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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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
Fine Painting, Signed "K.J. Kolding 1976"
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Fine painting, signed on the back "K.J. Kolding 1976", oil on canvas.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Handmade Ceramic Accessories Dragonfly Blue
Located in Lisbon, PT
These handmade decorative accessories combine the traditional Portuguese ceramic and glazing techniques in a modern approach of shapes and color, as they bring such brightness and jo...
Category
2010s Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Brass
“Skull on Love Letters” by Aaron Bueso Contemporary Painting Civil War Ephemera
Located in Madrid, ES
A striking contemporary artwork by Spanish artist Aaron Bueso, painted directly on authentic love letters exchanged during the Spanish Civil War. The piece contrasts the enduring int...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Paper
Day 16 - Emotional Layers Collection by Michele Bagnod
Located in London, GB
Day 16 - Emotional Layers Collection by Michele Bagnod
Michele’s collection “emotional layers” it’s a self-discovery through layers of colors. Nothing is prepared before and everyth...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Framed Oil Painting on Board by Sara Skaaning
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting on board by Sara Skaaning.
Based in the Island Mon, Denmark, the visual artist Sara Skaaning starts from her surroundings that twists and transforms until completely di...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Framed Oil Painting on Board by Sara Skaaning
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting on board by Sara Skaaning.
Based in the Island Mon, Denmark, the visual artist Sara Skaaning starts from her surroundings that twists and transforms until completely di...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Framed Oil Painting on Board by Sara Skaaning
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting on board by Sara Skaaning.
Based in the Island Mon, Denmark, the visual artist Sara Skaaning starts from her surroundings that twists and transforms until completely di...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
21st Century Italy, Flowers Blue Panel, Ceramica Gatti, Designer A. Anastasio
Located in Faenza, IT
The public buildings, the noble ones but also the more modest residences, have been decorated for centuries with decorative panels cemented on the facades. Bottega Gatti archive on i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic
Milan Klimes ii Mixed Technique on Cardboard, 1970, Czech Republic
Located in Munich, DE
This is a very vibrant & expressive work from Milan Klimes (1945 – 2013), Czech artist created in the 70s, it is a mixed technique on cardboard with a new cedar wooden frame.
The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Other
Milan Klimes Mixed Technique on Cardboard, 1970, Czech Republic
Located in Munich, DE
This is a very vibrant & expressive work from Milan Klimes (1945 – 2013), Czech artist created in the 70s, it is a mixed technique on cardboard with a new cedar wooden frame.
The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Other
Framed Oil Painting on Board by Sara Skaaning
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting on board by Sara Skaaning.
Based in the Island Mon, Denmark, the visual artist Sara Skaaning starts from her surroundings that twists and transforms until completely di...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Michelle Hénault Modern Abstract Painting "Summertime III", 2019
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern abstract, oil on canvas painting, titled “Summertime III” by Michelle Hénault, a conceptual fine artist. Signed on front bottom right, also, signed, dated and titled on back; measuring approximate 30" H x 36" W x 1.5” D. Gallery wrapped, finished sides, dated circa 2019.
Michelle Hénault is a Conceptual Fine Artist, born in Lachute, Quebec, living and working in Montreal since 1991. She completed a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts at UQAM in 1998. After exploring sculpture and photography, she dedicated herself to oil painting. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows over the last fifteen years. In 2010, she moved to Scotland with her partner for two years. Since returning to Montreal, she has devoted her time to oil painting and her work has flourished. Inspired by her many travels, her work explores landscapes as a contemplative territory. The desire to revisit past voyages through painting and to recapture the sentiments she experienced in various places was her primary motivation for producing these landscapes. "For the last fifteen years I have explored the reconstruction of landscapes in my painting. My practice is concerned with our relation to land as the memory of place. A land can be occupied, shared, transformed and dreamed, idealized. The land, as homeland or an idyllic land to travel to, where the memory is presupposed. Through my art, I explore that memory of travel, the journeys I made and the ones I dreamed. When contemplating a landscape and experiencing the change of light or atmosphere we realize the passage of time. As explorers from bygone eras, seeking unknown lands, my work proposes a return to the essential…that the French call ‘le bapteme de la solitude’. It is a unique sensation, and it has nothing to do with loneliness, for loneliness presupposes memory. Here, in this wholly mineral landscape lighted by stars like flares, even memory disappears; nothing is left but your own breathing and the sound of your heat beating. A strange, and by no means pleasant, process of reintegration begins inside you, and you have the choice of fighting against it, and insisting on remaining the person you have always been, or letting it take its course. For no one...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Michelle Hénault Modern Abstract Painting "Terre Inconnue 1/Unknown Land 1" 2017
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern abstract, oil on canvas painting; titled “Terre Inconnue 1/Unknown Land 1” by Michelle Hénault, a conceptual fine artist. Signed on front bottom right, also, signed, dated and...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Michelle Hénault Modern Abstract Painting "Malte/Malta ", 2016
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern abstract, oil on canvas painting, titled “Malte/Malta” by Michelle Hénault, a conceptual fine artist. Signed on front bottom right, also, signed, dated and titled on back; mea...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Pierre Fortin Modern Figurative Abstract Charcoal Painting Titled Brothers
Located in Montreal, QC
Charcoal on paper mounted on wood panel; titled: Brothers; approx. size: 30" x 56" 1.5" artist signed Pierre Fortin and dated 2020 on the back.
Pierre F...
Category
2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
21st Century Italy, Green Panel, Ceramica Gatti, Designer A. Anastasio
Located in Faenza, IT
The public buildings, the noble ones but also the more modest residences, have been decorated for centuries with decorative panels cemented on the facades. Bottega Gatti archive on i...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic
Mixed Media Wall Art Howlin Wolf Tim Pewe, 2009
Located in Toledo, OH
Mixed media steel and cut aluminum mounted on a recycled board "Howlin Wolf" signed Tim Pewe dated 2009 on the back. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 1" de...
Category
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood
Contemporary High Lacquered Black Organic Ash Wood Shelf by kar
Located in Geneve, CH
Oracle Shelf by kar
Dimensions: W 84 x D 30 x H 183 cm
Materials: Ash Wood, High Gloss.
Oracle bone script dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China, a tex...
Category
2010s Chinese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood
Atomic scan relief on panel by Stefano Bersani, 2000s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Relief panel obtained with 25 lithographic passages in the lower left corner, metal mesh frame, silver lacquered background.
Category
Early 2000s Italian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
'New Objectivity' Drawing, Woman with Veil by Beeldens
By Beeldens
Located in New York, NY
Drawing by Beeldens, Belgium, circa 1935.
References: Modern and Contemporary Art, New Objectivity, Neue Sachlichkeit.
Category
1930s Belgian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Pencil, Paper
Floral Watercolor Painting
By Buenaventura
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
Night Rose
By Buenaventura
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
By Buenaventura
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
Stick Insect Watercolor Painting
By Buenaventura
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
Scarabeo Watercolor Painting
By Buenaventura
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
Pair of Sean Scherer Oil and Wax Paintings on Canvas, 1991
Located in Dallas, TX
Sean Scherer (b. 1968): Malady & Diffident
Oil and wax on canvas, 1991, signed 's. Scherer', titled and dated on the reverse, with label from Stux Galler...
Category
20th Century North American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Painting Blue Black Contemporary Geometric Futuristic Acrylic Spray on Wood A-12
By Las Animas
Located in Seville, ES
"ATLAS 12"
"Atlas" proposes a disruptive vision of the space-time concept, as a reflection between the ancestral and the comic, making us wander about the connection between both ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Painting Green Black Contemporary Geometric Futuristic Acrylic Spray on Wood A14
By Las Animas
Located in Seville, ES
"ATLAS 14"
"Atlas" proposes a disruptive vision of the space-time concept, as a reflection between the ancestral and the comic, making us wander about the connection between both ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Painting Green Pink Contemporary Geometric Futuristic Acrylic Spray on Wood
By Las Animas
Located in Seville, ES
ATLAS 04
"Atlas" proposes a disruptive vision of the space-time concept, as a reflection between the ancestral and the comic, making us wander about the connection between both and t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
21st Century Plate "Portrait VI" Kiasmo designer Vincenzo D'alba +Antonio Marras
Located in Ruffano, IT
The series Portrait consists of six plates where the plasticity of the figures merges with the geometries placed in the background. A language where realistic descriptions become dec...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic
Painting Black Color Contemporary Geometric Futuristic Acrylic Spray on Wood
By Las Animas
Located in Seville, ES
ATLAS 01
"Atlas" proposes a disruptive vision of the space-time concept, as a reflection between the ancestral and the comic, making us wander about the connection between both and t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
21st Century Watercolor Giraffe
By Buenaventura
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
Watercolor "Golden Poppies"
By Buenaventura
Located in Madrid, ES
We present here a unique piece that is part of a set of 3 watercolours painted on 100% cotton paper of 190 gms. They are unique and unrepeatable pieces as they are preliminary studie...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Cotton, Paper, Acrylic
Hand Tufted Wavy Striped Rainbow Rug
By Fem World
Located in Oaklyn, NJ
Handmade tufted rug in a wavy striped rainbow pattern. 70s inspired psychedelic carpet. I design & hand tuft all of my pieces, it is truly art for your floor. It can also be used as ...
Category
2010s American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic
Hand Tufted Pink and Teal Modern Yin Yang Accent Rug
By Fem World
Located in Oaklyn, NJ
The Yin Yang Rug is a modern take on a classic design. I design & hand tuft all of my pieces, it is truly art for your floor. It can also be used as a wall hanging!
acrylic yarn
...
Category
2010s American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic
Oil on Canvas Painting, "Los planetas frutales" by Paola Vega, Argentina, 2020
By Paola Vega
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Oil on canvas painting, "Los planetas frutales" by Paola Vega, Argentina, 2020
The painting was exhibited in her solo show "The life of paintings" at Calvaresi in Buenos Aires, 2020.
Paola Vega bio:
Paola Vega is an artist, researcher and curator. She graduated with a degree in History from the Universidad Nacional del Sur in 2003. In parallel, she began to study painting in Bahía Blanca at Espacio Vox with Gustavo López, and carried out work clinics with Jorge Gumier Maier and Diana Aisenberg between 2001 and 2002, and later in Buenos Aires with Pablo Siquier (2004) and Tulio de Sagastizábal (2005-2007). In 2003 she obtained a scholarship granted by the Antorchas Foundation to continue her training. She was selected to participate in the Artists Program of the Torcuato Di Tella University (2011) with tutoring from Jorge Macchi. In 2015 she did a residency in Madrid at El Prado...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
Set of 456 Painted Panels “Ändlös Vägg”/”Endless Wall” by Einar Höste, Sweden
By Einar Höste
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of 456 painted panels “Ändlös Vägg”/”Endless Wall” by Einar Höste, Sweden, 1970s.
Painted wooden panels.
This is the artist's most significant work...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood
Summation by William Havlicek
Located in Denton, TX
Beautiful soft paint palate of lines and columns on canvas by William Havlicek.
Dr. William J. Havlicek has over 40 years of experience in fine art/studio production and exhibition,...
Category
20th Century North American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Mixed Media Painting on Board
Located in Denton, TX
Layers of paper and paint make this artwork stand out on it's own.
Unsigned.
Category
20th Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Modernist Geometric Painting, 1971
Located in Denton, TX
Oil on canvas painting of geometric shapes signed Brink.
Category
20th Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Edmond Kohn "Christmas Bouquet"
Located in Denton, TX
This abstract painting on board was a gift to friends Ed and Diane in 1985
Born in Philadelphia, PA on April 27, 1907. By the 1930s Kohn had settled in Los Angeles. For several years he taught art in the San Fernando Valley...
Category
20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Masonite, Paint
Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
By Dmitry Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Unique frame shape and beautiful color scheme.
Dmitry Filov was born in 1953 in St. Peterburg. The age of maturity is being passed in the Crimea...
Category
Late 20th Century Russian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Mitch Epstein Signed Color Photograph Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan India, 1978
By Mitch Epstein 1
Located in Studio City, CA
An absolutely stunning chromogenic print by esteemed American Fine Art photographer Mitch Epstein. One of his most well-known images which can be found in his book "In Pursuit of Ind...
Category
20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Martin Kline Youthful Protuberance 1998
By Martin Kline
Located in Hudson, NY
This early and important work by Martin Kline is one of the first of this kind and the only of its stylistic type available. Titled "Youthful Protuberance" and created in 1998 with e...
Category
1990s American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Canvas, Linen
Annie Morris, Untitled Peg Piece, 2010
By Annie Morris
Located in Hudson, NY
Using 1500 clothes pins to combine painting and sculpture to a dramatic affect is what artist Annie Morris is most famed for. Each peg is individually pai...
Category
2010s British Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
"Primare 3, " 2021 White and Gray Abstract Acrylic on Masonite by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Primare 3," 2021 by artist James Kennedy, is masterful abstract acrylic polymer painting on an incised masonite panel floating in a white shadowbox in a white wood frame signed on the verso. James layers acrylic washes on masonite panels to which he adds emulsion, glazes and scraping to build up individual planes of color. The artist incorporates a sophisticated palette of primarily neutral shades of white, gray and beige. Touches of cobalt blue, yellow, brick, charcoal gray and black black energize the surface resulting in a rich and striking bejeweled composition of intersecting planes of color. In James's own words his paintings "address a fascination with essential structures and arrangements whilst exploring the linguistics of music, mathematics, dance and architecture. Pattern recognition and manipulation are common themes, and involve the resolution of space within my own abstract vocabulary, in essence solving spatial equations through paint." The results are meticulously crafted architectural landscapes of tertiary colors exquisitely ordered and balanced while simultaneously possessing rhythmic and lyrical surfaces.
James Kennedy, was born in Northern Ireland and studied at the Royal Scottish Academy and Rhodec Academy of Design in London where he respectively received BA degrees in Arts and Interior and Architectural Design. He is the recipient of prestigious awards including the Golden Foundation for the Arts Residency, James Bridie Gold Medal awarded by RSA, Brooklyn Artist Gym for best in show Abstract Landscape and the Kiton Art Rising winner in 2010.
Selected exhibitions include Dolby Chadwick, San Francisco, Callan Contemporary, New Orleans, John Hartell Gallery, Cornell University, Mindy Solomon, Miami, MMFA, Palm Springs, Ann Loucks Gallery, Chicago, Brooklyn Artists Gym, NY, Surface Library Gallery, East Hampton, Galerie Werner, Pittsburgh, Amy Zook...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Masonite
"Salon Composition" 2021 Abstract Acrylic on Panel by James Kennedy
Located in New York, NY
"Salon Composition" 2021 by artist James Kennedy, is masterful abstract acrylic polymer painting on an incised masonite panel floating in a white shadowb...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Masonite
Large, Signed, Framed Livio De Simone Original Hand Painted Flower on Fabric
Located in New York, NY
Large, signed, framed Livio de Simone original hand painted flower on cotton fabric.
Made in Italy. Nice vibrant and bold colors.
Livio de Simone - D...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Cotton
Large, Signed Livio de Simone Original Hand Painted Geometric Fabric Framed
Located in New York, NY
Large, Signed Livio de Simone original hand painted geometric shaped pattern on cotton fabric. Made in Italy.
Livio de Simone, designer-artist and cre...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Cotton
Christopher Makos / Paul Solberg " Horse & Flower" Photograph Series
Located in New York, NY
Christopher Makos / Paul Solberg "Horse & Flower" photograph series.
Category
2010s American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Other
Christopher Makos/Paul Solberg "Horse & Flower" Photograph Series
Located in New York, NY
Christopher Makos / Paul Solberg "Horse & Flower" series.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Basquiat 6 Silver Gelatin Photographs by Ari Marcopoulos
Located in New York, NY
Jean Michel-Basquiat (1960-1988) suite of 6 silver gelatin photographs taken by Ari Marcopoulos.
Original suite contained 7 photographs, only 6 available.
2 - 11 x 14, 3 - 16 x 20 and 1 - 20 x 24
Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1960 and began as a graffiti artist in the late 1970s before evolving into a Neo-expressionist during the next decade.
During a varied career, the artist collaborated with Pop Art godfather Andy Warhol, played in a band with U.S. film actor and director Vincent Gallo...
Category
20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
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.