Expressionist More Art
While “expressionist” is used to describe any art that avoids naturalism and instead employs a bold use of flattened forms and intense brushwork, Expressionist art formally describes early-20th-century work from Europe that drew on Symbolism and confronted issues such as urbanization and capitalism. Expressionist artists experimented in paintings and prints with skewed perspectives, abstraction and unconventional, bright colors to portray how isolating and anxious the world felt rather than how it appeared.
Between 1905 and 1920, Austrian and German artists, in particular, were inspired by Postimpressionists such as Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh in their efforts to strive for a new authenticity in their work. In its geometric patterns and decorative details, Expressionist art was also marked by eclectic sources like German and Russian folk art as well as tribal art from Africa and Oceania, which the movement’s practitioners witnessed at museums and world’s fairs.
Groups of artists came together to share and promote the themes now associated with Expressionism, such as Die Brücke (The Bridge) in Dresden, which included Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and investigated alienation and the dissolution of society in vivid color. In Munich, Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), a group led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, instilled Expressionism with a search for spiritual truths. In his iconic painting The Scream, prolific Norwegian painter Edvard Munch conveyed emotional turmoil through his depiction of environmental elements, such as the threatening sky.
Expressionism shifted around the outbreak of World War I, with artists using more elements of the grotesque in reaction to the escalation of unrest and violence. Printmaking was especially popular, as it allowed artists to widely disseminate works that grappled with social and political issues amid this time of upheaval. Although the art movement ended with the rise of Nazi Germany, where Expressionist creators were labeled “degenerate,” the radical ideas of these artists would influence Neo-Expressionism that emerged in the late 1970s with painters like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Francesco Clemente.
Find a collection of authentic Expressionist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.
Artist Comments
Artist Alix Palo portrays a delightful still life of a bouquet in a vase. The harmonious blend of purple, green, and yellow brings out the vibrancy of the flowe...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Alix Palo presents a vibrant floral arrangement with a soft and colorful palette. Set against a light gray background, the flowers spring to life, gracin...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
With a bold palette and expressive brushstrokes, artist Robert Hofherr paints a teapot adorned with flowers on an iron chair. "The use of an abstract and colorf...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Jodi Dann illustrates a diverse array of dahlias set on decorative vases. "Where I live, there can be lots of wind but dahlia roots seem to hold on tight with their strength," shares Jodi. She depicts her favorite flower accentuating their flower heads of various sizes. The complementing peach, purple, wine, and mauve tones evoke a meditative harmony.
About the Artist
In 1999, Jodi Dann seized the opportunity to become a full-time painter. Today, her paintings read like hazy memories of imagined faraway places. The compositions are abstract, but possess strong architectural elements, recalling bridges, arches, and doorways. Each piece retains an overall sense of place without prescribing a location, allowing the viewer to form an individualized connection with the work. Jodi paints from her cozy studio on her property in Oregon while listening to a variety of music on Pandora. She doesn’t feel the need to strive for perfection in her work. “Life isn’t perfect,†says Jodi. “Why force a painting to be?â€
Words that describe this painting: dahlias, flowers, vases, petals, garden, peaceful, meditation, mindfulness, still life...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Jodi Dann shares a glimpse of vibrant pink dahlias. Bubbles of wine float in the background while the blooming flowers thrive. "Anything can happen on my...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Diana Elena Chelaru presents a woman engrossed in a book while sitting on a chair. A wise owl perches on the lady's long, blonde hair, symbolizing wisdom...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Alix Palo renders an expressive still life of colorful flowers within a glass vase. The dynamic brushstrokes breathe life into the piece, capturing the b...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker presents a vibrant portrait of five Native Americans on horseback. They collectively look out and watch for the unforeseen, surrounded by colo...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Vivid corals and pinks harmonize with cool blues and warm greens. Artist Alix Palo captures the charm of blooming flowers in this still life. She skillfully ren...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker presents a profound scene of Native Americans on horseback. They convene to discuss important matters and plans of action. "It is an ancient a...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles presents his interpretation of fall at its finest. The tree, adorned with red, orange, and yellow leaves, stands towering amid an expansiv...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles captures a solitary tree standing in the middle of a vast field. "This is a perspective of autumn in its splendor," says George. The vivid...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr paints a spacious, modern loft in Fauvist style. He begins the painting with a vivid underpainting, a vibrant dance of red and blue, furth...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker portrays a poignant scene of Native Americans on horseback. The group explores a shallow water source after a recent rain. The iridescent hues...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
1970s Expressionist More Art
Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr shows an expressionist floral still life in a cool palette of blue and violet. He renders the flowers and leaves quickly and confidently w...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Sharon Sieben shares an expressionist rendering of cacti. The last rays of sun glimmer across the Sonoran Desert. Majestic dust covers the Saguaro's arms...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Laura (Yi Zhen) Chen paints a lady walking with her tall and graceful poodle during early fall. "It's a time when nature and architecture harmonize in a ...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles presents a mesmerizing expressionist vision of a gentle nighttime shower in a vast countryside setting. The sun's distant light glows fain...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker captures a dreamlike scene of Native Americans on horseback, pausing to survey their onward journey. Their graceful silhouettes stand out prom...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist More Art
Fabric, Wool
Artist Comments
Artist Sharon Sieben creates a stern portrait of a man who, despite his attempt to appear disinterested, finds himself unable to resist the allure of curiosit...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker depicts a group of Native Americans on horseback, traveling north for the summer. The multicolored and energetic background fuses the sky, the...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Kip Decker presents a lightly textured floral expression in a balance of bright and muted tones. He paints flourishing blossoms popping in vibrant red to...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
Artist Comments
Artist Autumn Rose paints delicate pastel flowers and foliage in striking contrast to a dark background. The artwork emulates luscious plants kissed by soft m...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist More Art
Fabric
Artist Comments
Inspired by her deep fondness for ocean botanicals, artist Autumn Rose paints a spirited underwater garden of corals, kelp, and anemones. "I love exotic sea l...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist More Art
Fabric
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
Artist Comments
"Swimming on a lake under a full moon is a truly magical experience," shares artist Rebecca Klementovich. She paints the enchanting venture through a moonlit la...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Rebecca Klementovich paints a sparkling lake surrounded by quiet mountains. She captures the sun's rays, twinkling on the water's stillness. A tranquil a...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist More Art
Fabric, Wool
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
1980s Expressionist More Art
Etching
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr illustrates an expressionist portrait of a Victorian family and their pet dog. Influenced by similar works of Picasso, this interpretation of a vintage formal...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Paper, Coffee
2010s Expressionist More Art
Fabric
2010s Expressionist More Art
Fabric
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
2010s Expressionist More Art
Photographic Paper
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles presents an expressionist landscape shifting as autumn approaches. The green leaves turn a fiery red as the season changes. George paints ...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Engraving
Artist Comments
"This stylized view of a boatyard uses contrasting tones and many linear elements in order to create a compelling work," says artist Robert Hofherr. He paints o...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Ink, Paper
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles displays an expressionist landscape bringing autumnal hues together in one area. The green leaves turn a fiery red as the season changes. ...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr paints a line of sailboats in a Massachusetts harbor with an expressionist approach. He transforms the entire display with Fauvist techniq...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr exhibits an isolated barn and silo surrounded by dark trees and an overcast sky. The landscape's darker values and tonal palette allow the...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
Artist Comments
Artist George Peebles shares autumn in full circle in an expressionist landscape. The green leaves turn a fiery red as the season changes. Breathtaking combinat...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Oil
1930s Expressionist More Art
Woodcut
Early 2000s Expressionist More Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr depicts an expressionist view of a house hedged with lush greenery. "A personal photo of a cottage on a wooded road becomes quite differen...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist More Art
Acrylic
1980s Expressionist More Art
Tapestry, Wool, Found Objects