A resurgence of interest in Expressionism, Pop art, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and other movements gained steam among artists of the 1970s and ’80s, in part as a reaction to the austerity of the prevailing minimalism and Conceptual art of the era. A decadent, bold and brash art style called Neo-Expressionism saw painters returning to figural representation, creating highly textured works that were imbued with intensely personal narratives.
Neo-Expressionist paintings are sensuous in nature and highly subjective in meaning. Expressive brushwork, highly pigmented colors and layered forms and materials lent sculptural attributes to the work and were used to depict symbolic narratives from history, mythology and the artist’s personal experience.
Prominent figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat led the Neo-Expressionist movement in the United States with paintings and prints that were raw, emotional and often violent in nature. In Germany, Die Neuen Wilden (the “New Fauves”) was the name given to a group of postwar artists that included the likes of sculptor Georg Baselitz and Gerhard Richter, a painter and photographer who explored the possibilities of both abstraction and realism, sometimes in a single piece. The work of the New Fauves — labeled as such for its return to Fauvism’s textured brushwork and use of vibrant colors — shares commonalities with Neo-Expressionism, and Baselitz was a pioneer of the movement in Europe. In addition, Willem de Kooning’s pulsating action paintings and Julian Schnabel’s experimentation with the materiality of paintings also took shape during this period.
“I was trying to make paintings different from the paintings that I saw a lot of at the time, which were mostly minimal, and they were highbrow and alienating, and I wanted to make very direct paintings that most people would feel the emotion behind when they saw them,” said Basquiat.
Neo-Expressionism generated some polarizing opinions, with some celebrating the revival of personal subjectivity in art while others criticizing the movement for being too commercially driven and nostalgic. But most experts agree that Neo-Expressionism was a huge commercial success and culturally impactful, paving the way for the postmodern work of artists like Richter and Sigmar Polke.
Find original Neo-Expressionist paintings, prints, mixed-media works and other art on 1stDibs.
Neo-Expressionist Outsider Figurative Oil on canvas Painting with Masked Figures
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Neo-Expressionist Outsider Figurative Oil Painting with Masked Figures Artist: Sagarra Title: Neo-Expressionist Outsider Figurative Oil Painting with Masked Figures Medium: Oil on c...
Oil
Invisible Pain 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Parlor Trick. Magic realism female figure w heart, cat warm brown greens
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An early work by the artist signed and dated lower left. Surreal expressionist style. ABOUT Stephen Basso Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic, ye...
Canvas, Oil
Neo-Expressionist Mixed Media Oil Pastel Painting, Late 20th Century
By Jean Sanglar
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Sanglar was born in France in 1926. He draws with taste and talent from an early age, however, his family will only consider this a mere hobby. After studying law, he later took...
Mixed Media, Oil Pastel
$450
Weight of Presence 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Invisible Pain 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Positioning 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Magico Restaraunte en Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery. This painting features the beautiful Art Deco interior of the Beef Bar Restaurant in Paris. Her works were recently featured in the March issue of American Art Collector magazine 2022. A hardbound-book is included with your purchase. Whether depicting lively night parties on the beach, Parisian streets, or bustling sidewalk cafes of her native Madrid, the paintings of Paloma Hinojosa...
Canvas, Oil
I'm Seeing Double
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
I’m not proud of some things I’ve done I cannot summon Jesus to die again for this sin. I’m not yet 60 but Karma is after me. Take it easy on me, let me get some grey hair first. Hunt me later or forgive me. Yea, don’t gimme that look karma, You know I had the longing to do what’s right. (Written by the Artist) 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. About Artist Janet Adenike Adebayo (b. 1997) is a self-taught Nigerian artist, born in Lagos and based in Lagos as an artist. She began her journey as a painter in 2017. She refers to herself as a “confessional” artist, as her art is an expression of intimate moments and openness of truths and feelings others may be otherwise shy to confront. Adebayo expresses herself using acrylic and mixed media on canvas, employing techniques such as her signature “mosaic skin” tones, fusing a collage of colors to create humanoid figures, made obvious by exaggerated features. Janet Adebayo...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
Weight of Presence 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
Shared Atmosphere 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
Heat Between Us 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
Heat Between Us 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ilori 3 (Put To Bed)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The title itself, "ÌLÒRÍ," holds a special meaning, as the artist reveals it is a name given to a child who finds its way into their mother's belly while she is still breastfeeding a...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Oil
Ilori 2 (Heavy)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
The title itself, "ÌLÒRÍ," holds a special meaning, as the artist reveals it is a name given to a child who finds its way into their mother's belly while she is still breastfeeding another child. This unique and touching term encapsulates the interconnectedness of life, illustrating how love and new beginnings can emerge even in the midst of existing responsibilities. Adebayo's artwork appears to be a reflection on her personal journey and the story of her birth. She shares how her mother affectionately calls her "ÌLÒRÍ" and playfully recounts the amusing moments when she questions her conception. The artist playfully suggests that she jokingly implores her mother to use protection, a humorous remark that adds a light-hearted touch to the piece. The openness and candor with which Adebayo communicates her personal story add authenticity and vulnerability to the artwork, drawing viewers into her emotional world. The central theme of the artwork revolves around family, particularly the artist's late brother who was just nine months old at the time of her conception. Through her words, "I Miss you bro and happy mother's month. Your struggle is noticed," Adebayo honors her sibling's memory and acknowledges the sacrifices her mother made as a parent. The metaphorical use of the phrase "coconut head" suggests a sense of stubbornness, perhaps referring to the artist's own determination to enter this world despite the odds. This resilient spirit symbolizes the strength of the human will and the innate desire to live, even against all odds. It is a testament to the power of life and the profound connection between siblings, even those who have never met. "ÌLÒRÍ" is more than just a visual artwork; it is a story of life, love, and the unbreakable ties that bind families together. Janet Adebayo...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hiding the Emotions
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Janet Adebayo's exquisite artwork, "Hiding the Emotions," captivates viewers with its poignant portrayal of a young woman holding a rose-like flower. This evocative piece transcends ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Caldentey Bar original neo figurative acrylic paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Tuta- original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spain) The activ...
Acrylic, Cardboard
$6,000
Global Warming rich color humor art topical subject birds and human interaction
Located in Brooklyn, NY
oil on stretched canvas signed an dated on reverse. Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic yet thought provoking narratives. His whimsical works are alive wit...
Oil, Canvas
$1,600
the greco roman question, figure with classical statues, greens, earth tones
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Oil on canvas, humorous depiction of a woman with classical artwork
Canvas, Oil
$1,250
H 17 in W 25 in D 2 in
Vintage Oil Painting "Strings and Brass" Symphony Oil Painting c.1989
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage Oil Painting "Strings and Brass" Symphony Oil Painting c.1989 Original oil on canvas Canvas dimensions 24" wide x 16" high The simple maple frame measures 25" wide x 17" h...
Canvas, Oil
$2,600
H 13.78 in W 10.63 in
Circle Teniers, Flemish Art, Peasants smoking and drinking in a Tavern Interior
Located in Greven, DE
Circle or Follower of David Teniers, Peasant in a Tavern Inn, drinking and smoking. Oil on canvas, Framed: 39 x 47 cm. Typical Flemish Baroque Interior...
Canvas, Oil
$350
H 24 in W 19.7 in D 1 in
Old Times House Interior Scene with Naughty Boy 19th century Genre Oil Painting
Located in Stockholm, SE
The painting captures a wonderfully amusing family moment set in the 16th century. In the center of the painting we see the father, exhausted by worries and dozing in his chair in fr...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
Blacksmith (Untitled)
By Erle Loran
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Blacksmith (Untitled), 1936, oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right, 28 x 30 inches Erle Loran was an influential American painter, art historian, and educator, renowned for h...
Canvas, Oil
$3,650
H 18.5 in W 16.5 in D 3 in
Pair of 19th Century "Gambling" Oil Paintings After Adriaen van Ostade
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of 19th Century "Gambling" Oil Paintings After Adriaen van Ostade Each painting shows men gambling in a cellar Original oil on canvas Dimensions 10" wide x 12" high The orna...
Canvas, Oil
$18,600
H 21 in W 25 in
"The Rembrandt Room" Realist Oil Painting on Canvas, Museum Scene, Framed
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"The Rembrandt Room" is a realist oil painting by Steven J. Levin. It depicts three people in a museum gallery. One person is looking at the art, another is seated on a bench, with t...
Canvas, Oil
$395
H 23.23 in W 16.54 in D 0.08 in
"Fantasy with Flowers 218" Mixed , paper, 59x42cm, Unframed
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 300+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Sold and sent unframed -V...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Watercolor
Fanasy with Flowers 167
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Fantasy with Flowers" (series of 300+ pictures) paper 59x42cm On the paper acrylic, oil pastel, felt-tip pen, ink, gold leaf, pencils, silver,mixed media. Sold and sent unframed -V...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$3,250
H 28 in W 28 in D 2 in
Mikael Takacs Acid Squirtle Pokemon Acrylic Marbling Painting Canvas Pop Art
Located in New York, NY
It is said that Marbling (his painting technique) originated in Japan in the 12th Century. Mikael has been able to reinvent the technique existing for more than hundreds of years li...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
H 14 in W 11 in
The Summer Passed Away As Imperceptibly As Grief - Dandelion Flower Original Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer is a California-based internationally collected artist. She is a leading force of the New California Realism. Kathleen brings a fresh, clean perspective to Contempora...
Canvas, Acrylic
Mid Century Interior Scene Animals Figures Rare Cityscape Oil Painting 1963
Located in Buffalo, NY
A fantastic MidCentury interior scene painted in 1963 and signed illegibly. This work comes in a contemporary wood frame.
Canvas, Oil
Sorceress
Located in Zofingen, AG
You'll receive it rolled, in a tube. This artwork masterfully integrates a profile portrait with vibrant floral and abstract elements. The face emerges gracefully from a backdrop of ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Sold
H 10 in W 8 in D 1 in
Shared Atmosphere 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sold
H 10 in W 8 in D 1 in
Positioning 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract-Expressionism, Colour
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Jan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Thought I Wasn't Enough
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
I would always seek validation on every little thing. Validation to take the simplest action and most times the response breaks me even more. I realized to be confident in one’s body I had to work on my mind because the mind controls...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sold
H 59 in W 59 in
"Geography" Abstract Acrylic Painting 59"x59"inch by Ahmed Gaafary
Located in Culver City, CA
"Geography" Acrylic Painting 59"x59"inch by Ahmed Gaafary Nabokov’s Signs Ahmed Gaafary takes Vladimir Nabokov’s phenomenal short story “On Signs and Symbols” as an instigator to s...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled 1
By Wisdom Uche
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Painting Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, this is not a print or other type of copy. Signed on the front side and accompanied by a Certificate of Auth...
Canvas, Acrylic
Lydia
By Wisdom Uche
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Painting Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, this is not a print or other type of copy. Signed on the front side and accompanied by a Certificate of Auth...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled III
By Wisdom Uche
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Painting Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, this is not a print or other type of copy. Signed on the front side and accompanied by a Certificate of Auth...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Prelude 1" Acrylic Painting 79" x 79" inch by Ahmed Gaafary
Located in Culver City, CA
"Prelude 1" Acrylic Painting 79" x 79" inch by Ahmed Gaafary * Due to the Ministry of Culture policy, handling time (paperwork) may take up to 2-3 weeks. Born In Cairo 1987 Where ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hunt Slonem "Diamonds" Blue Diamond Dust Bunnies
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Houston, TX
Hunt Slonem "Diamonds" Blue Diamond Dust Bunnies White Bunnies on a deep blue diamond dust background Unframed: 60 x 70 inches. *Painting is unframe...
Canvas, Oil
top banana, colorful food theme oil painting
Located in Brooklyn, NY
*ABOUT Stephen Basso Stephen Basso's highly original pastels and oil paintings are romantic, yet thought provoking fantasies. His whimsical works are...
Oil, Wood
"Untitled" Acrylic Painting 59"x59"inch by Ahmed Gaafary
Located in Culver City, CA
"Untitled" Acrylic Painting 59"x59"inch by Ahmed Gaafary * Due to the Ministry of Culture policy, handling time (paperwork) may take up to 2-3 weeks. Nabokov’s Signs Ahmed Gaafary...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Untitled" Acrylic Painting 78"x78"inch by Ahmed Gaafary
Located in Culver City, CA
"Untitled" Acrylic Painting 78"x78"inch by Ahmed Gaafary Nabokov’s Signs Ahmed Gaafary takes Vladimir Nabokov’s phenomenal short story “On Signs and Symbols” as an instigator to ser...
Canvas, Acrylic