Expressionist Art
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.
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
1990s Expressionist Art
Wood, Acrylic
1970s Expressionist Art
Oil
Artist Comments
A classic American room takes on a stylized form, with a central fireplace anchoring the composition. The altered perspective and colors enhance the artistic am...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Canvas, Neon Light, Acrylic
1960s Expressionist Art
Masonite, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
1920s Expressionist Art
Etching
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
1980s Expressionist Art
Lithograph
Artist Comments
A woman lies under a vibrant night sky, the stars and planets illuminating her form. Bold colors and energetic directional brushwork add a hypnotizing energy to the composition. This piece is artist Diana Elena Chelaru's personal interpretation of the vast space.
About the Artist
Artist Diana Elena Chelaru creates vibrant expressionist works that explore human emotion and the cosmos. “Art is a means of communication, a way to express my thoughts, hopes, and joys,†says Diana. She uses form, lines, and color to bring her imaginative compositions to life, with inspiration drawn from Byzantine mosaics and Gustav Klimt’s decorative patterns. Diana received her BFA in Painting from George Enescu Art University and an MA in Art History from Queens College. Diana’s creative process is fluid and intuitive, guided by her emotions in the moment, with music as a constant companion. Her studio, located in the basement of her home, is kept clean and organized. When she’s not creating, Diana enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Words that describe this painting: Universe, stars, sky, night, meditation, celestial, space, flow, movement, planets, reclining, expressionism, nature, people, acrylic painting, blue
Star Gazing...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
1960s Expressionist Art
Lithograph
2010s Expressionist Art
Acrylic
1970s Expressionist Art
Lithograph
1970s Expressionist Art
Lithograph
1970s Expressionist Art
Lithograph
1990s Expressionist Art
Paper, Acrylic
Early 1900s Expressionist Art
Paper
1740s Expressionist Art
Etching
Artist Comments
The Empire State Building rises with bold and vibrant strokes. The minimalist lines and blurry contrasts capture the dynamic spirit of New York City. It reflect...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist Art
Acrylic, Satin Paper, Oil Pastel
Late 20th Century Expressionist Art
Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Canvas, Acrylic
1980s Expressionist Art
Tapestry
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
Artist Comments
Artist Robert Hofherr rendered a colorful view of autumn wood in a Fauvist lens. With simplified details, the interplay of line, color, and texture creates vi...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Oil, Canvas, Stretcher Bars
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Early 2000s Expressionist Art
Acrylic
2010s Expressionist Art
Board, Color Pencil
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Canvas, Acrylic
Early 20th Century Expressionist Art
Oil
Artist Comments
Bold colors bring the towering Empire State Building to life. Minimal lines and dynamic hues convey constant motion, reflecting the unstoppable spirit of New Yo...
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic
Early 2000s Expressionist Art
Acrylic
Late 20th Century Expressionist Art
Ink, Pen
20th Century Expressionist Art
Bronze
Early 2000s Expressionist Art
Etching
1920s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
1980s Expressionist Art
Paper, Lithograph
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Oil
1950s Expressionist Art
Etching
1950s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard, Giclée
Early 2000s Expressionist Art
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Art
Fabric, Canvas, Oil, Mixed Media
2010s Expressionist Art
Canvas, Oil
Late 20th Century Expressionist Art
Wood, Oil