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Neo-Expressionist Art

NEO-EXPRESSIONIST STYLE

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

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Style: Neo-Expressionist
"Who is the Loneliest Monk?" Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract
"Who is the Loneliest Monk?" Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract

"Who is the Loneliest Monk?" Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract

By Michael Pauker

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Oil

Honey - Contemporary, Bee, Human, Vivid Colors, Figurative Painting, Yellow, Red
Honey - Contemporary, Bee, Human, Vivid Colors, Figurative Painting, Yellow, Red

Honey - Contemporary, Bee, Human, Vivid Colors, Figurative Painting, Yellow, Red

By Alexandru Rădvan

Located in Baden-Baden, DE

Honey, 2012 Acrylic on canvas (Signed on front ) 59 1/10 H × 28 W in 150 H × 71 W cm The artwork "Honey" was part of the solo show “Epic”. This exhibition, as the artist confessed, ...

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Jazz Man.  Contemporary Large Neo Expressionist Oil Painting
Jazz Man.  Contemporary Large Neo Expressionist Oil Painting

Jazz Man. Contemporary Large Neo Expressionist Oil Painting

By Sax Berlin

Located in Brecon, Powys

Music is a real love for Sax Berlin, second only to his art. These twin passions have given rise to a series of works that concentrate on jazz music. Jazz Man puts one right at the h...

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Silver

Abstract Expressionist Acrylic and Oil on Paper, Signed, 1972, Framed
Abstract Expressionist Acrylic and Oil on Paper, Signed, 1972, Framed

Abstract Expressionist Acrylic and Oil on Paper, Signed, 1972, Framed

Located in Cotignac, FR

Abstract Expressionist oil and acrylic on paper by Dutch artist Joep Goeting. Signed and dated 1972 to the bottom left and presented under glass in a gilt wooden frame. An early and...

Category

Late 20th Century Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Paper, Oil, Acrylic

Ilori 3 (Put To Bed)
Ilori 3 (Put To Bed)

Ilori 3 (Put To Bed)

By Janet Adebayo

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

The title itself, "ÌLÒRÍ," holds a special meaning, as the artist reveals it is a name given to a child who finds its way into their mother's belly while she is still breastfeeding a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Oil

Garfields Long Butt

Garfields Long Butt

By Olivia Gibb

Located in Kansas City, MO

Title : Garfields Long Butt Materials : stamps, ink, crayon,marker,pen Date : 2017 Dimensions : 8.5x11"

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Landscape 136 by Jean Krille - Oil on Masonite 39x60.5 cm
Landscape 136 by Jean Krille - Oil on Masonite 39x60.5 cm

Landscape 136 by Jean Krille - Oil on Masonite 39x60.5 cm

By Jean Krille

Located in Geneva, CH

Jean Krillé’s paintings are known for their expressive use of color and dynamic, abstract forms, blending realism with abstraction in his depictions of nature. His landscapes often f...

Category

Late 20th Century Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Caldentey Original Neo-expressionist Acrylic
Caldentey Original Neo-expressionist Acrylic

Caldentey Original Neo-expressionist Acrylic

By Toni Caldentey

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

characters- Originall Neo-expressionist Acrylic painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mallorca - Spain) Th...

Category

Early 2000s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Abstract Diptych of Vibrant Yellow Strokes on Violet, Contemporary Painting
Abstract Diptych of Vibrant Yellow Strokes on Violet, Contemporary Painting

Abstract Diptych of Vibrant Yellow Strokes on Violet, Contemporary Painting

By Natalia Roman

Located in Barcelona, ES

"Vibrant Strokes on Violet" is an abstract painting diptych by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful series of rhythmic brushstrokes combined with subtle tones and unique s...

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Paper

Ecstasy:  Contemporary Neo Expressionist Oil Painting
Ecstasy:  Contemporary Neo Expressionist Oil Painting

Ecstasy: Contemporary Neo Expressionist Oil Painting

By Sax Berlin

Located in Brecon, Powys

This painting from the Atlantic studio of Sax Berlin captures the essence of ecstasy. It’s imbued with a special sense of immediacy and fluid movement. The painting draws one in and ...

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic

Ilori 2 (Heavy)
Ilori 2 (Heavy)

Ilori 2 (Heavy)

By Janet Adebayo

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

The title itself, "ÌLÒRÍ," holds a special meaning, as the artist reveals it is a name given to a child who finds its way into their mother's belly while she is still breastfeeding another child. This unique and touching term encapsulates the interconnectedness of life, illustrating how love and new beginnings can emerge even in the midst of existing responsibilities. Adebayo's artwork appears to be a reflection on her personal journey and the story of her birth. She shares how her mother affectionately calls her "ÌLÒRÍ" and playfully recounts the amusing moments when she questions her conception. The artist playfully suggests that she jokingly implores her mother to use protection, a humorous remark that adds a light-hearted touch to the piece. The openness and candor with which Adebayo communicates her personal story add authenticity and vulnerability to the artwork, drawing viewers into her emotional world. The central theme of the artwork revolves around family, particularly the artist's late brother who was just nine months old at the time of her conception. Through her words, "I Miss you bro and happy mother's month. Your struggle is noticed," Adebayo honors her sibling's memory and acknowledges the sacrifices her mother made as a parent. The metaphorical use of the phrase "coconut head" suggests a sense of stubbornness, perhaps referring to the artist's own determination to enter this world despite the odds. This resilient spirit symbolizes the strength of the human will and the innate desire to live, even against all odds. It is a testament to the power of life and the profound connection between siblings, even those who have never met. "ÌLÒRÍ" is more than just a visual artwork; it is a story of life, love, and the unbreakable ties that bind families together. Janet Adebayo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Landscape 119 by Jean Krille - Oil on wood 73x60 cm
Landscape 119 by Jean Krille - Oil on wood 73x60 cm

Landscape 119 by Jean Krille - Oil on wood 73x60 cm

By Jean Krille

Located in Geneva, CH

Jean Krillé’s paintings are known for their expressive use of color and dynamic, abstract forms, blending realism with abstraction in his depictions of nature. His landscapes often f...

Category

Late 20th Century Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Wood, Oil

Self Appreciation
Self Appreciation

Self Appreciation

By Loje Oluwaseun

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

My Culture and My Beauty 2
My Culture and My Beauty 2

My Culture and My Beauty 2

By Loje Oluwaseun

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Life Enjoyment 2
Life Enjoyment 2

Life Enjoyment 2

By Loje Oluwaseun

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Hiding the Emotions
Hiding the Emotions

Hiding the Emotions

By Janet Adebayo

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Janet Adebayo's exquisite artwork, "Hiding the Emotions," captivates viewers with its poignant portrayal of a young woman holding a rose-like flower. This evocative piece transcends ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled Mid-Century Painting - Group of Men
Untitled Mid-Century Painting - Group of Men

Untitled Mid-Century Painting - Group of Men

Located in Soquel, CA

Untitled painting of a group of men by Antonio Rodríguez Luna (1910-1985.) This moody piece by Antonio Rodríguez Luna is an excellent example of his work from the early 1960s, which...

Category

1960s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Stretcher Bars, Linen

Standing Figure
Standing Figure

Standing Figure

By Tom Cramer 1

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Tom Cramer (b.1960). Standing Figure, 1998. Carved wood and polymer paint. Measures 10.25 inches high. Excellent condition. Signed and dated under base. Tom Cramer is an American artist working in Portland, Oregon noted for his intricately carved and painted wood reliefs and ubiquity throughout the city of Portland. Often called the unofficial Artist Laureate of Portland,[2] Cramer is one of the most visible and successful artists in the city. The influences on his work are both organic and technological. He is widely collected and is in many prominent west coast museum and private collections. He is in the permanent collections of the Portland Art Museum[3] in Portland Oregon, the Halle Ford Museum in Salem Oregon, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum in Eugene, Oregon, the Boise Art Museum in Idaho. Cramer made a name for himself in the 1980s and 1990s becoming a bridge between historical Oregon artists like Clifford Gleason and Milton Wilson...

Category

Late 20th Century Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Wood, Latex

Blue Scarf That Binds
Blue Scarf That Binds

Blue Scarf That Binds

By Omoayo George Osoba

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...

Category

Early 2000s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Polymer

"Angel of Manhattan". Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting
"Angel of Manhattan". Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting

"Angel of Manhattan". Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting

By Sax Berlin

Located in Brecon, Powys

A large, monochrome painting that maximises Berlin's skill. In this piece, which appears deceptively simple Berlin has channeled his raw  energy into a painting that has massive impa...

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic

"Wild Side". Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting
"Wild Side". Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting

"Wild Side". Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting

By Sax Berlin

Located in Brecon, Powys

In the 1980's New York was a very different place to the shiny, cosmopolitan city we know today. Dark forces roamed the streets and subway, violence lurked on street corners. The cit...

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic

Patterson   Boats in the Sea. Deriva. 2020. acrylic painting
Patterson   Boats in the Sea. Deriva. 2020. acrylic painting

Patterson Boats in the Sea. Deriva. 2020. 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...

Category

2010s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Julian Schnabel 'La Blusa Rosa II'
Julian Schnabel 'La Blusa Rosa II'

Julian Schnabel 'La Blusa Rosa II'

By Julian Schnabel

Located in New York, NY

La Blusa Rosa II 1995 Hand-painted, 14-color silkscreen with poured resin 40 x 32 inches (102 x 81 cm) Edition of 80 "Sexual Spring-like Winter" is a large painterly work, created w...

Category

1990s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Screen

Caldentey Circus original neo-expressionist acrylic paper painting
Caldentey Circus original neo-expressionist acrylic paper painting

Caldentey Circus original neo-expressionist acrylic paper painting

By Toni Caldentey

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

circo- originalneo-expressionist acrylic paper painting contemporary work by the mallorquin artist Toni CALDENTEY Painting on paper Perfect state CALDENTEY, Toni - (Portocolom, Mall...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Cardboard

Standing Figure
Standing Figure

Standing Figure

By Tom Cramer 1

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Tom Cramer (b.1960). Standing Figure, 1980. Carved wood and polymer paint. Measures 11.5 inches high. Excellent condition. Signed and dated under base. Tom Cramer is an American artist working in Portland, Oregon noted for his intricately carved and painted wood reliefs and ubiquity throughout the city of Portland. Often called the unofficial Artist Laureate of Portland,[2] Cramer is one of the most visible and successful artists in the city. The influences on his work are both organic and technological. He is widely collected and is in many prominent west coast museum and private collections. He is in the permanent collections of the Portland Art Museum[3] in Portland Oregon, the Halle Ford Museum in Salem Oregon, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum in Eugene, Oregon, the Boise Art Museum in Idaho. Cramer made a name for himself in the 1980s and 1990s becoming a bridge between historical Oregon artists like Clifford Gleason and Milton Wilson...

Category

Late 20th Century Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Wood, Latex

Man with Bottle
Man with Bottle

Man with Bottle

By Sandro Chia

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: Sandro Chia (Italian, born 1946) Title: Man with Bottle Year: c.1980 Medium: Colors etching Edition: Inscribed A.P (Artist Proof) in pencil Paper: Fabriano Plate ma...

Category

Late 20th Century Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Etching

Lines of Thought - Contemporary Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Art on Canvas
Lines of Thought - Contemporary Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Art on Canvas

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 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Winter landscape n°15 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 80x100 cm
Winter landscape n°15 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 80x100 cm

Winter landscape n°15 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 80x100 cm

By Jean Krille

Located in Geneva, CH

Of Germanic descent, the painter Jean Krillé was born in 1923 in Switzerland. His father, writer and poet, oriented him towards art and culture. From the age of 16, he enrolled at th...

Category

1980s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Tableau n°73 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 80x100 cm
Tableau n°73 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 80x100 cm

Tableau n°73 by Jean Krillé - Oil on wood 80x100 cm

By Jean Krille

Located in Geneva, CH

Of Germanic descent, the painter Jean Krillé was born in 1923 in Switzerland. His father, writer and poet, oriented him towards art and culture. From the age of 16, he enrolled at th...

Category

1980s Neo-Expressionist Art

Materials

Oil

Neo-expressionist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Neo-Expressionist art 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 art 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, purple, pink and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Hunt Slonem, Enzio Wenk, Sax Berlin, and Jean Sanglar. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Acrylic Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Neo-Expressionist art, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available. Prices for art 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 $39 and tops out at $215,000, while the average work sells for $3,444.