Philip Guston More Art

American, 1913-1980

Philip Guston (1913–1980) was an influential American artist whose career evolved from social realism to abstract expressionism and finally to a unique form of figurative painting. Born in Montreal, Canada, to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, Guston grew up in Los Angeles, where he was introduced to art and politics at a young age. His early years were marked by personal tragedy, including his father’s suicide, an event that profoundly influenced his later work. In the 1930s, Guston began his artistic career as a muralist under the Federal Art Project, inspired by the social realism of Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera. During this time, his work conveyed strong political and social messages, reflecting the struggles of the working class and the political tensions of the era. By the 1940s, Guston moved to New York, where he became associated with the burgeoning Abstract Expressionist movement alongside artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. His abstract works from this period were characterized by lush, painterly surfaces and a focus on emotional resonance. Despite his success as an Abstract Expressionist, Guston grew increasingly dissatisfied with abstraction’s limitations in addressing personal and societal concerns. In the late 1960s, he made a dramatic shift back to representational imagery, a move that shocked the art world. His later works incorporated cartoonish, symbolic figures—hooded Ku Klux Klan-like characters, shoes, lightbulbs, and disembodied heads—depicting themes of existential angst, political corruption, and personal reflection. These provocative images, such as in The Studio (1969), addressed racism, violence, and the complexities of human identity with biting humour and raw emotion. Critics initially derided Guston’s return to figuration, but his bold departure from abstraction ultimately cemented his legacy as a pioneering figure who challenged conventions and explored deeply personal and political themes. His work resonates with an unflinching honesty and continues to influence contemporary artists grappling with societal issues and the human condition. Guston died in 1980, leaving behind a body of work that defies categorization yet remains profoundly impactful. Today, he is celebrated as an artist who pushed boundaries and redefined what painting could be, inspiring generations with his fearless creativity and commitment to authenticity.

Artist: Philip Guston

Philip GustonMonograph: Philip Guston (Hand signed, inscribed and dated to a major collector), 1980

$7,500

Monograph: Philip Guston (Hand signed, inscribed and dated to a major collector)

By Philip Guston

Located in New York, NY

Philip Guston Monograph: Philip Guston (Hand signed and inscribed to major collector by Philip Guston), 1980 Softback monograph (hand signed, inscribed and dated by Philip Guston to Mary Keesling) Warmly signed and inscribed by Philip Guston to Mary Keesling on the title page 10 1/4 × 9 × 3/4 inches If you're reading this description, then we hardly need to tell you, dear collector and Guston enthusiast, that autographed books...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset

Philip GustonPhilip Guston, Untitled - Limited Edition Plate, Contemporary Art, 2022

$1,883

Philip Guston, Untitled - Limited Edition Plate, Contemporary Art

By Philip Guston

Located in Hamburg, DE

Philip Guston (American, b. 1970) Untitled, 2023 Medium: Porcelain plate (fine bone china) Dimensions: 26.7 cm diameter (10 1/2 in) Edition of 250: Printed signature and edition deta...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Porcelain

Helen FrankenthalerRose Art Museum (Open Wall) Poster /// Helen Frankenthaler Female Abstract Art, 1981

$400

H 20.07 in W 37.57 in

Rose Art Museum (Open Wall) Poster /// Helen Frankenthaler Female Abstract Art

By Helen Frankenthaler

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: (after) Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011) Title: "Rose Art Museum (Open Wall)" Year: 1981 Medium: Original Offset-Lithograph, Exhibition Poster on light wove paper Li...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Sam FrancisUntitled (SF-348) (Fresh Air School) /// Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art, 1972

$700

H 15 in W 22 in

Untitled (SF-348) (Fresh Air School) /// Abstract Expressionist Sam Francis Art

By Sam Francis

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994) Title: "Untitled (SF-348) (Fresh Air School)" Portfolio: Fresh Air School *Unsigned edition Year: 1972 Medium: Original Offset-Lithograph on...

Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Lee KrasnerLee Krasner: A Retrospective - The Museum of Modern Art (Celebration) Poster, 1984

$900

H 24.07 in W 36 in

Lee Krasner: A Retrospective - The Museum of Modern Art (Celebration) Poster

By Lee Krasner

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: (after) Lee Krasner (American, 1908-1984) Title: "Lee Krasner: A Retrospective - The Museum of Modern Art (Celebration)" *Signed and dated in the plate (printed signature) lo...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Willem de KooningUntitled - Offset and Lithograph after Willem De Kooning - 1985, 1985

$306

H 14.57 in W 20.48 in D 0.04 in

Untitled - Offset and Lithograph after Willem De Kooning - 1985

By Willem de Kooning

Located in Roma, IT

Untitled is an offset and lithograph print realized on Fabriano Paper after a drawing by Willem De Kooning of 1958. Signed o the plate on the lower. The print suite was realized i...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Kehinde WileyKehinde Wiley - Andries Stilte Lt. Ed oversized Towel Wall Hanging 70" x 60", 2008

$2,800

H 70 in W 60 in D 0.3 in

Kehinde Wiley - Andries Stilte Lt. Ed oversized Towel Wall Hanging 70" x 60"

By Kehinde Wiley

Located in New York, NY

Kehinde Wiley Andries Stilte oversized beach towel, 2008 Silkscreen on 100% Cotton Large Beach Towel or hanging tapestry 70 × 60 inches Edition of 2000 In original packaging with ta...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Cotton, Mixed Media, Screen

Tracey EminTracey Emin - Be Faithful To Your Dreams, embroidered cotton handkerchief signed, 1999

$5,500

H 16 in W 12 in

Tracey Emin - Be Faithful To Your Dreams, embroidered cotton handkerchief signed

By Tracey Emin

Located in New York, NY

Tracey Emin - Be Faithful To Your Dreams, 1999 Limited edition embroidered cotton handkerchief with embroidered signature and accompanying card Rare vintage collectible for serious T...

Category

1990s Contemporary Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Textile, Cotton

Willem de KooningUntitled- Offset and Lithograph after Willem De Kooning - 1985, 1985

$294

H 14.57 in W 20.48 in D 0.04 in

Untitled- Offset and Lithograph after Willem De Kooning - 1985

By Willem de Kooning

Located in Roma, IT

Untitled is an offset and lithograph print realized on Fabriano Paper after a drawing by Willem De Kooning of 1950. The print suite was realized in 1985 in a limited edition of 2500...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Sam FrancisUntitled (SF-229P) (Fondation Maeght) Poster /// Sam Francis Abstract Expression, 1983

$600

H 39.13 in W 25.13 in

Untitled (SF-229P) (Fondation Maeght) Poster /// Sam Francis Abstract Expression

By Sam Francis

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: Sam Francis (American, 1923-1994) Title: "Untitled (SF-229P) (Fondation Maeght)" Year: 1983 Medium: Original Offset-Lithograph, Exhibition Poster on light wove paper Limited ...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Helen FrankenthalerFrankenthaler: Gateway (Catalog) (Signed) /// Helen Abstract Expressionist Art, 1988

$1,200

H 8.5 in W 11.13 in

Frankenthaler: Gateway (Catalog) (Signed) /// Helen Abstract Expressionist Art

By Helen Frankenthaler

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: (after) Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011) Title: "Frankenthaler: Gateway (Catalog)" Series: (after) Gateway *Dedicated and signed by Frankenthaler in ink lower right ...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Barbara KrugerBarbara Kruger, Don't Be a Jerk skateboard, silkscreen skate deck, Lt. Ed, new, 2017

$2,500

H 31 in W 8 in

Barbara Kruger, Don't Be a Jerk skateboard, silkscreen skate deck, Lt. Ed, new

By Barbara Kruger

Located in New York, NY

Barbara Kruger Don't Be a Jerk skateboard, 2017 Screenprint on skate deck 31 × 8 inches From the Barbara Kruger "The Drop" show at Performa 17 in NYC. which sold out. An ironic play ...

Category

2010s Contemporary Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media, Screen

Willem de KooningWoman - Offset and Lithograph after Willem De Kooning - 1985, 1985

$329

H 14.57 in W 20.48 in D 0.04 in

Woman - Offset and Lithograph after Willem De Kooning - 1985

By Willem de Kooning

Located in Roma, IT

Woman is an offset and lithograph print realized on Fabriano Paper after a drawing by Willem De Kooning of 1952. Signed o the plate on the lower. The print suite was realized in a...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

RammellzeeRammellzee Annina Nosei Gallery 1983 (Rammellzee Gothic Futurism announcement), 1982

$1,100

H 4.25 in W 5.5 in

Rammellzee Annina Nosei Gallery 1983 (Rammellzee Gothic Futurism announcement)

Located in NEW YORK, NY

Rammellzee Annina Nosei Gallery, New York, 1983 (Rammellzee Gothic Futurism, Rammellzee Ikonoklast Panzerism): RARE Rammellzee illustrated announcement card published by Annina Nosei...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Philip Guston More Art

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Offset

Philip Guston more art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Philip Guston more art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Philip Guston in ink, lithograph, mixed media 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 Philip Guston more art, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Frank Stella, Varujan Boghosian, and KOKO HOVAGUIMIAN. Philip Guston more art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $7,500 and tops out at $7,500, while the average work can sell for $7,500.

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Questions About Philip Guston More Art

Is Philip Guston a contemporary artist?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes. Philip Guston, a Canadian American artist, is considered a contemporary artist. Contemporary art is generally defined as art produced during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Guston, who lived from 1913 to 1980, was a founding artist of the mid-century New York School movement and later helped pioneer the neo-expressionism movement. Shop a collection of Philip Guston art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What art movement is Philip Guston associated with?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Philip Guston is associated with two art movements. At the start of his career, his work reflected the characteristics of Social Realism, but he later shifted his focus to produce pieces that better fit the definition of Abstract Expressionism. You'll find a selection of Philip Guston art on 1stDibs.