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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Rubber City 2 by Mauro Oliveira
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rubber City 2 by Mauro Oliveira, signed. Erasers, acrylic paint covered with resin on wood frame Height: 20 inches / Width: 20 inches / Depth: 0.75 inch 1 in stock in Los Angeles Ord...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Resin, Acrylic, Wood

Roy Lichtenstein "Paper Plate" Original Encased in Heavy Custom Lucite Block
Located in East Hampton, NY
Created exclusively for Barneys of New York by the Estate of Roy Lichtenstein, the heavy and custom acrylic display box provides front and rear views of this master work. Stamped wit...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Rubber City 1 by Mauro Oliveira
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rubber city 1 by Mauro Oliveira, signed. Erasers, acrylic paint covered with resin on wood frame Height: 18 inches / Width: 18 inches / Depth: 0.75 inches 1 in stock in Los Angeles O...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Resin, Acrylic, Wood

Super Silver Oscar by Mauro Oliveira
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Super silver oscar by Mauro Oliveira, signed. Acrylic paint with automobile vinyl tapes, covered with resin on wood frame. Measures: Height: 81.5 inches / width: 34.5 inches / depth:...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Resin, Acrylic, Wood

Roy Steinberg Oil on Canvas Painting Titled "The Wizard of Oz"
By Roy Steinberg
Located in Miami, FL
Roy M. Steinberg is a listed American artist. He studied Art at the Arts Student League in New York in the 1960's when this painting was completed. This oil on canvas painting is a p...
Category

20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

"Challenge to Surrender" Painting by Amy Yoes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oil painting on canvas by German born artist, Amy Yoes. The painting, "Challenge to Surrender" c.1997, features colors ranging from bright pink and red tones to cool blues and green....
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

20th c. Large Collage of Native American Chief, Oil on Canvas and Paper Relief
Located in Morristown, NJ
Bettcher (20th c.), Portrait of a Native American Chief, oil on canvas and paper relief, signed "Bettcher" at lower right. An unusual portrait format of a Native American Chief deep ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint, Paper

Contemporary Abstract Painting in Multiple Colors framed in an Antique Frame
Located in Berlin, DE
This painting has heavily textured acrylics in multiple colors on plywood. The artist created the piece using multiple techniques like palet knife, brush and chalk. The black lines ...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic, Plaster, Beech, Plywood

Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas by Felix Bachmann, Multiple Color, 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
This painting has heavily textured acrylics in multiple colors on canvas. The artist created the piece using multiple techniques like palet knife, brush and chalk. The black lines a...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Bob Matheny Abstract Painting with Pencil
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Acrylic painting on hardwood by San Diego artist, Bob Matheny. The textured painting ranges in pastel colors of blue pink and green with a slight iridescence. The San Diego conceptual artist and educator helped define the San Diego art scene in the 1960s and ’70s alongside other artist such as Richard Allen Morris...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Modern Unity Wall Art Sculpture Piece Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Unity wall art piece, contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Unity wall piece represents the strength that rises when the whole stands together thr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Art Glass, Fiberglass, Paint

Contemporary Abstract Painting in Multiple Colors framed in an Antique Frame
Located in Berlin, DE
This painting has heavily textured acrylics in multiple colors on plywood. The artist created the piece using multiple techniques like palet knife, brush and chalk. The black lines ...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic, Plywood

Eye Catching Pair of Contemporary Prints of Navy Blue Nightstands
Located in Hopewell, NJ
#9/12 and #4/12 limited edition signed silkscreen prints of a navy blue night stand, one with orange glass of wine on top; the other an orange ashtr...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Modern Unique Wall Art Sculpture Piece Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Led light Unique wall art piece, contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Symbolising the uniqueness of every human being, Unique celebrates one’s au...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Art Glass, Fiberglass, Paint

Pair of Decorative Bookmatched Marble Wall Decor Plaques
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A striking large scale pair of bookmatched breccia marble wall decor panels. These natural cuts of marble are detailed with unique veins and markings throughout that make for spectac...
Category

Early 20th Century English Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Marble, Breccia Marble

Bob Matheny Acrylic Painting on Hardwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Acrylic painting on hardwood by San Diego artist, Bob Matheny. The painting featuring eyeballs throws a nod to the Great Gatsby and Dr. T.J. Eckleberg as displayed on the back of the painting. The piece showcases vibrant neon colors of green orange and blue. The San Diego conceptual artist and educator helped define the San Diego art scene in the 1960s and ’70s alongside other artist such as Richard Allen Morris...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Donovan G Davis Untitled 2023 Photo Collage on paper
Located in Toronto, ON
Donovan Davis is a Canadian based artist currently residing in Toronto. He has over two decades dedicated to deconstructing and reconstructing photo based images. His stunning photo...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Iridescent Oil Paint and Wax on Paper by James Nares
By James Nares
Located in Stamford, CT
Unique oil paint and wax on paper by James Nares ( British, b. 1953 ). Untitled. circa 2008. Archivally framed in a 12-karat white gold frame.
Category

Early 2000s English Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Sandro Chai Artist Proof Signed Lithograph (From Sitting Lady Series)
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Artist: Sandro Chia (Italian, born 1946) Part of the sitting ladies series signed in a wood frame under lucite. Edition: Inscribed A.P (Artist Proof) in pencil with Signature (undat...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Lucite, Paper

Abstract Framed Painting by Sherry Schrut
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Framed oil painting on canvas by Los Angeles artist, Sherry Schrut. The colors range from bright red and orange to cool blues and green. Signed by the ar...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Plus Object Multicolor Glass wall Panel "Interference"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Multicolor Glass wall panel «Interference»‎ is the magic of water frozen in glass. Titanium-coated glass elements create a feeling of vibration on the...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass

Contemporary Ukrainian Artist Victorija Protsiv Two Girls Embracing
Located in Munich, DE
Viktoriya Protsiv was born in 1983 in Lviv, Ukaine. She studied between 2000-2006 at the National Academy of Arts in Lviv and graduated with a Master in Graphics. After her graduatio...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tiles "Court Lady"
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "COURT LADY" motif finely painted. Tile mural size: 70.8" H x 47.2" W (180cm x 120cm) Tile size: 5.9" H x 5.9" W (15cm x 15cm) Origin: Portugal Prod...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Modern Contemporary Art Signed Limited Edition Abstract Torso Lithograph Print
Located in Studio City, CA
An engaging modern abstract lithographic print that appears to be featuring a human torso/ body - somewhat reminiscent of the abstract works of Henry Moor...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Damien Hirst Silver Metallic "Pharmacy" Fragment
Located in New York, NY
Damien Hirst wallpaper fragment from the famed Pharmacy restaurant in London. Fragment shows variuos pills and bottles all printed on silver metalli...
Category

20th Century English Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Wall panel red scagliola handmade steel frame made in Italy available
Located in Rimini, IT
Pannello murale realizzato con la tecnica dell'arte in scagliola, Lavorazione manuale di scagliola con effetto materico nella tonalità del rosso. Cornice in acciaio lucido in forte ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Stainless Steel

Bold Graphic Pop Op Limited Edition Print by Paul Giancola
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Signed and numbered silkscreen print of a red club chair, #9/12, by NJ contemporary artist Paul Giancola. The flattened perspective and simple lines are...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Day 18 - Emotional Layers Collection by Michele Bagnod
Located in London, GB
Day 18 - Emotional Layers Collection by Michele Bagnod Michele’s collection “emotional layers” it’s a self-discovery through layers of colours. Nothing is prepared before and everyt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Limited Edition Contemporary Floral Etching Red Flower
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Original ethereal etching titled Red Flower 74/200, Signed lower right K Hockman Kitty Hockman is an accomplished NYC based artist who has studied with many professional artists as w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Plus Object Glass Panel "Fingerprint" Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A futuristically designed "Fingerprint" is an artwork. Each line of a "Fingerprint" is a unique creation of nature, worthy of the universe's admiration. Plus Objeсt is a Ukrainian design...
Category

2010s Ukrainian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass

Original Contemporary Abstract Painting by S. Glass
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1991 original Abstract painting by S. Glass. Constructed of acrylic, concrete and found objects on canvas. Signed S.Glass 1991 on the back and S.Glass on the top (see detail photos)...
Category

1990s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Day 17 - Emotional Layers Collection by Michele Bagnod
Located in London, GB
Day 17 - Emotional Layers Collection by Michele Bagnod Michele’s collection “emotional layers” it’s a self-discovery through layers of colors. Nothing is prepa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"Dazed Eyes" Pair Handcrafted Knit/Crochet Multicoloured Wall Hanging
Located in London, GB
Textile Art, handcrafted, Knit and Crochet Art Blanket, Knitted Tapestry, Wall hanging, Affordable Art. A pair of non-identical multicoloured Psychedelic ...
Category

2010s English Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Textile, Wool, Thread, Yarn

"Le Fourré" Signed Limited Edition Art Print by Christiane Lemieux - 30"x40"
Located in New York, NY
Introducing "Le Fourré" (The Thicket) - Our newest limited release art print series. Crafted with a meticulous blend of charcoal, oil stick, and graph...
Category

2010s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

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

Peter Buchman "Note to Self”, Voice-Over Paintings Series, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Peter Buchman's 'Note to Self' is created using laser-cut plexiglass, acrylic medium, and enamel on wood. It's part of his Voice-Over series, in which th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Enamel

"Le Fourré" Signed Limited Edition Art Print by Christiane Lemieux - 42"x56"
Located in New York, NY
Introducing "Le Fourré" (The Thicket) - Our newest limited release art print series. Crafted with a meticulous blend of charcoal, oil stick, and graph...
Category

2010s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Fighting for Love, Tracey Emin, Offset lithograph, 1998
Located in Seattle, WA
Fighting for Love by Tracey Emin, circa 1998. Offset lithograph on pale green paper, signed, numbered (29/300), and framed. Measures 11.75 x 8.25 inches. Originally purchased from Wh...
Category

1990s Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Maria Astadjov Modern Abstract Painting "The Island of Souls", 2019
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern abstract, mixed-media on White Aluminum painting; titled “The Island of Souls” by Maria Astadjov, a conceptual fine artist. Signed on front botto...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

Very Large Graphic Chinese Writing Art by Tom Tru
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Very large graphic art , probably a silkscreen or giclee, with the Chinese word "Health". Colors are striking black, white and orange. Sticker on b...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Large Signed Framed Modern Abstract Oil On Canvas - Female Nude W/ Horse Art
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale modern abstract oil painting of a female nude with a horse and colorful background. It is signed R. Monti. It is framed in a simple brown frame.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Peter Buchman "Now Showing”, Voice-Over Paintings Series, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Peter Buchman's 'Now Showing' is created using laser-cut plexiglass, acrylic medium, and enamel on wood. It's part of his Voice-Over series, in which the artist gathers linguistic phrases to immortalize the valuable contributions of other cultures to the American Diaspora. To describe Buchman's word paintings as 'A Figure of Speech' is an understatement of the profound soulfulness they embody. They bear the marks of the artist's hand but also carry the collective spirit of those who came before him. These words derive from familiar phrases, music albums, his unique brand of irony, and the very essence of the human form. 'Now Showing' draws inspiration from Film Noir, a genre that held a profound influence on Peter's film and cinematic journey. The strident and punctual dialogue always fascinated him, along with the black and white director's perspectives. As an artist who spent hours drawing and sketching in pencil, the dramatic black and white hardened scenes just gripped him. He wanted smoke and spit and to rough something up. He wanted to emulate those textures, those scenes, that gut reaction with danger but in a poetic sense. The work reflects someone who is under interrogation, spilling their guts out, or just spilling the beans. It's a collection of phrases Peter unearthed or scratched out from movies or vintage pulp...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Enamel

Vintage Mixed Media Abstract Figural Collage
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage circa 1990's abstract figural mixed media collage on paper. Unsigned, surface texture from paper. Unframed, much edge wear, small edge tears, edge separation in areas.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Jennifer Printz "Quietus I" Prints, Graphite and Inks on Antique Paper, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Jennifer Printz "Quietus" series of four prints blends photography, graphite, and Epson Ultrachrome inks on antique papers. The work is matted and framed in wood,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paper

Peter Buchman "Exit Strategy”, Voice-Over Paintings Series, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Peter Buchman's "Exit Strategy" is made of laser cut plexiglass, acrylic medium and enamel on wood. It's a part of his Voice-Over series, in which the ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Enamel

Oracle 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

Peter Buchman "Pardon my French”, Voice-Over Paintings Series, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Peter Buchman's "Pardon my French" is made of laser cut plexiglass, acrylic medium and enamel on wood. It's a part of his Voice-Over series, in which the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Enamel

Peter Buchman "Star Wars”, Voice-Over Paintings Series, 2024
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Peter Buchman's 'Star Wars' is created using laser-cut plexiglass, acrylic medium, and enamel on wood. It's part of his Voice-Over series, in which the a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Enamel

Large Silver Concave Mirrored Glass Wall Art
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large concave mirrored glass wall art inspired by Space Age decor made from painted glass and hung with included metal brackets. This p...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass

Keith Haring Litography 1987 by Teneues
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Print litography by Keith Haring made in 1987 by teNeues. Manufactured in Germany, circa 1980. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a bea...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Salvador Dali "Unfinished Stereoscopic Picture" Framed Print
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional vintage framed print entitled "Unfinished Stereoscopic Picture" by Salvador Dalí. The work depicts Dalí painting a portrait of both his wife and himself. It hangs in a...
Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Brass

Yacht Vase Handcrafted Crochet Knit Blanket Wall Hanging Throw
Located in London, GB
Textile Art, Hand-crafted, Crochet, Knit, Art Blanket, Knitted Tapestry, Wall hanging, Affordable Art. Surreal and playful vase depicting a yacht against a sunset with highly texture...
Category

2010s English Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Textile, Wool, Thread, Yarn

Framed Editioned Photograph Raking Leaves Arthur Tress
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed black and white gelatin silver photograph by American surrealist photographer Arthur Tress (1940-). Entitled "Making Leaves", the work was created in 1978. The two intertwin...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood, Paper

Jennifer Printz "More than Memory" Prints, Graphite and Inks on Paper, 2020
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Jennifer Printz "More than Memory" series is collection of nine postcard like prints using photography, graphite, and Epson Ultrachrome inks on BFK Rives paper. The work is matted and framed in wood, protected with anti-static, non-glare Plexiglass glazing. The idea for this body of work comes from Jennifer's fascination with the public nature of mourning during the Victorian period. Back then, people used dress...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paper

Stalagmites Wall Decoration Sculpture by Eduard Locota
Located in Timisoara, RO
*Displayed price is per piece; we can provide discounted prices for multiple pieces acquired. The sculptural group “Abstract Isometry” has been gravitating around fragmentation, s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Resin, Acrylic

Jay Milder, Oil and Volcanic Ash on Canvas, Noah's Ark, 1999-2003
Located in Dallas, TX
Jay Milder (born 1934) is an American artist and a figurative Expressionist painter of the second generation New York School. Old Testament themes such as Jacob's Ladder and Noah’s Ark, and the Jewish...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Walljewel by Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
Walljewel by Lisette Rützou Dimensions: 15 x H 42 cm Materials: Rose, green and white onyx. Lisette Rützou’s design is motivated by an urge to articulate a story. Inspired by t...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Onyx

Square Abstract Sunburst Gold Bronze Silver Fine Art Acrylic on Canvas Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Are You ready to decorate Your Home and looking for a new Painting. For Sale I offer this abstract piece of Fine Art in Silver, Gold, Bronze and Black Colors. Different Brushwork and...
Category

1990s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, 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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