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Modern Contemporary Art

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Boos Wool Tapestry, Contemporary Wall Hanging, Naturally Dyed and Handwoven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wall hanging is a one of a kind heirloom piece. Taking inspiration from brutalism, mid-century abstraction, and Joseph Albers studies on the interaction of color. The entire pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Super Model #1 & #2 by KAWS
By KAWS
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of early prints by KAWS being sold together. Supermodel #1 1999 Supermodel #2, 1999 Screen prints signed in pencil, numbered and dated 99. The prints are matched numbered ...
Category

1990s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Boos Wool Tapestry, Contemporary Wall Hanging, Naturally Dyed and Handwoven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wall hanging is a one of a kind heirloom piece. Taking inspiration from brutalism, mid-century abstraction, and Joseph Albers studies on the interaction of color. The entire pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wool, Cotton

"Les Terrains" Signed Limited Edition Art Print by Christiane Lemieux - 30"x40"
Located in New York, NY
Our first limited edition fine art print “Les Terrains” is an emotive abstract landscape translated in gouache, charcoal and pastel. Created by artist Chri...
Category

2010s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Espíritu – Luis Barragán and Mathias Goeritz inspired papier-maché sculpture
Located in Guadalajara, MX
"Espíritu" is part of a series of sculptures that explores the ideas that fueled Luis Barragán architecture. In 1976, during an interview with Elena Poniatowska, Barragán stated tha...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Sandro's Monochrome Mastery: Abstract Paint in Black and White (circa 2015)
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Discover the timeless allure of Sandro's Abstract Paint, a captivating artwork crafted circa 2015 in Germany. This piece seamlessly blends the contemporary with the classic, showcasi...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

FERNANDEZ ARMAN - From Paintbox 1970 Accumulation of resin trowels
By Armand Pierre Fernandez ARMAN
Located in Vigevano, PV
FERNANDEZ ARMAN (Nice, Nov. 17, 1928 - New York, Oct. 22, 2005) Accumulation of spatulas under resin from Paintbox, ll edition published by Abrams Original Editions, New York in 197...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Rare Large Australian Aboriginal Painting by Kathleen Petyarre
Located in Atlanta, GA
A significant contemporary aboriginal painting by Kathleen Petyarre (1940-2018) in 2010. The painting was a rare oversize piece, exceptionally executed in earthy colors, showcasing m...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Framed Cyanotype Photograph by John Patrick Dugdale
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: John Patrick Dugdale (New York, b. 1960) Title: Margie Medium: Cyanotype Year: 1996 Edition: number 2/10 Measurement: Sight H 9", W 7.5"; with artist fame H 14.5", W 12.5" Pr...
Category

1990s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Abstract # 17 Mixed Medium Painting on Canvas by Luigi Cosentino
Located in Montreal, QC
Abstract mixed medium painting, signed: Luigi Cosentino, titled “Abstract #17” and dated 2018, backside of the canvas, canvas size 48" x 72" x 1.75" profile. Luigi’s artwork is his m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint

Floral Watercolor Painting
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

Big White "Esplosioni" Painting by Italian Artist Eugenio Galli, Wall Sculpture
Located in Milano, IT
Offered for sale is a big "Esplosioni" (Explosions) by Italian painter Eugenio Galli, an abstract artist who has been researching the themes of light and substance for well over thir...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paper

Contemporary Fine Art
Located in Clermont, FL
CONTEMPORARY FINE ART Tittle ; Experiments in Color 2 of 10 in a series of one off paintings Executed in 2022. signed by artist 8 x 10 x 1in. Artist paints in a free flowing...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Trinidadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint

Original Engraving by Arnaldo Pomodoro, signed and numbered, edition of fifteen
Located in Milano, IT
Offered for sale is an extremely rare engraving by Italian modern and contemporary master Arnaldo Pomodoro, famed author of the well known discs, spheres and objects in bronze that u...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Murano Glass
Located in Milano, IT
Wall Sculpture - Wall Art - Decorative round artwork piece "Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities,...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tile Mural "Albarrada" Signed by Artist
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "ALBARRADA" motif finely painted. Tile mural size: 29.5"H X 35.4"W (75cm X 90cm) Tile size: 5.9"W X 5.9"H (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

LOUISE NEVELSON - Night Tree 1970, Lead Intaglio Series 76 x 63.4 cm
Located in Vigevano, PV
LOUISE NEVELSON - Night Tree 1970, Lead Intaglio Series. Louise nevelson "night tree" italy, 1970 embossed lead on cm fabriano paper signed, titled and dated by the artist from an e...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Lead

Peter Halley, Core, 1991, Lithograph, Framed
Located in Vigevano, PV
Peter Halley Core, 1991 Silkscreen with lithography on Coventry Rag paper 40 1/4 × 28 × 2 in 96.5 x 66cm Pencil signed, dated and numbered 22/50 Publisher: Edition Schellmann & Pace ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Masami Teraoka Signed Limited Ed 18 Color Lithograph Print Namiyo at Hanauma Bay
Located in Studio City, CA
A large and wonderfully detailed lithograph print by Asian/ Japanese American artist Masami Teraoka titled "Namiyo at Hanauma Bay". Teraoka conceived of this image in the 1980s while working on his New Wave series and Hawaii Snorkel series which featured snorkeling pearl divers, based on Utamaro's "Pearl Diver." In this image, the nude geisha...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Contemporary Artwork - Astronaut - Cosmonaut black and white
Located in Milano, IT
Contemporary Artwork - Astronaut - Cosmonaut By Ricardo Rodriguez Black and white original painting (not a print), depicting a cosmonaut in his space suit and helmet. It is the work...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Aluminium Relief By Andrei Prolettski
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A unique wall relief by Andrei Prolettski, (born 1963, Krasnoyarsk, Russia). Made of 5052 powder coated aluminium. Here is a note about the artist from an essay by Britta Schroder: ...
Category

2010s Russian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

Decorative Murano Glass Wall Sculpture, "Eterna" Sustainable Reclaimed Design
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

"Eterna" Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Reclaimed Murano Glass by Tommaso Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

"Eterna" Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Reclaimed Murano Glass by Tommaso Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

"Eterna" Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Reclaimed Murano Glass by Tommaso Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

"Eterna" Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Reclaimed Murano Glass by Tommaso Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

"Eterna" Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Reclaimed Murano Glass by Tommaso Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

Artwork on Paper, 'Heart (with Pearls)' by John Baldessari
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Romantic and whimsical "Heart (with Pearls)" by John Baldessari, 1991. Photograuve and aquatint in colors on Somerset 410 Satin. The image measures 36 - 3/8"H x 39 - 6/8"W, and sheet...
Category

1990s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass

Boos Wool Tapestry, Contemporary Wall Hanging, Naturally Dyed and Handwoven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wall hanging is a one of a kind heirloom piece. Taking inspiration from brutalism, mid-century abstraction, and Joseph Albers studies on the interaction of color. The entire pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Gloria Faye - Untitled II - Gestural Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Alpha, NJ
This is a beautiful abstract gestural oil on canvas painting by artist Gloria Faye of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This work measures 54.25" x 60.5" and is framed 55" x 61". The work is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Striking Figurative Painting Signed by Artist Slade
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Bold striking modern figurative painting moving toward abstraction signed Slade. We have a second piece by this artist also listed that makes an important pair.
Category

1990s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Poppies Watercolor
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Paper, Acrylic

Tarde en la Cuadra - Stone mosaic by Aldo Álvarez Tostado
Located in Guadalajara, MX
On their text "Nine Points on Monumentality" (1943), Fernand Léger, Josep Lluis Sert and Sigfried Gideon discuss the cultural and symbolic value of monuments and their crisis during ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Stone

Hand Painted Dragonfly
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

Azulejos Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Outdoors
Located in Baldock, GB
44 Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles - 1m². Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production method: Handmade, hand painted, XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries origina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Oracle Screen by Karstudio
Located in Geneve, CH
Oracle Screen by Karstudio Dimensions: W 158 x D 30 x H 183 cm Materials: Ash Wood, High Gloss. Oracle bone script dates back to the Shang Dynasty of Chin...
Category

2010s Chinese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

Jordi Alcaraz Contemporary Abstract Minimalist White Artwork, 2019
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Jordi Alcaraz artwork made in 2019. 'Sense Titol' Hand signed. Jordi Alcaraz was born in Spain, 1963. Alcaraz’s discourse was born in the classic tradition of painting and sculptu...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas in Black and White Felix Bachmann, 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas in Black and White by Felix Bachmann was made 2023. The pieces is painted on canvas with acrylic, pencil and chalk. A unique ...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Mr. Brainwash (Thierry Guetta) Mona Lisa, 2009
By Mr. Brainwash 1
Located in Chicago, IL
Mr. Brainwash (Thierry Guetta, French/American b. 1966) Mona Lisa, poster for Toronto art show 2009. Screenprint in colors with acrylic hand-embellishments on news print paper, signe...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Boos Wool Tapestry, Contemporary Wall Hanging, Naturally Dyed and Handwoven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wall hanging is a one of a kind heirloom piece. Taking inspiration from brutalism, mid-century abstraction, and Joseph Albers studies on the interaction of color. The entire pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wool, Cotton

"STAG" - Faceted Elk Wall Mount - Fabricated metal
Located in Bethany, CT
"STAG" is a life sized modern representation of an Elk wall mount. The first edition was made to adorn the stone hearth of a rustic modern cabin in Vermont. The artist has taken gre...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel, Steel, Bronze, Brass, Aluminum

Floral Watercolor Painting
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Paper, Acrylic

Paula Murray Contemporary Wall Art, Porcelain, White, Abstract, 2021
Located in Stamford, CT
Contemporary Porcelain Wall Art by World Renowned Ceramic Artist, Paula Murray Contemporary Porcelain wall art from the 'Peace Study' series by world renowned ceramic artist, Paula ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Porcelain, Resin

Radák Eszter "Stipistopi, a középső én vagyok!" Oil Painting, Hungary 2013
By Eszter Radák
Located in Budapest, HU
Hungarian painter and artist Radák Eszter is a vibrant force in the contemporary art world, known for her mesmerizing use of colours and bold artistic expressions. With a career span...
Category

2010s Hungarian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Night Rose
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

Original Bamboo Watercolor
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Paper, Acrylic

Azulejos Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Outdoors
Located in Baldock, GB
44 Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles - 1m². Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production method: Handmade, hand painted, XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries origina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Jo Patch Oil on Board Painting
Located in Miami, FL
A very decorative work of art by listed artist, Jo Patch. Jo Patch born in Opprebais on January 13, 1937. He was active in Belgium primarily although many of his works were exhibit...
Category

20th Century Belgian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint, Masonite

Stick Insect Watercolor Painting
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

Boos Wool Tapestry, Contemporary Wall Hanging, Naturally Dyed and Handwoven
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wall hanging is a one of a kind heirloom piece. Taking inspiration from brutalism, mid-century abstraction, and Joseph Albers studies on the interaction of color. The entire pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Art piece & Light object 'FEY'
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This particular piece evokes the radiant warmth en energy of the sun. ’FEY’ seamlessly transitions from being an art object during the day to a mesmerizing light installation at nigh...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Steel

21st Century Watercolor Scarabeo
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Paper, Acrylic

Limited Edition 3/65 Bill Mack Signed Tribute to Picasso Huge Bronze Picture
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare 1984 low Limited Edition number 3/65 Bill Mack a tribute to Picasso bonded bronze picture RRP $100,000 (£78,50...
Category

1980s European Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Bronze

Yrjo Edelmann Signed/ Numbered Litho 116/ 175
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Yrjo Edelmann Signed and numbered Litho from the Mid 1980's. Known for his hyperrealistic art subjects of wrapped and folded paper pieces. Framed in what appears to be it's origina...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Jean-Marc Louis "Petit Zom, " 2017
Located in Hudson, NY
The abstract portrait from 2017, shown here, is by contemporary artist Jean-Marc Louis. Titled "Petit Zom (Ref #7968)," it is pastel on paper and, like all of Louis's works, finished...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tiles for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Outdoors
Located in Baldock, GB
44 Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles - 1m². Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production method: Handmade, hand painted, XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries origina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Mickey Mouse Grafitti Art on Canvas by Richard Holmes
Located in Kastrup, DK
Richard Holmes, b. 1979 Mickey Mouse graffiti art, spray paint and mixed media on canvas. 150 x 95 cm. Signed on the back. Richard Holmes is a British graffiti artist, now resident ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tiles for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Outdoors
Located in Baldock, GB
44 Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles - 1m². Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production method: Handmade, hand painted, XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries origina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Modern contemporary art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern contemporary art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage contemporary art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern contemporary art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Portugal pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original contemporary art, popular names associated with this style include sicis, Louise Heighes, Las Animas, and Sabrina Landini. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for contemporary art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $110 and tops out at $191,803 while the average work can sell for $3,868.

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