, V.P. created his first moniker “SONIC-ACE” and obsessively drew it in colorful flowing letters to develop his own style.   At age 13 he set out to traverse the city, facing dangers and overcoming obstacles to enter an unknown and secretive world in order to join those who inspired him.  By 1974, he would change his moniker to “VICTOR-161” and paint hundreds of train cars and soon be admitted into the world famous graffiti clique “WILD STYLE” - an honor bestowed due to peer recognized artistic and stylistic abilities.  (WILDSTYLE was created/coined by the iconic TRACY-168)  V.P. was a well known and respected “writer” who “pieced” with revered writers of the day, under the aforementioned monikers including aka’s T-BOLT-123, SULFA-ONE, FANTA-ONE, BOND & ACES.  V.P. retired from painting NYC subway trains in 1977 with occasional excursions in 1986,1987,1988,1999 & 1992.  He continuously expanded his artistic pallet, studying Art History & Graphic Design in college while seeking knowledge from masters in chosen fields of art.  His works have shown in independent galleries nationally and are sought after by international collectors, with numerous private commissions. He has been featured in several best selling books and magazines focusing on graffiti art as well as his status of having been a part of the 1970’s “Golden Era” of NYC Subway Graffiti. V.P. works with a variety of mediums including aerosol paints, oils, water color & acrylic paints, often combining mediums as well as blending POP, graffiti and abstract styles of painting onto wood, canvas and metal.  His professional artistic background includes commercial art and design, logo design, silk screening, printmaking, large commissioned public murals, sign painting, pin striping and airbrushing cars, sculpting, metal fabrication, woodcarving and tattooing. Exhibitions:  Fashion Moda (BXNY) Group Show 1980/Fun Gallery (NYC) group show 1981, Beef Gallery, (LA) Group Show 1981, Gallery International (NYC) Group Show 1985, Susan Greco Gallery (NY) Group Show 1990, Shady Side...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

DYRE TRAINSPOTTING
Located in New York, NY
Spray enamels, oils, acrylics, authentic spray paint cans, mounted resin molded brick with wood frame created by the artist. A confluence of inspirations from the artist's graffiti artistry. About the Artist Born in Belgium and artistically inclined at an early age, V.P. was executing well-defined pencil sketched portraits of anyone who would sit for him by age 4. The family’s emigration to the United States in 1967 landed the 8 year old in the Fordham section of the Bronx at the height of the psychedelic era and POP ART movement.  The Fordham Road shopping district offered the young budding artist a fount of inspiration in the form of vibrant Rock & Roll, “black-light” posters in the windows of “head-shops” and the elaborately colored wardrobes of the hippies crowding the boulevard. The pivotal shift in V.P.’s artistic expression was fueled in 1968 by the sight of a Peter Max designed billboard.  Armed with magic markers and acrylic paints, V.P. recreated the vibrant designs from Max’s billboard, the music posters in store windows and the paisley patterns of the shirts the “flower children” favored, as well as the names and slogans painted on the walls of the neighborhood.  The early seventies brought with it a wondrous sight passing overhead on the sides of the elevated trains. NYC Subway Graffiti had arrived.  Looking up and seeing the esoteric names intricately rendered in multi colored swirls and strategically placed on the sides of the trains completely enthralled V.P.’s creative and adventurous spirit. Compelled to be a part of this fascinating movement he watched and rode the subways, deciphering the names and studying the “styles” on the steel rolling art gallery. Using his artistic influences and skills with markers, V.P. created his first moniker “SONIC-ACE” and obsessively drew it in colorful flowing letters to develop his own style.   At age 13 he set out to traverse the city, facing dangers and overcoming obstacles to enter an unknown and secretive world in order to join those who inspired him.  By 1974, he would change his moniker to “VICTOR-161” and paint hundreds of train cars and soon be admitted into the world famous graffiti clique “WILD STYLE” - an honor bestowed due to peer recognized artistic and stylistic abilities.  (WILDSTYLE was created/coined by the iconic TRACY-168)  V.P. was a well known and respected “writer” who “pieced” with revered writers of the day, under the aforementioned monikers including aka’s T-BOLT-123, SULFA-ONE, FANTA-ONE, BOND & ACES.  V.P. retired from painting NYC subway trains in 1977 with occasional excursions in 1986,1987,1988,1999 & 1992.  He continuously expanded his artistic pallet, studying Art History & Graphic Design in college while seeking knowledge from masters in chosen fields of art.  His works have shown in independent galleries nationally and are sought after by international collectors, with numerous private commissions. He has been featured in several best selling books and magazines focusing on graffiti art as well as his status of having been a part of the 1970’s “Golden Era” of NYC Subway Graffiti. V.P. works with a variety of mediums including aerosol paints, oils, water color & acrylic paints, often combining mediums as well as blending POP, graffiti and abstract styles of painting onto wood, canvas and metal.  His professional artistic background includes commercial art and design, logo design, silk screening, printmaking, large commissioned public murals, sign painting, pin striping and airbrushing cars, sculpting, metal fabrication, woodcarving and tattooing. Exhibitions:  Fashion Moda (BXNY) Group Show 1980/Fun Gallery (NYC) group show 1981, Beef Gallery, (LA) Group Show 1981, Gallery International (NYC) Group Show 1985, Susan Greco Gallery (NY) Group Show 1990, Shady Side...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Three Dog Night
Located in Buffalo, NY
The title for this work was inspired by the ruminations of Charles Manson in the 2010 publication Charles Manson NOW. “When you come to prison and you stay the fifteen years, all the dogs of the world are dead when you come back out, there is no dog that was a live when you were out last time. The three dog...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Spray Paint, Acrylic, Canvas, Glitter

Manhole Cover (Manhattan DPW)
By Josep Cisquella
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Josep Cisquella, Spanish (1955 - ) Title: Manhole Cover (Manhattan DPW) Year: 1991 Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas, signed on verso Size: 38.2...
Category

1990s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil

Absence I, Minimalist Contemporary Oil Painting by Liana Vassalou
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Liana Vassalou, Greek (1948 - ) Title: Absence I Year: 1979 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 56 in. x 48 in. (142.24 cm x 121.92 cm) Frame Size: 56.5 x 48.5 inches
Category

1970s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Memories VI
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Liana Vassalou, Greek (1948 - ) Title: Memories VI Year: 1979 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 56 in. x 48 in. (142.24 cm x 121.92 cm) Frame Size: 56.5 x 48.5 inches
Category

1970s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Memories VII
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Liana Vassalou, Greek (1948 - ) Title: Memories VII Year: 1979 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 56 in. x 48 in. (142.24 cm x 121.92 cm) Frame Size: 56.5 x 48.5 inches
Category

1970s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

It Happened II
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Liana Vassalou, Greek (1948 - ) Title: It Happened II Year: 1979 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 56 in. x 48 in. (142.24 cm x 121.92 cm) Frame S...
Category

1970s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Hide
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hide, 2015 12” X 9” Oil on found wine box $1400 unframed A painter, sculptor, and installation artist, Niki Singleton draws on both popular culture and mythology in order to cr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Paper

Glory
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Glory, 2015 12” X 9" Oil on paper Framed A painter, sculptor, and installation artist, Niki Singleton draws on both popular culture and mythology in order to create works that...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Paper

Turkish Medal
Located in Buffalo, NY
Beam recognizes that a successful work of art “must develop its own personality…It must empower, engage or provoke the public’s attention.” One exhibition in particular, titled Owavino(1997-1998) [meaning last minute] held in Illinois—perhaps the pinnacle of media mastery—garnered Beam numerous reviews, attacks and responses, even after the exhibiton had closed, for his work Turkish Medal (1996-1997-2013). The painting combines a comparatively altered version of one of Pulitzer-Prize winning illustrator Bill Mauldin...
Category

1990s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Latex, Latex, Masonite, Wood

Meglithe Noir
Located in New York, NY
Le Groumellec's subject matter reflects on Brittany, the northwestern region of France with a rich past, especially the clash between Christian and Pagan histories.
Category

1980s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ascoltando Il Sole II
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Ascoltando Il Sole I
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Ascoltando I Fulmini Listening to Lightning Green
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Ero Seduto Guardando Il Tramonto - I Was Sitting Watching the Sunset
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Io Su Poltrona Pensando Al Lui Me On An Armchair Thinking About Him
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Ascoltando I Fulmini Listening to Lightning
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Stars and Stripes - SOLD - Commission Available
Located in New York, NY
Pop Art. Mixed Media sketch on paper. Floats on white matte and framed with white frame. A celebration of America via the Flag. Vintage feel. Background from artists vintage ...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Conceptual Abstract
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Original with resin finish from world renowned artist with unique, one of a kind style. About the Artist: In his prolific career is a culmination of textbook artistic...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Spectrum
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Original with resin finish from world renowned artist with unique, one of a kind style. About the Artist: In his prolific career is a culmination of textbook artistic...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Living Large
Located in New York, NY
Homages to Mr. Monopoly. Conceptual. Vintage magazines in the background to create the narrative. One of a kind. About the Artist: NELSON DE LA NUEZ is one of the most sough...
Category

2010s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Newsprint, Canvas, Acrylic

'Close Touching God' Mixed Media Conceptual Wall Sculpture
Located in Rye, NY
Artist Statement: With this sculpture I represented how every day man lives trying to outdo himself, almost in competition with himself and with others, in some cases feeling omnipot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Acrylic, Ceramic

Post Conceptual Digital Artist Oil Painting Screenprint Diptych Joseph Nechvatal
Located in Surfside, FL
Joseph Nechvatal The Oedipal God of Oil Paint and Destruction, Diptych Oil and screenprint on two canvases, 1985, both signed 'Joseph Nechvatal', titl...
Category

1980s Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Screen

Flat Layers Multi-Color
Located in Rye, NY
Acrylic on Canvas
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Conceptual figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Conceptual figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add figurative paintings created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, purple, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Mattia Novello, Jim Molloy, Stephen Hall, and Liana Vassalou. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Canvas and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Conceptual figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 6.75 inches across are also available. Prices for figurative paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $333 and tops out at $85,000, while the average work sells for $5,136.

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