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Expressionist Photography

EXPRESSIONIST STYLE

While “expressionist” is used to describe any art that avoids naturalism and instead employs a bold use of flattened forms and intense brushwork, Expressionist art formally describes early-20th-century work from Europe that drew on Symbolism and confronted issues such as urbanization and capitalism. Expressionist artists experimented in paintings and prints with skewed perspectives, abstraction and unconventional, bright colors to portray how isolating and anxious the world felt rather than how it appeared. 

Between 1905 and 1920, Austrian and German artists, in particular, were inspired by Postimpressionists such as Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh in their efforts to strive for a new authenticity in their work. In its geometric patterns and decorative details, Expressionist art was also marked by eclectic sources like German and Russian folk art as well as tribal art from Africa and Oceania, which the movement’s practitioners witnessed at museums and world’s fairs.

Groups of artists came together to share and promote the themes now associated with Expressionism, such as Die Brücke (The Bridge) in Dresden, which included Erich Heckel, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and investigated alienation and the dissolution of society in vivid color. In Munich, Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), a group led by Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc, instilled Expressionism with a search for spiritual truths. In his iconic painting The Scream, prolific Norwegian painter Edvard Munch conveyed emotional turmoil through his depiction of environmental elements, such as the threatening sky.

Expressionism shifted around the outbreak of World War I, with artists using more elements of the grotesque in reaction to the escalation of unrest and violence. Printmaking was especially popular, as it allowed artists to widely disseminate works that grappled with social and political issues amid this time of upheaval. Although the art movement ended with the rise of Nazi Germany, where Expressionist creators were labeled “degenerate,” the radical ideas of these artists would influence Neo-Expressionism that emerged in the late 1970s with painters like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Francesco Clemente.

​​Find a collection of authentic Expressionist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Expressionist
Gold Dust
Located in East Hampton, NY
Black & White Photography Gold Dust Printed to Order Unframed Also available in 20"x30" The area that would become Gold Point, one of Nevada’s best ghost towns, was first settled ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Dance of Zlatio Zlatev, Original Silver Gelatin Photograph, Bulgaria 1989
By Jacko Vassilev
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jacko Vassilev, Bulgarian ( born 1951 - ) Title: The Dance of Zlatio Zlatev, Ex Pilot Medium: Original Silver Gelatin Print Edition: 19/50 Year: 1989 Story behind the photograph: The photograph seen above was taken of Zlatio Zlatev who had served for Bulgaria’s King Boris III as his top pilot. When the Communists took the power in Bulgaria, he was offered to work for the new government as a bomber pilot. He refused to work for the new regime and was stamped as an "anticommunist element". Due to his refusal Zlatio was sent to forced labor political camp where he spent nearly 15 years and fell victim to the totalitarian side of communism. During that time in Bulgaria there were over 50 political camps where they claimed, "The Brain of the Nation was destroyed"! When Bulgaria become free state from Communism in 1989 a National Celebration was held in the political camp honoring all the people who lost their lives there and granted the survivors as National Heroes! On that day Jacko Vassilev was privileged to witness the celebration of Zlatio and this photograph was HIS DANCE OF FREEDOM!!!! After the dance, Jacko walked to him and wanted to share his deep emotions of capturing this special moments and told him: "Zlatio, your hands are likes a wings in the air." And he answered: "My wings..... They broke them, but not the Spirit"! Artist Bio: I was born in communist Bulgaria. As a boy, I had dreamed of freedom and a simple life. In my late twenties I put my dreams to the test and attempted to escape the Bulgarian regime. I tried to pass the barbed wire fences guarded by border patrols, but I was caught, beaten and tossed into a slave labor camp. Instead of building up hate, the harsh conditions in the camp built my strength. I learned how to survive. My body suffered, but my mind became clearer. My photography was my artistic expression of the world around me however the communist dictatorship considered it anti-communist propaganda and I had to keep my treasures hidden underground. After the communist regime fell, I traveled around Europe and accomplished my dream of becoming a published photographer in Paris and later moved to the USA. The willingness to confront even the most difficult obstacle in life strongly informs my work to this day. There is a thread of optimism that connects the people I’ve portrayed, even when they are shown in the most vulnerable moments. There is no difference between myself and them, they are photographers of life, and I am the countryman...
Category

1980s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

"Two Young Women on Couch" Contemporary Figurative Nude Female by Shana Wilson
Located in Carmel, CA
"Two Nude Women on Couch" by renowned artist Shana Wilson presents a striking composition where one woman with orange hair reclines on a light beige couch, while the other, a brunette, sits on the orange-red rug. The contrast of their hair colors and the interplay of warm and cool tones create a visually captivating scene. The bright white wall behind them enhances the natural features and intimacy of the subjects, making this artwork a profound exploration of the female form and the dynamics of human connection. Wilson's masterful use of color and composition adds depth and emotion to the piece. About the Artist: Over seven billion souls exist on this planet, each with a unique face and story. Shana transfers her visceral love for the human landscape to canvas, tenderly cradling its peaks and valleys, darkness and light, colors and neutrals, empty and full, hard edges and soft curves. Each brush stroke creates a controlled cacophony as it assembles the intricate jigsaw of the human face. An entire life’s journey is written on this human landscape; a journey that begs to be documented and treasured. Shana’s legacy project is to paint inspirational women from all walks of life, inclusive of all cultures and orientations. The subjects all have one thing in common; the ability to inspire and create social change. She pays tribute to them on canvas, painting a long overdue celebration of trail-blazing women. Visit any major gallery or museum in the world and it is teeming with paintings of nude women...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Mixed Media, Oil, Board

"Brooke (Blue Waves)" Photography 30" x 22" inch Edition 1/7 by Larsen Sotelo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Brooke (Blue Waves)" Photography 30" x 22" inch Edition 1/7 by Larsen Sotelo NOT FRAMED - ships in a tube Giclee (Archival Ink) print on 310G Platine Fibre Cotton Rag w/satin fin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Rag Paper, Giclée

"Brooke (Blue Waves)" Photography 40" x 30" inch Edition 3/3 by Larsen Sotelo
Located in Culver City, CA
"Brooke (Blue Waves)" Photography 40" x 30" inch Edition 3/3 by Larsen Sotelo Not framed. Ships in a tube Giclee (Archival Ink) print on 310G Platine Fibre Cotton Rag w/satin fini...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Rag Paper, Archival Ink, Giclée

MetLife - NYC Architecture Photography, 54"x36", Signed Limited Edition of 5
Located in New York, NY
"Taken at around 6pm on Mar 28, 2020, Park Avenue was practically deserted and empty. I was standing on E 63rd St when I took this photo. I used a 70-200mm lens to compress the scene...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Bullish Night - NYC Photography, 32"x54", Signed Limited Edition of 4
Located in New York, NY
" As a part of my Empty Streets of New York City series, I wanted to include the Wall Street Bull which represents one of the core tenet of the financial might of the city during the...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Wall Street Bull - NYC Photography, 54"x36", Signed Limited Edition of 5
Located in New York, NY
"As a part of my Empty Streets of New York City series, I wanted to include the Wall Street Bull which represents one of the core tenet of the financi...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Hudson Yards Mood - NY Skyline Photography, 54"x36", Signed Limited Edition of 5
Located in New York, NY
"Standing at 16 ft tall, "Brick House" is a bronze statue made by artist Simone Leigh as an inaugural commission of the High Line Plinth (NYC) in 2019, wh...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Broome at Mercer - NYC Photography, 32"x54", Signed Limited Edition of 4
Located in New York, NY
" I started my Empty Streets of New York City series in SoHo at the start of the Covid pandemic (early 2020) because of the uniqueness and beautiy of the iron cast buildings, includi...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Strength - NYC Architecture Photography, 36"x52", Signed Limited Edition of 5
Located in New York, NY
" I wanted to find a symbol of strength and resiliency for NYC and through the framing of the Empire State Building by the Manhattan Bridge, and I believe it is represented here. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Skid Row Bowery Street Portrait - The Streets of New York
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photographer Mitchell Funk breaks with tradition and shoots street photography in color. Today in 2022, this does not seem like a big deal. But 52 years ago, in 1970, it was q...
Category

1970s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper

Red GMC
Located in East Hampton, NY
Vintage GMC hood/bonnet Can be printed onto metal. ask for pricing The Hamptons (Long Island, NY) Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biograp...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bombay Star Series : A Third Star
Located in East Hampton, NY
Bombay Beach , California Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world was ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

On The Way to Havasu
Located in East Hampton, NY
Color Photograph of Abandoned Gas Station Architecture Lake Havasu is a large reservoir formed by Parker Dam on the Colorado River, on the border between San Bernardino County, Cali...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Mixed Media

Manhattanhenge Phenomenon, Mystical Light Setting Sun, Manhattan Solstice
Located in Miami, FL
Mitchell Funk has been chronicling lighting effects in New York for over 50 years. This recent photography captures the magical moment of golden light pouring into 42nd street while...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Abstract Church - Manipulated Photography
Located in Miami, FL
This is an early example of photo manipulation. Photographer put a match to the 35mm emulsion to the burned bubble effect and then sandwiched it with colored gels in a double exposur...
Category

1960s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment

Mirando al Cielo 7 - Rosa Basurto, Weather, Landscape, Nature, Mist, Rainstorm
Located in Brighton, GB
Please bear in mind that all prints are produced to order. Lead times are expected between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 7 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cot...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Digital

The Only Other Thing
Located in East Hampton, NY
Palm Springs , California Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world was ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Windmill (Hamptons)
Located in East Hampton, NY
Windmill in The Hamptons (Long Island, NY) Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: (framing is $140) Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Sound of the Sea
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: Using an x-ray photograph as its basis, this expressive study in motion echoes work by Picasso and other modernists. Words that describe this piece: shell, Nauti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Windmill (Hamptons)
Located in East Hampton, NY
Windmill in The Hamptons (Long Island, NY) Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: (framing is $140) Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Peacock displaying in Magenta and Yellow Birds
Located in Miami, FL
The reality is that this is an eye-witness account of a male peacock displaying for the attention of a female peahen. It turns out that humans are equally...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Peonies, Campanulas, and Variegated Gladiolas
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: This romantic pano looks as much like a watercolor as it does like a photo! Words that describe this piece: garden, flower, flowers, peonies, gladiolas Artist B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Towards The Sea
Located in East Hampton, NY
The Hamptons, Long Island NY Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world w...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Mirando al cielo 8 - Rosa Basurto, Nature, Photography, Landscape
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 8 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Paper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Digital, Color

Bombay Star Series #4
Located in East Hampton, NY
Bombay Beach , California Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world was ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bombay Star Series #3
Located in East Hampton, NY
Bombay Beach , California Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world was ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Salton Plane
Located in East Hampton, NY
The Hamptons, Long Island NY Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world w...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bikers
Located in East Hampton, NY
Old Truck Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world was receiving a summ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Opening
Located in East Hampton, NY
Black & White Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world was receiving a ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bombay Star Series #1
Located in East Hampton, NY
Bombay Beach , California Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Shipped rolled in tube. Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first fora...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Old Las Vegas Dunes Hotel Neon
Located in Miami, FL
Mitchell Funk was a trailblazer in shooting neon signs with dramatic angles, acute compostion and powerful color. Although this is a nocturnal image it has vibrant life energy. ...
Category

1980s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Inkjet

Pick Me Up (photograph)
Located in East Hampton, NY
Old Truck Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first foray into the art world was receiving a summ...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bombay Star Series #2
Located in East Hampton, NY
Bombay Beach , California Photography Edition of 10 UNFRAMED: Shipped rolled in tube. Print to Order About the Artist: Short Biography in a Nutshell: A fun journey My first fora...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Mirando al cielo 5 - Rosa Basurto, Nature, Heather, Highlands, Country
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 5 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Paper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Color, Photographic Paper

Mirando al cielo 13 - Rosa Basurto, Nature, Animals, Landscape photography
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 13 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Pape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Digital, Color

"Model in black & white" Photography on canvas
Located in Carmel, CA
Malissa - "Model in black & white" Photography on canvas The photograph comes with a certificate of authenticity and a letter of appraisal.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Black and White, Canvas, Photographic Film

Mirando al cielo 3 - Rosa Basurto, Birds, Animal photography
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 3 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Paper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Color, Digital, Photographic Paper

Mirando al cielo 6 - Rosa Basurto, Sepia, Birds, Country, Landscape, Nature
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 6 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Paper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Color, Photographic Paper, Digital

Mirando al cielo 12 - Rosa Basurto, Nature, Skyscape, Sunset, Dawn, Dusk
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 12 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Pape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Digital, Color

Mirando al cielo 15 - Rosa Basurto, Landscape photography, Animals, Color
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 15 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Pape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Digital, Color

Mirando al cielo 11 - Rosa Basurto, Flying, Birds, Nature, Mountains, Animal
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 11 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Pape...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Digital, Color

Mirando al cielo 2 - Rosa Basurto, Bush, Countryside, Landscape, Renaissance
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 2 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Paper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Cotton, Digital

Mirando al Cielo 10 - Rosa Basurto, Contemporary, Landscape, Photography, Birds
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 10 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Pape...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Digital

Point Sur Light House, Big Sur, California - Cyanotype / Watercolor Landscape
Located in Soquel, CA
Soft watercolor accents add to the beauty of this unique cyanotype and watercolor landscape of the Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur, California by Cheryl Trotter (American, 20th centu...
Category

1980s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Watercolor

Mirando al Cielo 14 - Rosa Basurto, Photograph, Flower, Floral, Poppies, Papaver
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 14 is a beautiful 30cm x 30cm Digital Print on 50cm x 50cm Cotton Pape...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Digital

Mirando al Cielo 1 - Rosa Basurto, Birds, Nature, Landscape, Photography
Located in Brighton, GB
Please be aware that all prints are produced to order and lead times are between 15-20 days. Mirando al Cielo 1 is a beautiful 80cm x 80cm Digital Print on 100cm x 100cm Cotton Pap...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Digital

Dog Walker in Central Park Snow
Located in Miami, FL
Simultaneously, graphic and subtle, New York's classic Central Park South skyline is puntucated with a solitary figure with two dogs Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on v...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bryant Park, New York City
Located in Miami, FL
Negative Color with colored gels creates a wonderfully fantasy of a classic urban park. The work was done in 1971 during the Psychedelic period. Signed , dated lower right, Edition ...
Category

1970s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Rain in Manhattan
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, Edition 4 of 15 Unframed. Printed later, Other size available
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Manhattanhenge Phenomenon, Mystical Light Setting Sun, Manhattan Solstice
Located in Miami, FL
Mitchell Funk has been chronicling lighting effects in New York for over 50 years. This recent photography captures the magical moment of golden light pouring into 42nd street while...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper

Nude Christ Like Figure on Infinite Road
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, 3/15 Printed later, other size available, unframed . Exhibited, Images Gallery, New York
Category

1970s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Inkjet

Abstract Church - Manipulated Photography
Located in Miami, FL
This ia an early example of photo manipulation. Photographer put a match to the 35mm emulsion to the burned bubble effect and then sandwiched it with colored gels in a double exposur...
Category

1960s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Untitled #21 (from Unfocused Series)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Anne K Smith Title: Untitled #21 (from Unfocused Series) Medium: Archival Inkjet Print on Museo Silver Rag Size: 16 x 10.5 inches Available in sets of 3 (mix and match) Entire "Unfo...
Category

2010s Expressionist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Inkjet

Expressionist photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Expressionist photography available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, orange, red, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including James Mannix, Rosa Basurto, Mitchell Funk, and Viet Chu. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Photographic Paper and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Expressionist photography, so small editions measuring 3.94 inches across are also available. Prices for photography made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $225 and tops out at $11,500, while the average work sells for $925.

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