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.
Red Cross Belt
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
Citizens of a Quiet Country 8 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Red-haired Woman
By Louis Berthomme Saint-Andre
Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR
Oil on canvas by Louis BERTHOMME SAINT-ANDRE, France, 1940s. Young Red-haired Woman. with frame: 74x63 cm - 29.1x24.8 inches ; without frame: 61x50 cm - 24x19.7 inches. Format 12F. ...
Canvas, Oil
Citizens of a Quiet Country 6 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Rare Jewish Yemenite Woman Oil Painting Israeli Girl Judaica Itamar Siani
By Itamar Siani
Located in Surfside, FL
Itamar Siani, Yemenite Israeli (Born 1941) Oil on Canvas "Portrait of a Seated Woman" Hand signed lower left Dimensions: 26.25" x 17.75". Frame measures 38.25" x 30" Itamar Sian...
Canvas, Oil
$1,626
TIFE
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
$2,500
Untitled 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Africa
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Healing 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Blue, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
It takes a long time to heal as a human in this situation blue helps in calming the mind both physically and mentally blue also indicates serenity and contentment. Shipping Procedur...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled (Royal Officer 2)
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 (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Prince Obasi...
Canvas, Acrylic
$6,000
Vicente Cristellys, Oil on canvas "Gina Lollobrigida", Late 1950s
By Vicente Cristellys
Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR
This striking oil on canvas by Vicente Cristellys (1898–1970), a notable figure of the School of Paris, dates from the late 1950s and captures the timeless allure of cinema and fine ...
Canvas, Oil
Hunt Slonem "Cloud 9" White and Blue Mottled Bunny
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Houston, TX
Hunt Slonem "Cloud 9" White and Blue Mottled Bunny A single rabbit gestured in black on a mottled white and blue background in a vintage frame Unframed: 10 x 8 inches Framed: 14.5 x...
Oil, Panel
Figurehead
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the days when every seaport had its figurehead to show, this same day calls for free, I must go save these countrymen, my honorable crew if they still breathe. I must sail deep down north again, with strong men and skillful hands. All I ask this day is dread naught and a star to steer her as the people blare for salvaging; And all I ask again is a windy day and a friendly storm at night, And a sweet dream with my shipment when the long cruise is over. (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 Osoba Omoayo George...
Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer
$1,254
Painting of a farmer's wife, by neo-expressionist/colorist Marcel Cockx
Located in Oostende, BE
Painting of a farmer's wife, by neo-expressionist/colorist Marcel Cockx. On the back you can see a newspaper article about the painting and the artist himself has also written & sign...
Canvas
Citizens of a Quiet Country 7 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,434
"Viso Tondo Celeste" by Enzio Wenk, 2018 - Acrylic on Paper, Neo-Expressionism
By Enzio Wenk
Located in Bresso, IT
Translated title: "Round pale blue face" Acrylic paint on paper. The frame has been painted by the artist.
Acrylic, Paper
Dance of Shapes: Neo-Expressionist Mixed Media Painting, 130x100 cm
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
Citizens of a Quiet Country 9 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
Citizens of a Quiet Country 10 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Citizens of a Quiet Country 5 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hunt Slonem "Sky Light" Blue Oval Bunny
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Houston, TX
Hunt Slonem "Sky Light" Blue Oval Bunny A single rabbit gestured in black on a light blue background in a vintage frame Unframed: 12 x 10 inches Framed: 17.5 x 15.5 inches *Painting...
Oil, Panel
Nurturing 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Figurative Portrait, Women, Africa
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Senza Narrazione - 1 " by Enzio Wenk, 2019 - Acrylic Enamel on Canvas
By Enzio Wenk
Located in Bresso, IT
Translated title: "Without narration - 1" Acrylic enamel on canvas.
Enamel
$2,650
Good News - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Figurative Portrait, Women, Africa
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Catch Me! Neo-Expressionist Mixed Media 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
$2,500
Greenland - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Neo-Expressionism
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,850
Old But Golden - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Figurative Portrait, Africa
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,500
Leap of Faith - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism People
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,500
Na Serious Matter - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Proposal
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
Portrait
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Manuel Pardo (1952-2012). Portrait, 1986. Oil on canvas, 11 x 13 inches. Unframed. Signed, dated and dedicated on verso. Excellent condition. Manuel Pard...
Oil
Citizens of a Quiet Country 4 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Citizens of a Quiet Country 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Citizens of a Quiet Country 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Citizens of a Quiet Country 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
These faces are not portraits of specific people, but emotional records of a collective condition. They carry the weight of fear, disappointment, suppressed anger, endurance, and fra...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,250
Okpara (First Son) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,250
Serenity - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Modern
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Nurturing 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Figurative Portrait, Women, Africa
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,250
By Your Words - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism, Women
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Prayer" Contemporary Painting, 60x50 cm, Meditative Allegory Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
The interior painting is called "Prayer." We pray with our heads, but we feel with our hearts. The girl in the painting combines thoughts and feelings in prayer—I depicted this alleg...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,400
ADANNE
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
$1,600
Esosa
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
School of Paris, Barbara, Oil on Canvas, 1950s
Located in Saint Amans des cots, FR
This captivating 1950s oil on canvas portrait, possibly depicting the French singer Barbara, exudes an air of mystery and existential reflection. While the identity of the subject re...
Canvas, Oil
Lady Day Acrylic Painting, Neo-Expressionist, Unframed, 2010-
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Homage to Billie Holliday. Created in his idiosyncratic New York City style Berlin, himself a keen jazz musician, pays tribute to one of the greatest jazz singers of all time, the legendary Billie Holliday. Nicknamed Lady Day...
Acrylic, Canvas
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
Tir à l'Arc Mixed Media Painting, Neo-Expressionist, 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
$3,466
Watermelon - Figurative Painting, 21st Century, Colorful, Human, Fruit, Orange
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
Watermelon, 2013 Acrylic on canvas (Signed on reverse) 41 3/10 H × 28 1/2 W in 105 H × 72.5 W cm The artwork "Watermelon" was part of the solo show “Epic”. This exhibition, as the a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Self Appreciation
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Loje Oluwaseun's "Self Appreciation" is a striking artwork that delicately captures the essence of self-love and inner beauty. The focal point of the pi...
Canvas, Acrylic
My Culture and My Beauty 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the evocative artwork "My Culture and My Beauty," Loje Oluwaseun masterfully encapsulates the essence of beauty within the rich tapestry of tradition...
Canvas, Acrylic
Blue Scarf That Binds
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This expansive blue sky we all share is a global symbol of togetherness. It was set in motion by a group of women in Afghanistan ready to be heard. In 2008, a small group of brave women from a group called RAWA” gathered in war-torn Khandahar wearing a blue scarf to publicly pray for peace and justice in Afghanistan. A surprising 1500 more brave women joined to begin the Blue Scarf movement. In 2009, thousands more women joined the movement with organizing help from Unifem. With this peaceful hike, a global movement was born, blue scarves...
Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer
Life Enjoyment 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the captivating artwork "Life Enjoyment" by the talented artist Loje Oluwaseun, a delightful celebration of life unfolds before our eyes. The focal p...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ragin' Against The Machine. Contemporary Figurative Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
It's long believed that "the machine" is capitalism and the oppressive structures at the highest levels of society. Renegade artist Basquiat became drawn into this machine and became...
Gold Leaf
$3,500
Figurative Expressionist Bold Pop Art Oil Painting Self Portrait Carlo Pittore
By Carlo Pittore
Located in Surfside, FL
Carlo Pittore Oil on canvas, 1984, Self Portrait, initialed and dated lower left, slat framed, 21"sqr (frame) 20 X 20 canvas. Provenance: The Private Collection of Wolf Kahn & Emil...
Canvas, Oil
African Tribe 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Floral
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 (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Corpo di ballo" by Anna Pennati - acrylic on canvas
Located in Milano, MI
'Dance and Passion is my “fil rouge”, the continuum in my artwork. Dance is my passion and in my paintings movement and anatomy are always respected and represented with knowledge.' ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Hunter - Oil Painting - 1952
Located in Roma, IT
The hunter is a modern artwork realized by a european artist in 1952. Mixed colored oil on plywood. Includes frame:34.5 x 3 x 26.5 Monogrammed "GV" and datet 1952 on the lower lef...
Oil
My Culture and My Beauty 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the evocative artwork "My Culture and My Beauty," Loje Oluwaseun masterfully encapsulates the essence of beauty within the rich tapestry of tradition...
Canvas, Acrylic
Saint Minecraft VII (Block Building, Pixel Art, Gaming Creativity)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Golfam Jozdani Saint Minecraft VII 2024 Mixed Media on Cardboard; Acrylic, Pencil, Colored Pencil Size: 9.44 x 14.17 inches (24 x 36 cm) Signed and date...
Acrylic, Cardboard, Pencil, Color Pencil
$418
"Volto" by Enzio Wenk, 2020-2021 - Marker on Paper, Portrait, NeoExpressionism
By Enzio Wenk
Located in Bresso, IT
Translated title: "Face". Marker on paper. This is part of an album. The price refers to the single drawing.
Paper, Permanent Marker
Eminem and the Billion Dollar Hand: Neo-Expressionist Painting, 2010s
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Sax Berlin is currently working in the heat of a villa in the Spanish desert, his "billion dollar hands" creating pieces referencing cutting edge icons. This new work has such colour...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hunt Slonem "Mexican Red Head" Multicolor Amazon Parrot
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Houston, TX
Hunt Slonem "Mexican Red Head" Multicolor Amazon Parrot A single bird gestured in yellow, red and green on a white background in a vintage frame Unframed: 10 x 8 inches Framed: 13 x...
Oil, Panel