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.
Basquiat . Caught in the crossfire of Silver Bullets.
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Created in Berlin's inimitable style and using a rich and vibrant palette this piece reflects the social turmoil of the times, Drawing on his personal experience of living in New Yor...
Gold Leaf
$20,800Sale Price|20% Off
Moonlit Houseboats at Greenbrae Lagoon- Rare Nocturnal L/S, Charles Rollo Peters
By Charles Rollo Peters
Located in Soquel, CA
"Houseboats in Moon Light", a rare early 20th century tonalist nocturnal harbor landscape scene at Greenbrae Boardwalk, San Rafael, California by Charles Rollo Peters (American, 1862-1928), 1912. Inscribed "Charles Rollo Peters Greenbrae, 1912" in the lower left corner. Presented in an antique giltwood frame. Image size: 19.5"H x 25.25"W Auction record high for this noted Nocturnal and Tonalist artist is $58,000. Rare works like this one range $30,000-$35,000. (Note: the photos showing the inscribed signature have been adjusted to show contrast and the artists inscribed signature in other photos enhanced by acrylic over inscription in the oil paint for visibility). Although not noted on verso, the title is taken from two others done the same year at Greenbrae Boardwalk near San Rafael, California. Charles Rollo Peters (American, 1862-1928), called "The Poet of Night", is best known for his Tonalist landscapes, especially nocturnes, with much of his subject matter being scenes around his home in Monterey, California. James McNeill Whistler, who promoted the Tonalist aesthetic in Europe, was a major influence on his painting, and "is reported to have said that Peters was the only artist other than himself who could paint nocturnes." (Gerdts) As Peters matured, his life became increasingly tumultuous, but the one stable part of his existence was his painting. He continued to pour his emotions into his work, creating lonely, mysterious nocturnes with a palette of deep blues and blacks. The scenes were invariably dotted with a speck of light emanating from the moon or a lighted window. His landscapes usually displayed a more prominent sky view and often included a winding path or road trailing off in the distance. Peters was born in San Francisco in 1862 to a wealthy family, and in San Francisco attended Bates Private School for Boys and the City College, where his talent for sketching and painting became obvious and was encouraged. After graduation from the College, he spent time as a commercial artist, but this pursuit did not hold his interest. In the mid 1880s, he began to study privately with Jules Tavernier and also attended classes with Virgil Williams and Christian Jorgensen at the California School of Design. During this period, he painted Bay-Area scenery. In 1886, he began a four-year period of study and travel in Europe, enrolling in Paris at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Academie Julian. His teachers were Jean-Leon Gerome and Fernand Cormon. In San Francisco, where he returned in 1890, he met and married Kathleen Mary Murphy, and the couple immediately departed for an extended trip to England and France. Peters painted the countryside and produced numerous landscape paintings, especially moonlit views of Brittany and Paris---his first nocturnes, encouraged by the aesthetic of Whistler, whose influence was pervasive in England and France. Upon his return to California about 1895, Peters held a large show in San Francisco and was able to sell many of his works. Soon after, he and his family relocated to Monterey, California where Peters became interested in California adobe ruins and missions as subjects for his paintings. Night paintings with rich blues highlighted by moon light became his signature work. Like most Tonalists, he painted in his studio. It was written of him that Monterey residents often saw him "wandering about in the semi-darkness, taking down notes here and there, studying the different phases of light, and creating a vivid mental picture of the scene he wished to paint." (Lowrey 158) In 1899, he made a tour with his collection of paintings through Chicago, Maine, Long Island, and New York City where he held a solo exhibition at the Union Club and received very favorable publicity. One reviewer of the Union Club work wrote: "The artist has studied the atmospheric effect of the night to good purpose, and in the representation of the silvery gray of moonlight he has arrived at singular proficiency." Peters returned to Monterey in 1900, and purchased thirty acres of land where he built an estate. He exhibited in the annual exhibitions of the San Francisco Art Association and the Bohemian Club. Along with William Keith, Xavier...
Linen, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Cinema 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
$12,500
Starburst
By Ford Crull
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colorful neo expressionist abstraction.
Oil Pastel, Oil
Neo-Expressionist Shell 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
Patterson abstract blue and green. boats. big. acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Licenciado en Bellas Artes por ISPEJV, en la Habana en 2002, especialización en Restauración y Conservación de pintura Mural y caballete. Ha ejercido como profesor de pintura en e...
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
Patterson Boat Ocher Vertical Yellow abstract acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Patterson. boat. ocher. vertical. abstract acrylic painting Licenciado en Bellas Artes por ISPEJV, en la Habana en 2002, especialización en Restauración y Conservación de pintura ...
Acrylic
Untitled 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
Untitled 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
Le Passeur
By Jean Sanglar
Located in Miami, FL
Born in the South of France in 1926 and raised by very strict parents, Jean Sanglar was prohibited from playing with same age mates. Truly talented, as a young boy he drew frequentl...
Oil Crayon, Oil Pastel, Pastel, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Spike Head - Abstract Quirky Figurative Portrait 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
NO KINGS NO WAR: Large Contemporary Neo Expressionist Oil Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Sax Berlin is a caring, compassionate man and his egalitarian outlook is translated into his art. This piece is large and impactful and shows this ascending star of the art world at ...
Oil, Acrylic
Neo-Expressionist Mixed Media Painting: The Acrobat, 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
Beach Time 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
Beach Volleyball Mixed Media Painting, Neo-Expressionist Style
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
Man with a Hat on a Yellow & Blue background with a Red Flag floating
By Jean Sanglar
Located in Miami, FL
Born in the South of France in 1926 and raised by very strict parents, Jean Sanglar was prohibited from playing with same age mates. Truly talented, as a young boy he drew frequentl...
Mixed Media, Oil Crayon, Oil Pastel, Pastel, Oil, Acrylic
Think, 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
Untitled 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
Emportés par la foule
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
Three Nudes, 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
Industrielle
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
Caldentey Serie 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 virtual framed Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spain) T...
Acrylic, Cardboard
Hommage à Munch: Neo-Expressionist Mixed Media, 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
$494Sale Price|39% Off
Urban Brushstrokes on Baby Blue, Funky Style, Rend and Yellow Gestures Diptych
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Urban Brushstrokes on Baby Blue" is an abstract painting diptych by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful series of rhythmic brushstrokes comb...
Oil Crayon, Rag Paper
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
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
$2,287Sale Price|25% Off
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
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
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
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
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 Mechanics of Man - Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Skull 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
Caldentey Vertical Little Blue Boat original neo-expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
boat- original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Virtual framed Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - S...
Acrylic, Cardboard
Caldentey Small Green and Black original neo-expressionist acrylic
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
sailboat in a storm. original neo-expressionist acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY virtual framed CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - ...
Wood, Paper, Acrylic
$1,987Sale Price|25% Off
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
NO KINGS NO WAR: Large Neo Expressionist Oil Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Sax Berlin is a caring, compassionate man and his egalitarian outlook is translated into his art. This piece is large and impactful and shows this ascending star of the art world at ...
Oil, Acrylic
$8,000
"Teal" Black Outline Bunny on Teal Blue Oil Painting on Panel in Antique Frame
By Hunt Slonem
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful composition of one of Slonem's most iconic subjects, Bunnies. This piece depicts a gestural figure of a black bunny on Teal Turquoise background with thick use of paint. ...
Oil, Wood Panel
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
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
Caldentey Red Black original neo expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Otoño original neo expressionist acrylic painting. contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spain) The active notion of r...
Acrylic, Cardboard
$1,225
The Watcher - Original Figurative Vibrant Colorful Fire Tone Abstract Painting
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
$3,500
Caldentey Blue Golden Very Big original neo-expressionist acrylic painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
On the balcony looking New York.-original neo-expressionist acrylic painting. virtual framed composition of the artist Español Toni CALDENTEY. Mixed technique on canvas. Perfect sta...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
EchoLayer: Quantum Family - Abstract Expressionist Figurative 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, Paint, Mixed Media
EchoLayer: Solar Nomad - 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
"Alma Negra". Contemporary, Figurative, expresionism, impresionism, nude
Located in MADRID, ES
"Alma Negra". Contemporary, Realism, figurative, expresionism, impresionism, human figure, nude
Canvas, Oil
$693Sale Price|30% Off
Violet Art Nouveau Moulding, Abstract Organic Triptych, Brush Gestures Pink Gray
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Violet Art Nouveau Moulding" is an abstract painting diptych by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful series of rhythmic brushstrokes combined with subtle tones and unique...
Acrylic, Paper
Space Jam, Blue and Green Contemporary Abstraction, Modern Gestural, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Emotions and Textures bursts with gestural freedom and expressive layering, capturing the raw vitality of contemporary abstraction. With bold brushstrokes, spray textures, and a vibr...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
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
$8,000
"Single Bloom" Red Tulip on Silver Background Oil Painting with Antique Frame
By Hunt Slonem
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful composition of one of Slonem's newest series, Tulips. This piece depicts a gestural red Tulip on a silver background with thick use of paint. It is housed in a wonderful ...
Oil, Wood Panel, Mixed Media
New York City Guardian Angel. Contemporary Neo Expressionist Figurative Oil
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Bold and strong, these terms are synonymous with both the Guardian Angels and Sax Berlin’s Sharp Edge New York City style of Neo-Expressionist painting. The primary palette has been ...
Oil, Acrylic
$920
Emotions and Textures, Contemporary Abstraction, Modern Gestural, Spray, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Emotions and Textures bursts with gestural freedom and expressive layering, capturing the raw vitality of contemporary abstraction. With bold brushstrokes, spray textures, and a vibr...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
$1,987Sale Price|25% Off
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
Cate Blanchett Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR addressing European Parliament
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
"Cate Blanchett, Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR addressing the European Parliament" is a wonderful Neo-Expressionist interpretation of the event by master artist Sax Berlin. This pai...
Gold Leaf
Art Brut Surrealist figurative abstract Philadelphia Artist
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jesse Soifer (1932-2013). Untitled #10, 1969. Ink on paper, sheet measures 12 x 18 inches. Dated and signed with artist monogram. Estate stamp on verso sheet with assignation numb...
Paper, Ink
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
$1,987Sale Price|25% Off
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
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
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
$1,087Sale Price|25% Off
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
Campo de Golf Oil Painting on Canvas, Neo-Expressionist, Framed, 2010+
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery. 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