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 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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
$682Sale Price|40% 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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,592Sale Price|20% Off
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,592Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Oil
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
$25,039
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
$1,500
H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 0.71 in
Exception handling, Abstract Conceptual Painting from Science Art Collection
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting was exhibited at the SWISS ART Expo 2019 in August in Zurich. "Exception handling" is a conceptual informatics painting. It is a part of the Science Art collection made...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
$45,477
H 18.12 in W 22.45 in
Elegant Musical Gathering in an Aristocratic Interior
Located in Paris, Île-de-France
Attributed to Jean-François de Troy (Paris, 1679 – Rome, 1752) Elegant Musical Gathering in an Aristocratic Interior Oil on canvas 46 x 57 cm Circa 1710–1715 This refined and intim...
Oil
$1,365Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 59.06 in
A source - XXI Century, Contemporary Acrylic Architecture Painting, Colorful
Located in Warsaw, PL
Marta Rynkiewicz is a young Polish artist born in 1983. She studied painting with Professor Henryk Czenik and graphic arts with Professor Jerzy Krechowicz, at the Faculty of Paintin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$124,500
H 44.75 in W 51.75 in D 4 in
A Very Fine Danish 19th Century Oil on Canvas "The Sewing Room" (Systue)
Located in LA, CA
Wenzel Ulrik Tornøe (Danish, 1844-1907) A very fine and large oil on canvas titled "Systue" ("The Sewing Room"). The finely executed artwork depicting the interior of a sewing room w...
Oil
Watching
Located in Zofingen, AG
You'll receive it rolled, in a tube. This artwork presents a mesmerizing portrait, skillfully blending abstract and figurative elements. The central focus is a striking face, rendere...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$18,873
H 36.61 in W 29.92 in
Feast of Esther, oil on panel, early 17th century Italian school, Renaissance
Located in PARIS, FR
Ahasuerus and Haman at the Feast of Esther Attributed to Denys Calvaert (Antwerp, 1540 – Bologna, 1619), not signed Early 17th century Italian School, circa 1610 Oil on poplar panel,...
Wood Panel, Oil, Poplar
$124,500
H 44.75 in W 51.75 in D 4 in
A Very Fine Danish 19th Century Oil on Canvas "The Sewing Room" (Systue)
Located in LA, CA
Wenzel Ulrik Tornøe (Danish, 1844-1907) A very fine and large oil on canvas titled "Systue" ("The Sewing Room"). The finely executed artwork depicting the interior of a sewing room w...
Oil
Honey
Located in Zofingen, AG
You'll receive it rolled, in a tube. This artwork portrays a hauntingly serene face, partially obscured by a cascade of abstract elements and vivid yellow flowers. The use of cool bl...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 8 in D 1 in
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 10 in W 8 in D 1 in
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
$19,348
H 28.35 in Dm 18.9 in
VAN BIESBROECK Jules. Algerian women in an interior. 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 w...
Oil
Pieta
Located in Mokena, IL
Pieta, 2019 Oil on Panel with Dutch Ripple Frame, 9 x 12 inches A whispering portrayal of spiritual sorrow, Justas Varpucanskis’s “Pieta” present...
Oil
$272Sale Price|19% Off
H 7.09 in W 9.45 in
A king - Contemporary acrylic Painting, Figurative, Surreal, Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
MIKOŁAJ MALESZA (born in 1954) a painter and a stage designer. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, at the Department of Interior Design, where he graduated from in 1979...
Canvas, Acrylic
Princess
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this fusion of pop art vibrancy and the depth of expressionism, I've merged texture and color to create an emotional landscape. Bold acrylics underpin the energy, while oil pastel...
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
"Untitled" Acrylic Painting 51"x82"inch by Ahmed Gaafary
Located in Culver City, CA
AHG003 Acrylic Painting 51"x82"inch by Ahmed Gaafary Nabokov’s Signs Ahmed Gaafary takes Vladimir Nabokov’s phenomenal short story “On Signs and Symbols” as an instigator to series ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled painting 36'x48 inch by Alexander Yulish
By Alexander Yulish
Located in Culver City, CA
Untitled painting 36'x48 inch by Alexander Yulish Acrylic on canvas 36" x 48" inch 2010 This painting was part of private collection. The collector purchased...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sold
H 28 in W 22 in D 1 in
"THE SEED OF MADNESS" mixed media painting by Emanuele Tozzoli
Located in Culver City, CA
Emanuele Tozzoli "THE SEED OF MADNESS" Mixed media on board 28" x 22" inch 70 x 50 cm ABOUT THE ARTIST Born in Italy in 1989, Emanuele discover...
Mixed Media, Board