Skip to main content

Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

American, 1913-2001

Born in Philadelphia, Ben Wilson was a New York Abstract Expressionist painter. His work was exhibited frequently from the mid-1930s through the 1960s, and less frequently but consistently through the rest of the century. Decade by decade beginning in the 1930s his painting comprises a micro history of the period’s art, while depicting what was foremost in the American consciousness of the time.

Wilson’s earliest work shows an intense awareness of social and economic turmoil of the 1930s. Dominating the content was the flow of world events beginning with the Spanish Civil War and followed by the rise of fascism, the Second World War and the plight of the persecuted, displaced and slaughtered minorities. Wilson was concerned with representing humanity and suffering in a changed world.

By the late 1950s Wilson began using abstraction in his paintings, merging himself with the “New York School” of art. He shared many of the values of Abstract Expressionists like Mark Rothko, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jasper Johns.

Through the 1960s, Wilson completed his transition to abstraction, exhibited in New York and Paris and received a Ford Foundation artist-in-residence grant. As the decade progressed he became increasingly experimental with his mediums, using house paint, sand and other unorthodox materials.

Ever one to pursue a personal aesthetic path regardless of popular movements and critical reactions, Wilson increasingly withdrew from the New York art scene from the 1970s on.

Throughout his life Wilson painted and drew every day. He left behind a large body of work and an extensive archive, including exhibition catalogues, reviews, and correspondence that are now part of the permanent collection of the George Segal Gallery at Montclair State University. A portion of his archives is in the Smithsonian Archives of American Art.

Wilson is listed in Who’s Who in Art; Who’s Who in the East; Dictionary of International Biography; American Artists of Renown and International Encyclopedia of Artists. His work is in numerous public collections, including the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum, New York, NY; Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Museum, New Brunswick, NJ; Rutgers University Art Library and Classics Department, New Brunswick, NJ; Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA; Norfolk Museum, Norfolk, VA; and Fairleigh Dickinson University Collection of Self-Portraits, NJ.

Find original Ben Wilson paintings and other art on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Quogue Gallery)

to
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
510
284
281
230
1
Artist: Ben Wilson
Ozymandias (unique, signed Abstract Expressionist painting by renowned painter)
Ozymandias (unique, signed Abstract Expressionist painting by renowned painter)

Ozymandias (unique, signed Abstract Expressionist painting by renowned painter)

By Ben Wilson

Located in New York, NY

Ben Wilson Ozymandias, 1989 Oil on masonite board Boldly signed by Ben Wilson on the back 36 × 48 inches Unframed Provenance: acquired from the Estate of Ben Wilson This work is titled "Ozymandias" after the famous sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822). Shelley's poem is one of the most poignant meditations on the fleeting nature of human power and the inevitability of decline. The poem serves as a reminder that time erodes even the most imposing empires and leaders and that the pursuit of lasting fame and control is ultimately futile. Depending on how one views Ben Wilson's Abstract Expressionist painting of "Ozymandias" -- some of the imagery might reveal the head of an angry king and a sickle. Shelley's poem Ozymandias reads: I met a traveler from an antique land...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Related Items
Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting-- "An Oblation to Shells"
Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting-- "An Oblation to Shells"

Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting-- "An Oblation to Shells"

By Leslie Luverne Anderson

Located in Soquel, CA

A dymanic mid century abstract expressionist painiting with geometric shapes in cool tones and two figures by Leslie Luverne Anderson (American, 1928-2009). Oil on masonite. Titled "...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Abundant Energy: Large Abstract Painting, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas
Abundant Energy: Large Abstract Painting, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas

Abundant Energy: Large Abstract Painting, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: Abundant Energy Energy Painting Abstract Abundant Contemporary Maximalism Bold Unique Contrast Fresh Revival Renewal Texture The Guardians of Abundant Energy is a brilliant...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Wood, Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Abstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting - Male Figuratives in Oil on Masonite
Abstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting - Male Figuratives in Oil on Masonite

Abstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting - Male Figuratives in Oil on Masonite

By Daniel David Fuentes

Located in Soquel, CA

Double sided figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 20c-2017). San Francisco bay area abstract expressionist and landscape artist dur...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

1960s Feminist San Francisco Abstract Expressionist Figurative (Two Sided)
1960s Feminist San Francisco Abstract Expressionist Figurative (Two Sided)

1960s Feminist San Francisco Abstract Expressionist Figurative (Two Sided)

By Audrey E. Gabrielson

Located in Soquel, CA

Vivid and evocative feminist abstract expressionist figurative painting of woman and the many facets of her life, represented by multiple female figures engaged in various activities throughout the chaotic and colorful abstract expressionist canvas, by Audrey E. Gabrielson (American, 1932-2018), 1963. Verso has an abstract portrait with signature. Unframed. Image size: 29.75"H x 31.50"W Audrey Gabrielson was an artist, poetess, sculptor, whom lived in San Francisco. She was born in Canada in 1932 and drew, colored, modeled in clay when very young. She studied at Reed College, Portland, studying with famous West Coast artist, Louis Bunce. in San Francisco she painted with artists Cucaro, Alexander E. Anderson, and Raymond Howell. She had shown in North Beach, Modesto, Gualuala Hotel, Sausalito, Abbey Party Rents (S.F.) and many more. She had ongoing exhibits at Alberta Art, Red Deer and Uglies, Lacombe. Her art was collected by national and international collectors such as authors C.Y. Lee (“Flower Drum Song”), Alfred Coppel (“34 East”); musical promoter, Ilka Pardinas, FLY, Los Angeles. Additionally, she worked in bronze, studying under S.F. sculptor C.B. Johnson. Her art was influenced and inspired by German Expressionists, Van Gogh, Lautrec, Picasso, Klimpt, Schiele, Tamayo, Conners, Park – and many more. Obituary: Born in Alberta, Canada, Audrey passed away at her home in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood, surrounded by loved ones. Gabrielson was an artist, poet, sculptor, photographer, muse and an integral part of the San Francisco art scene of the late 1950s to late 1970s. She was a friend and contemporary of artists such as Benny Bufano...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Masonite

Evanescence of Time: Large Abstract Acrylic Painting in Bold Blue
Evanescence of Time: Large Abstract Acrylic Painting in Bold Blue

Karnish ArtEvanescence of Time: Large Abstract Acrylic Painting in Bold Blue, 2024

$1,376Sale Price|20% Off

H 32.68 in W 46.46 in D 1.19 in

Evanescence of Time: Large Abstract Acrylic Painting in Bold Blue

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: Evanescence of Time Evanescence Painting Large Contemporary Bold Blue Statement Figurative Modern Texture Stories In this vibrant acrylic painting, I've infused the essence ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

America Rising - Patriotic 9/11 Figurative Abstract
America Rising - Patriotic 9/11 Figurative Abstract

America Rising - Patriotic 9/11 Figurative Abstract

By Jocelyn Audette

Located in Soquel, CA

Vivid and evocative abstracted painting of 9/11 by artist Jocelyn Audette (American, b. 1952), circa 2001. Impasto adds texture and interest. Label on verso with artist's name. Pres...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Masonite

"Two Figures with Doorway" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed
"Two Figures with Doorway" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed

"Two Figures with Doorway" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed

Located in Soquel, CA

"Two Figures with Doorway" Original Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting, Signed Vibrant oil painting by Jocelyn Auld (American, b. 1999.) Two abstracted figures stand to the left of ...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Oil

Figurative Contemporary, Blue, Painting, Landscape, Colorful Flowers and Picnic
Figurative Contemporary, Blue, Painting, Landscape, Colorful Flowers and Picnic

Figurative Contemporary, Blue, Painting, Landscape, Colorful Flowers and Picnic

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: The Blue Picnic Blanket Figurative Contemplate Male Masculine Gentle Kind Colorful Flowers Blossom Pink Blue THE BLUE PICNIC BLANKET celebrates the quiet times, happy mome...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Female Nude in the Shadows - Figurative Abstract
Female Nude in the Shadows - Figurative Abstract

Female Nude in the Shadows - Figurative Abstract

By Daniel David Fuentes

Located in Soquel, CA

Dynamic figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 1978-2016). From a collection of his works. Unsigned. Unframed. Image, 40"H x 30"L. S...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Abstract Coastal
Abstract Coastal

Michael PaukerAbstract Coastal, 2000s

$3,080Sale Price|20% Off

H 36 in W 24 in D 1 in

Abstract Coastal

By Michael Pauker

Located in Soquel, CA

Beautiful multicolor abstract expressionist oil painting with pops of grey, yellow, orange, green and blue on a wood panel by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Flush...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

Rocket Boy Abstract Expressionist Figurative
Rocket Boy Abstract Expressionist Figurative

Kristin CohenRocket Boy Abstract Expressionist Figurative, 1995

$700Sale Price|20% Off

H 24.88 in W 25.38 in D 1 in

Rocket Boy Abstract Expressionist Figurative

By Kristin Cohen

Located in Soquel, CA

A lighthearted figurative abstract by Bay Area artist Kristin Cohen (American, b.1963). Signed and dated lower left, "Cohen '95." Presented in the artist's painted wood frame. From ...

Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

"7 Koi"   Expressionist Brightly Colored Koi Underwater in Red/Yellow/Blue/Green
"7 Koi"   Expressionist Brightly Colored Koi Underwater in Red/Yellow/Blue/Green

"7 Koi" Expressionist Brightly Colored Koi Underwater in Red/Yellow/Blue/Green

By Linda Holt

Located in Wellesley, MA

"7 Koi" is a complex work of koi fish swimming underwater filled with light and brilliant color painted in a lush and fluid style bordering on abstraction. Fish are in shades of ...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Ben Wilson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Masonite

Ben Wilson figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Ben Wilson figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Ben Wilson in masonite, oil paint, paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1980s and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Ben Wilson figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 48 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Richard Andres, Yari Ostovany, and Harriette Joffe. Ben Wilson figurative paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15,000 and tops out at $15,000, while the average work can sell for $15,000.