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.
$22,000
Vibrant Abstract Rhino Horn Jay Milder Figurative Expressionist Art Oil Painting
By Jay Milder
Located in Surfside, FL
Genre: Modern Subject: Abstract Medium: Oil Surface: Canvas Country: United States Dimensions: 26" x 26" x 3/4" Dimensions w/Frame: 26 1/2" x 26 3/4" Hand signed lower right Jay Mil...
Canvas, Oil
$2,343Sale Price|20% Off
Iversione orancione. Vibrant landscape, Contemporary Mountains Acrylic Painting
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary acrylic landscape painting by Polish artist Andrzej Borowski. The Artist is fascinated with mediterranean views and how the landscape is changing during the day and with...
Canvas, Acrylic
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Citizens of a Quiet Country 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
By Paschal Ugwu
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Citizens of a Quiet Country 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Neo-Expressionism
By Paschal Ugwu
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
$1,425Sale Price|25% Off
Dialogue, 70x100cm, acrylic, oil, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Dialogue, 2018, 70x100 cm
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
Neo-Expressionist Abstract Surrealist Figures, #143 Philadelphia Artist
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jesse Soifer (1932-2013). Untitled #143 ca. 1990. Ink and paper collage, sheet measures 12 x 18 inches. Unsigned. Estate stamp on verso sheet with assignation number. Early Life...
Paper, Ink
Spike Gold Tooth : Contemporary Neo Expressionist Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Twenty First Century Sharp Edge NYC Style this painting showcases an iconic symbol of popular culture;the gold tooth or teeth. In this piece Berlin has comb...
Oil, 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
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
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
"Rights". Contemporary Neo Expressionist Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
The goat plays a strange role in mythology and legend; perhaps its ambivalence, appearing on both sides of the spectrum, give it the appeal it enjoys. Most ancient cultures from the Assyrians via the ancient Greeks and Vikings have a goat appear in their legends. Berlin’s goat skulls...
Gold Leaf
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Ring" Textured Abstract Geometric Composition in Oil on Cradled Masonite Panel
Located in Soquel, CA
"Ring" Textured Abstract Geometric Composition in Oil on Cradled Masonite Panel Abstract composition by California artist Devon Brockopp-Hammer (American, b. 1986). This piece is hi...
Masonite, Oil
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Expressionist Seated Man, Oil on Canvas, Signed Artwork
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Seated Man Figurative Evocative seated figure highlighted with dynamic brushstrokes in electric blue by San Francisco area artist Daniel David Fuentes (Americ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Animal (after Michelangelo) Figurative Mixed Media Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
The goat plays a strange role in mythology and legend; perhaps its ambivalence, appearing on both sides of the spectrum, give it the appeal it enjoys. Most ancient cultures from the Assyrians via the ancient Greeks and Vikings have a goat appear in their legends. Berlin's goat skulls...
Gold Leaf
The Stretch - Original Abstract Modern Figurative Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Lines of Thought - Contemporary Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Art on Canvas
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Birdhead 11 - Contemporary Quirky Figurative Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$13,000
"Invisible Surf", Large-Scale Impasto Abstract Dreamscape by Duane Bousfield
Located in Soquel, CA
"Invisible Surf", Large-Scale Impasto Abstract Dreamscape by Duane Bousfield Stunning impasto abstract expressionist oil painting by Duane Bousfield (American, b. 1960.) 1994. In t...
Canvas, Oil
$2,343Sale Price|20% Off
Aegean clouds. Vibrant landscape, Contemporary Mountains Acrylic Painting
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary acrylic landscape painting by Polish artist Andrzej Borowski. Artist is fascinated with mediterranean views and how the landscape is changing during the day and with eve...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Snake, Large-Scale Visionary Abstract with Mystical Creatures by Barbara Carlson
By Barbara Carlson
Located in Soquel, CA
Snake, Large-Scale Visionary Abstract with Mystical Creatures by Barbara B. Carlson Large scale abstract with Central America mythological motifs by Barbara B. Carlson an Orinda, Ca...
Tempera, Laid Paper
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
EchoLayer: Me - Original Abstract Expressionist Figurative Portrait Layered Art
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Plexiglass, Mixed Media, Paint
$695
EchoLayer: Cycle Keeper - Original Figurative Expressionist Abstract Layered Art
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Plexiglass, Mixed Media
Water Mark
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Woodmere, OH
Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is an internationally celebrated American artist whose vibrant and instantly recognizable works have made him one of the most collectible contemporary painters ...
Wood, Oil
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
"Who is the Loneliest Monk?" Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Large-scale contemporary figurative abstract on red, evoking the style of Basquiat, by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957), 2008. A man in a tuxedo sips a martini in the foreground, surrounded by chaotic layers of faces and figures in a surreal, dream-like space. Signed "Michael Paulker...
Canvas, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Oil
Caldentey Mallorca original neo figurative watercolor paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Painting on paper Perfect state contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni ...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Na Serious Matter - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Neo-Expressionism
By Paschal Ugwu
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
UNTITLED, 1981 DIPTYCH Neo Expressionist Figures Peter Julian Oil Painting
By Peter Julian
Located in Surfside, FL
Peter Julian (born 1952 in Buffalo, New York) is an American artist best known for his Neo-expressionist paintings in the 1980s. His first major exhibition was in New York in 1982 at...
Paper, Oil
$920
Fluo Spirit, Magical Spirit, Modern Painting in Pink and Purple, Organic Shapes
Located in Barcelona, ES
This vibrant abstract painting radiates with the energy of a lush, imaginary landscape. Sweeping layers of turquoise, chartreuse, cobalt, and citrus tones interweave with gestural ma...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
"Study in Tonal Change, " Acrylic on Canvas signed by Reginald K. Gee
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Study in Tonal Change" is an abstract Neo-Expressionist acrylic painting on canvas by Reginald K. Gee. It is signed by the artist in the lower right corner. 72" x 66" canvas Regi...
Acrylic
Crown of Stillness - Original Figurative Black, Red, White Abstract Artwork
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Monarch & Morning Glory
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Woodmere, OH
Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is an internationally celebrated American artist whose vibrant and instantly recognizable works have made him one of the most collectible contemporary painters ...
Wood, Oil
$44,750
Pink Audrey
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Woodmere, OH
Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is an internationally celebrated American artist whose vibrant and instantly recognizable works have made him one of the most collectible contemporary painters ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$920
Fluo Chaos, Urban Cubist Style, Colorful Composition, Abstract Pink and Yellow
Located in Barcelona, ES
Day Dreamer bursts with gestural freedom and expressive layering, capturing the raw vitality of cubist abstraction. With bold brushstrokes, spray textures, and a vibrant interplay of...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
$920
Wild Jungle, Green Tones Fresh Painting, Vibrant Abstract Art, Teal and Green
Located in Barcelona, ES
This vibrant abstract painting radiates with the energy of a lush, imaginary landscape. Sweeping layers of turquoise, chartreuse, cobalt, and citrus tones interweave with gestural ma...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
$1,425Sale Price|25% Off
Immersion, 70x100cm, acrylic, oil, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Immersion , 2018, 70x100 cm
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist Composition in Green, Red & Black
Located in Soquel, CA
Fantastical abstract composition in green, red, and black by unknown artist Helen (20th century). Signed and dated "(indecipherable) '88" in the lower right corner. No frame. Image, ...
Silk, Oil, Permanent Marker
Mixed Media Neo Expressionist Photo Collage Painting Drawing Kids in NYC Park
By Loren Munk
Located in Surfside, FL
Loren Munk (American, b. 1951), mixed media photograph collage painting signed Loren dated 1989. 13" x 19" inches sheet, framed 20.25" x 26" inches. This one has a drawing of 2 African American kids in a park at the water fountain. Titled "Squirt" (squirt) along with 2 photos of a white boy playing with the water fountain and the details of how the artwork came about. The artist Loren Munk (born 1951) is primarily known for his YouTube nickname James Kalm as an uploader of videos about New York exhibitions, amongst others. He presents himself as a maker of contemporary paintings for several decades and of cubist paintings of urban imagery. Munk has received accolades for his drawings and mosaics. He differs from traditional mosaic artists by the manner in which he incorporates glass into his decorative paintings. His unique and innovative use of materials such as mirror, gold-leaf and glass mosaic affirmed him as a founding force of Kitsch Art and a leading member of New York Neo-Expressionism. Munk's work debuted in SoHo in 1981 with a double show at J. Fields Gallery and Gabrielle Bryers. Since then, he has overseen an international career. In addition to exhibiting in Brazil, France, Germany and the United States, Munk has received national and overseas, public and private commissions. He is well represented in important collections throughout Europe, South and North America and the Middle East. Most recently, Munk has been producing a series of paintings which tackle the subject of art itself through a historical and diagrammatic lens. Munk documents the New York art world in YouTube videos, using the name James Kalm. Timeline: 1979 Attended Art Students League, New York 1973-75 Attended University of Maryland at Ramstein, Germany while in US Army 1969-72 Attended Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 1951 Born, Salt Lake City, Utah Select Group Exhibitions 2018 “Under Erasure” curated by Heather and Raphael Rubinstein at Pierogi Gallery New York 2016 "It Was Never Linear: Recent Painting" at the Sheldon Museum of Art Lincoln Neb. with: Robert Bordo, Dawn Clements, Lois Dodd, Michelle Grabner, Colin Prahl, Peter Saul, Barbara Takenaga, and Stanley Whitney 2014 "Some Artists" curated by Matthew Deleget at Minus Space. David Diao, Mary Beth Edelson, Alfred Jensen, George Maciunas, Loren Munk, Ward Shelley, John Zinsser 2013 "Coming Together: Surviving Sandy Year 1" curated by Phong Bui for the Dedalus Foundation, "The Decline and Fall of the Art World: Part I" curated by Nick Lawrence at Freight+Volume, N.Y. "Reticulate" at McKenzie Fine Art Inc., N.Y. "The Pyramids Along the Nile" at English Kills Gallery 2012 "When We Were Ancient" organized by Ethan Petitt at Teddy's Bar, Williamsburg "Heroes" curated by Julie Torres at Small Black Door, Ridgewood Queens, N.Y. 2011 "ABC123" curated by Janet Goleas at Eric Firestone Gallery, East Hampton, N.Y. "6 Who Paint" curated by Fred Valentine at Big & Small/Casual, Long Island City, N.Y. "It's All Good: Apocalypse Now" curated by Richard Timperio, Side Show Gallery, Brooklyn, N.Y. "Paper 2011" at Janet Kurnatowski Gallery, Brooklyn. "NEW year NEW work NEW faces" by Jason Andrew and Deborah Brown at Storefront Gallery. "Unfinished Pictures" curated by Kristin Calabrese...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Photographic Paper, Permanent Marker
$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
An Absurd Truth
By Taher Jaoui
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Neo Expressionist Abstracted Figurative painting in black and white
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
EchoLayer: Robo Hand - Original Light Blue Expressionist Abstract Layered Art
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Plexiglass, Mixed Media
EchoLayer: King- Original Playful Expressionist Abstract Figurative Artwork
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Plexiglass, Mixed Media
EchoLayer: Happy - Original Colorful Expressionist Abstract Figurative Artwork
By Soren Grau
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from cultural icons and global events, Soren Grau's street art-infused Neo-expressionism invites art enthusiasts to be a part of a narrative larger than life. In ...
Plexiglass, Mixed Media
Untitled by Enzio Wenk, 2017 - Acrylic Paint on Masonite, Neo-Expressionism
By Enzio Wenk
Located in Bresso, IT
Acrylic paint on masonite.
Masonite, Acrylic
White Kaleidoscope (Morning Cloak)
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Woodmere, OH
Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is an internationally celebrated American artist whose vibrant and instantly recognizable works have made him one of the most collectible contemporary painters ...
Canvas, Oil
$8,000
Wings
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Woodmere, OH
Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is an internationally celebrated American artist whose vibrant and instantly recognizable works have made him one of the most collectible contemporary painters ...
Wood, Oil
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Nude , 100x75cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untitled , 100x75cm, acrylic, canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
Caldentey Mallorca original neo figurative watercolor paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spain) The active notio...
Acrylic, Cardboard
$2,109Sale Price|25% Off
And a rose arose, 90x70cm, acrylic, pastel, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
And a rose arose, 90x70cm, acrylic, pastel, canvas
Canvas, Pastel, Acrylic
Caldentey Mallorca original neo figurative watercolor paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Painting on paper Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spain...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
$2,109Sale Price|25% Off
Painting of the series “Not a dicky bird”, 100x80cm, acrylic, pastel, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Painting of the series “Not a dicky bird”, 100x80cm, acrylic, pastel, canvas
Canvas, Pastel, Acrylic
Caldentey Mallorca original neo figurative watercolor paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original neo-expressionist acrylic painting . framed contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Painting on paper CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spain) The ...
Acrylic, Cardboard
Caldentey Fruits original neo figurative acrylic paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Painting on paper Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spai...
Acrylic, Cardboard
Pink Diamond Dust Bunny
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Woodmere, OH
Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is an internationally celebrated American artist whose vibrant and instantly recognizable works have made him one of the most collectible contemporary painters ...
Wood, Oil, Acrylic
Caldentey Mallorca original neo figurative watercolor paper painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Painting on paper Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spai...
Acrylic, Cardboard
Battlefield
By Leon Golub
Located in London, GB
This work belongs to one of the most intense moments in Leon Golub's research, in which the human body becomes the true battlefield. Two monumental figures face each other in a prima...
Oil
Black painting, water and plants, fractals, organic landscape, golden spiral
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
Black Neoexpressionist Painting. This is an original artwork realized by TUSET in 2018. We can frame it in natural wood or black on request. The dimensions of the painting are 65 x ...
Ink, Handmade Paper
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
Alba Rosa
By Hunt Slonem
Located in Woodmere, OH
Hunt Slonem (b. 1951) is an internationally celebrated American artist whose vibrant and instantly recognizable works have made him one of the most collectible contemporary painters ...
Oil