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Expressionist Figurative Paintings

EXPRESSIONIST STYLE

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.

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Style: Expressionist
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
'Emotional' Figurative Portrait Painting
Located in Rye, NY
‘Emotional’ is a large expressionist figurative oil on canvas painting of vertical format created by Vietnamese artist La Ba Quan in 2011. Featuring a palette made of grey, brown, bl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Paul Manes - Suzanna...Later, Paintings 2020
Located in Greenwich, CT
Paul Manes was born May 4, 1948, in Austin, Texas. He began his professional career in New York City in the early 1980s. His art has been widely exhibited in America and Europe and h...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Oil

Paul Manes - Palaz of the Hoon, Painting 2008
Located in Greenwich, CT
Paul Manes was born May 4, 1948, in Austin, Texas. He began his professional career in New York City in the early 1980s. His art has been widely exhibited in America and Europe and h...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Oil

Black Elegance
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In "Black Elegance," Odetomi skillfully brings forth the allure of a woman wearing a striking traditional Ankara head tie. The Ankara fabric, renowned for its vibrant patterns and bold colors, holds deep cultural significance in many African countries. The artist's meticulous strokes and rich palette draw attention to the intricate patterns and textures of the head tie, which gracefully wraps around the woman's head, exuding elegance and confidence. Enhancing the artwork's magnificence are the subtle nuances captured in the woman's expression and posture. Her gaze reflects strength and determination, while her regal pose embodies the grace and resilience often associated with African women. Through his artistry, Odetomi captures not only the physical beauty of the subject but also her inner strength and cultural heritage. "Black Elegance" by Abayomi Odetomi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night, original oil-UK award artist-Summer Roses
Located in London, GB
A rare chance to collect an original oil painting by Shizico Yi at the lowest price possible. We offer the original artwork with a artist’s lifetime Warranty too! Taking on the inspiration of the legendary poet, Dylan Thomas, the poem, Do not go gentle into that good night, is a painting celebrates life in its ageing; as Rosa Albertine only flowers once in early Summer with the most festive blooms and heavenly scents, a symbol of a fully lived life. About the Painting : Painted Plein Air, in Artist's own garden of her very own planted memorial roses. This is Rosa Albertine, the first Old English variety Artist Shizico Yi planted in 2016 in her garden before her late dog died; Old English Roses...
Category

2010s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic

Depository VI
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
It is imperative to say that one cannot separate the African culture and the use of proverbs. Prof. Chinua Achebe who was a novelist, poet, and one of the dominant figures of modern...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Depository VIII
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Hitherto we are constantly being reminded of how imperative it is to get inquisitive and learn more about our history and heritage as a people. Having a strong understanding of what ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Other Side
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The Other Side is an original painting by Bright Toh. Bright created Other Side Acrylic on a 47.2W by 47.2H inches primed canvas. The world of art is filled with countless masterpieces that have captivated audiences for generations. Each piece carries with it its own unique story and message, conveyed through a wide range of styles, colors, and techniques. One such artwork that has recently caught the attention of many art lovers is "The Other Side", a bright and colorful piece featuring an elephant head with its long tusk on a human body. At first glance, "The Other Side" appears to be a whimsical and playful piece, bursting with vibrant colors and patterns. The elephant head, with its long trunk and tusks, is instantly recognizable, and yet it is placed on top of a human body, creating an unusual and surreal image. The elephant's expressive eyes and playful smile add to the overall sense of joy and wonder that the artwork evokes. But there is much more to "The Other Side" than meets the eye. Upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the piece is imbued with deep symbolism and meaning. The fusion of human and animal forms represents the interconnectedness of all living beings, reminding us that we are all part of the same great tapestry of life. The elephant, with its reputation for wisdom and strength, represents the power and potential of the human spirit. The bright colors and intricate patterns of "The Other Side" are also laden with meaning. The bold hues of orange evoke feelings of joy, energy, and vitality, while the swirling patterns suggest movement and flow. The use of color and pattern is also a nod to the rich cultural traditions of the artist's homeland, imbuing the piece with a sense of cultural identity and heritage. But perhaps the most striking aspect of "The Other Side" is the way in which it challenges our perceptions of reality. By merging the form of an elephant with that of a human, the artwork invites us to question our preconceived notions of what is possible and to embrace the infinite potential of the human imagination. It encourages us to explore the boundaries of our own creativity and embrace the unexpected. In conclusion, "The Other Side" is a remarkable piece of art that manages to be both playful and profound. Through its use of color, pattern, and form, it conveys a deep sense of interconnectedness and the power of the human spirit. At the same time, it challenges us to question our own perceptions of reality and to embrace the limitless potential of the human imagination. As such, it is a masterpiece that is sure to captivate and inspire art lovers for generations to come. Bright Toh work portrays the exquisite synergy that exists between the evolving African man, wildlife, and their common environment, through the possession of totems as a liaison to his ancestries, which is a core aspect of his identity and cultural heritage. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Born on the 6th of august 1994 in Buea, Bright Toh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Buea. Notwithstanding his Engineering academic background, Toh is a self-taught visual artist. Bright Toh is a visual artist with artistry portraying the exquisite synergy that exists between the evolving African man, wildlife, and their common environment, through the possession of totems as a liaison to his ancestries, which is a core aspect of his identity and cultural heritage. He is a 2022 ‘Last Picture Show’ Lagos Edition (Collective exhibition) Participant. He also won the UNHCR global Youth With Refugee Art...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Passers By", oil painting, figurative, night, people, building, hat, cloak
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"Passers By" is an oil painting with chalk and graphite on wood panel, and measures 12" high by 16" wide. It is finished with a clear resin across the surface, lending the artwork a ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Resin, Chalk, Oil, Wood Panel, Graphite

For the Megaliths to the Megalopolis - Figurative Political Painting
Located in New York, NY
Bernard Aptekar's For the Megaliths to the Megalopolis is a figurative painting measuring 49.5" x 65". Aptekar's paintings are often a political and social commentary of the contradi...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

The Speeding City Stretches Into Flesh - Figurative Painting with Pastel Colors
Located in New York, NY
Aptekar's paintings are often a political and social commentary of the contradictions inherent to the human mankind. The surrealistic and expressionistic language used to covey the m...
Category

Early 2000s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Expressionist figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist 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, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Evelyne Ballestra, Julien Wolf, Stephen Basso, and Bernard Harmon. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Expressionist figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available.

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