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.
$939Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
$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
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
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
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
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
Hiding the Emotions: Neo-Expressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas
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 ...
Acrylic, Canvas
ÌLÒRÍ 2 (Heavy) Neo-Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas, Unframed
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
Seeing Double: Neo-Expressionist Acrylic on Canvas, Unframed
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...
Acrylic, Canvas
$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
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
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
ÌLÒRÍ (Put To Bed) Neo-Expressionist Acrylic Mixed Media Painting
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...
Acrylic, Oil, Mixed Media, Canvas
$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
$25,887
H 19.69 in Dm 15.75 in
VAN BIESBROECK Jules. Snake charmer. Oil on panel. Signed.
By Jules Pierre van Biesbroeck
Located in Paris, FR
Algerian women in an interior. Oil on panel. Signed. This work will be recorded in the catalogue raisonné of the work of the artist currently in preparation. Jules Van Biesbroeck...
Oil
$347
H 23.23 in W 16.54 in D 0.08 in
"Fantasy with Flowers 228" 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. For sale and sent unframe...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Watercolor
$928
H 23.04 in W 26.38 in
Mid Century Modern Swedish Interior Figurative Oil Painting - Shared Moments
Located in Bristol, GB
SHARED MOMENTS Size: 58.5 x 67 cm (including frame) Oil on canvas A beautifully atmospheric mid-century modernist oil painting depicting two figures in a quiet interior scene, execu...
Canvas, Oil
For Your Eyes Only
Located in Zofingen, AG
The work speaks of a moment of intimacy - as a state of trust that is only beginning to form. It is a space where it becomes possible to be imperfect. Openness ceases to be a risk an...
Canvas, Oil
$341
H 16.54 in W 23.23 in D 0.08 in
"Fantasy with Flowers 234" 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. For sale and sent unframe...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Watercolor
An auction at Drouot's in Paris.
By René Francois Xavier Prinet
Located in Paris, FR
An auction at Drouot's in Paris. Oil on canvas. Signed lower right. Around 1900-1910. René François Xavier Prinet (31 December 1861, Vitry-le-François – 26 January 1946, Bourbonne-les-Bains) was a French painter and illustrator who drew his subjects from middle-class society. He was born to Henri Prinet, an Imperial Prosecutor in Vitry-le-François. A promotion led to him being posted in Paris, where they lived in a home not far from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. His father painted as a hobby and was supportive of his desire to study art, having him seek the advice of Louis Charles Timbal [fr], a well-known church painter and friend of the family. Around 1880, he began his studies in earnest, in the studios of Jean-Léon Gérôme; remaining with him until 1885. That year, his painting "The Infant Jesus" was accepted for display at the Salon. This was followed by studies at the Académie Julian. At this time, he also became associated with a group of young artists known as the Bande Noire (Black Stripe), which included Lucien Simon, André Dauchez...
Oil
Cabaret
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Cabaret" is painted with acrylic paints on canvas 100x80 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
The desert where we become ourselves
Located in Zofingen, AG
ABOUT THE ARTWORK "The Desert Where We Become Ourselves" from the "Perichoresis" series is a meditation on the inner journey—a space where everything nonessential falls away, leaving...
Canvas, Acrylic
Time-Weaved Fresco
Located in Zofingen, AG
ABOUT THE ARTWORK "Time-Weaved Fresco" presents a timeless tableau, where the ancient art of fresco meets the innocent strokes of modern childhood. A thoughtful woman sits within a ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Towards the sun and my desire
Located in Zofingen, AG
ABOUT THE ARTWORK "Towards the Sun and My Desire" from the Perichoresis series is a portrayal of movement towards the self, towards one’s own passion, towards an inner sun that is bo...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Return of Galliano
Located in Zofingen, AG
The Return of Galliano This work was inspired by the Maison Margiela Artisanal 2024 show, the triumphant return of John Galliano. His handwriting cannot be confused: theatricality, ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,400
H 36 in W 24 in
"I See Color" Figurative Acrylic on Canvas Looking Out Window Black White Color
Located in Detroit, MI
"I See Color" is a dramatic psychological study of personal discovery painted in black and white with the face reflected on a window painted in color. Dennis states: It was a time wh...
Canvas, Acrylic
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