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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
'Fragile Flower' A Unique Ceramic Wall Sculpture, Pekka Paikkari, 2021
Located in Helsinki, FI
An impressive ceramic wall sculpture ”Fragile Flower" made by Pekka Paikkari in 2021. This art piece is in pristine condition and was acquired from the artist himself.
Pekka's prima...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic
Crying Clown with a Collar by Juraj Huliak
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Crying clown with a collar
The picture shows a crying clown with a collar. The author of the work is Juraj Huliak a very talented young artist. Technique pastel on paper, framed.
Category
Late 20th Century Slovak Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
James Rizzi NEW YORK CITY - A MARATHON FOR ALL 1997 color series and 3D collage
By James Rizzi
Located in Münster, DE
James Rizzi (1950-2011), color series and 3D collage “New York City - a Marathon for all”, created in 1997, signed and numbered, copy XII/CCC (12/300)
Dimensions: frame height 103 cm...
Category
1990s American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Handwoven Tapestry, Hand dyed, geometric abstract wall hanging
By Andrew Boos
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
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
Modern Treason Wall Art Sculpture Piece Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Treason wall art piece, contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Like a crumpled up piece of paper, Treason embodies ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Art Glass, Fiberglass, Paint
Modern Moon Wall Art Sculpture Piece, Light, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Moon Wall Art Piece, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
The Moon modern wall decor is a manifestation of the divin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Resin, Acrylic
Modern Breeze Wall Art Sculpture Piece, Light, Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Breeze Wall Art Piece, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple.
Breeze modern wall decor captures the essence of a massive, crashing white wave, mirr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Art Glass, Fiberglass
Abstract Painting by Venezuelan Artist Alejandro Rios
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
An abstract painting by Venezuelan artist Alejandro Rios. Rios is known for creating largely abstract landscapes that disappear through the texture a...
Category
Late 20th Century Venezuelan Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Emma Kohlmann, Untitled, Water and Sumi Ink on Paper (Framed), 2018
Located in New York City, NY
Emma Kohlmann, Untitled, Water and Sumi Ink on Paper (Framed), 2018
Category
21st Century and Contemporary 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
Portuguese Tile Mural - Hand Painted - Indoor/Outdoor Tiles "White Horse"
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "WHITE HORSE" motif finely painted.
Quantity: 8 tiles
Tile mural size: 23.6"H X 11.8"W (60cm X 30cm)
Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm)
Origin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Salvador Dali "Dream Of A Horseman" Lithograph
Located in Bradenton, FL
20th century Salvador Dali "Dream of a Horseman" Lithograph, framed. Painting features a man on horseback with spear, imbedded in a larger silhouette of a male head in profile. Paint...
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Portuguese Tile Mural - Hand Painted - Indoor/Outdoor Tiles "Unicorns"
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "UNICORNS" motif finely painted.
Quantity: 56 tiles
Tile mural size: 82.6"W X 23.6"H (210cm X 60cm)
Tile size: 5.9"W X 5.9"H (15cm X 15cm)
Origin: Por...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
"Composition in Red (Vapors)" by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Allan D'Arcangelo: side view mirror (66/75) 1966, part of seven objects in a box
Located in Zemst, BE
Allan D'Arcangelo (°1945): Side view mirror
Screenprint on plexiglass
Sculpture that made part of 'Seven items in a box'
Signed and numbered (60/75)
Published by Tanglewood press...
Category
20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Plexiglass
Contemporary artwork Aldine Engelman sixties the Netherlands
By Adine Engelman
Located in UTRECHT, NL
Beautiful, very big painting by Adine Engelman.
Born in Rotterdam 1937 - died Haarlem 2015.
Education in Rotterdam art academy and Haarlem at atelier ‘63.
Was born as a man and wen...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
"Reflective Composition (Blue Stamp)" by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Dragon Plates set of 3 hand made plates in the Royal Blue Tattoo collection
By Royal Delft
Located in DELFT, NL
The battle of the dragons series;
In honor of the Year of the Dragon in 2024, Royal Delft has launched the Dragon Plates in collaboration with Henk Schiffmacher, a worldwide renowne...
Category
2010s Dutch Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic
"Graphiti" Mixed Media Collage by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Paper
Abstract Oil Painting by William Stebbins
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oil painting on canvas by Chicago artist, William Stebbins. The painting features bright blues and purple tones alongside warm yellow and orange tones. Signed by the artist.
Dimensi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Caterina Nude, 13. 2009. Julian Opie
By Julian Opie 1
Located in Madrid, ES
Vinyl on wooden frame
Julian Opie (London, 1958) is a multidisciplinary artist who uses different materials, flat colours and advanced technologies to create effective works centred...
Category
Early 2000s English Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood
Viaje Para Conocer Tu Geografía, Matteo Matté. 2003
Located in Madrid, ES
PHOTOGRAPHY ON PAPER
Maté has exhibited individually and collectively in museums and art centres. He won the Marcelino Botín Foundation Scholarship in 2002 and the Altadis Prize for...
Category
Early 2000s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Portrait # 13, Axel Hutte, 2003
Located in Madrid, ES
COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Axel Hütte's work is part of a tradition of German photographers who are direct heirs to the conceptual aesthetic and the teachings of Bernd and Hilla Becher, who...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Cadium Yellow Light (Wiitg), Leonel Moura, 1990
Located in Ibiza, Spain
SILK-SCREEN PRINTING,ACRYLIC S.PLEXIGLASS-IRON
Leonel Moura is a Portuguese artist born in Lisbon in 1948. He creates generative art using robots. He situates his work in the field ...
Category
1990s Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Plexiglass
Persona Remunerada Durante..., Santiago Sierra, 2000
Located in Ibiza, Spain
PHOTOGRAPHY B/N
After graduating in Fine Arts from the Complutense University of Madrid, Santiago Sierra completed his training in Hamburg, where he studied with F. E. Walter, S. B...
Category
Early 2000s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Originl Eric Lapszynski Mixed Media Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Eric Lapszynski's mixed media Cubist style painting evokes a dynamic interplay of geometric shapes and vibrant colors. With fragmented forms and intersecting lines, Lapszynski explor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Mid Century Modern Bernhard Rohne Acid Etched Brass Art Work, Framed
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and mysterious art work by German Canadian artist, Bernhard Rohne. This piece is an acid etched brass plate surrounded by a dimensional wooden frame. Delicate details give ...
Category
1970s Canadian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Brass
Sam Francis "Jubilee" color lithograph, created 1964
By Sam Francis
Located in Münster, DE
Sam Francis (1923 San Mateo - 1994 Santa Monica)
"Jubilee" color lithograph, created 1964, edition of 50 copies, signed, numbered and dated, Ex.: e.a.
Dimensions: 50.5 x 65.5 cm
S...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Heinrich Siepmann 1986 Collage and Gouache on paper
Located in Münster, DE
Heinrich Siepmann (1904-2002 Mülheim)
Collage, paper and gouache on cardboard, signed and dated by hand, created 1986
Dimensions: 45 x 48.5 cm
Heinrich Siepmann belonged to the se...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Gerhard Uhlig 1960s op-art screen print "untitled" 1966
Located in Münster, DE
Gerhard Uhlig (1926-2015)
Screenprint "untitled", signed and numbered by hand, Ex. 47/65, created in 1966, framed behind glass
Dimensions:
Sheet size 63.5 x 58.5 cm
Frame size 90...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Heinrich Siepmann "Composition" 1963 Watercolor and gouache on paper
Located in Münster, DE
Heinrich Siepmann "Composition" 1963
Heinrich Siepmann (1904-2002 Mülheim)
Watercolor and gouache on paper, signed and dated by hand lower right, created in 1963
Dimensions: 52 x...
Category
1960s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Mimmo Paladino: Glass head sculpture in Murano glass, 1989 Meta Memphis
Located in Zemst, BE
Venetian Murano glass head by Mimmo Paladino (Italy °1948)
A simple fine and distinguished line, a creation by a great maker.
Even without a signature, the piece is clearly by the h...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass
'Brittle Moment' A Unique Ceramic Wall Sculpture, Pekka Paikkari, 2015
Located in Helsinki, FI
An impressive ceramic wall sculpture ”Brittle Moment” made by Pekka Paikkari in 2015. Featuring a beautiful and unique design, in which the artists imagination is combined with a cre...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic
"Goddess" Collage by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
"Ghost (Big Wings)" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Marble
Contemporary Landscape Art Menorca by Egor Plotnikov
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Egor Plotnikov works in the field of figurative painting and sculpture, often combining two media in one installation. He is one of the few contemporary Russian artists, whose works ...
Category
2010s Russian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Wood, Paper
"Pansy (New Flower)" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Marble
"Parts of Another" Collage by Michael Thompson
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
"Ghost (Get Out of Town)" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Marble
Dutch Contemporary Abstract Steel Art Murale Dégradé by Luuk van Laarhoven
By Studio Luuk van Laarhoven
Located in Amsterdam, NL
To understand the behaviour of metallic elements, experiments were done on a variety of different surfaces, both mechanically and by hand. By introducing heat to the metal an oxidati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Steel
"Ghost (Waiting For Friends)" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Marble
Framed Street Photograph by Vivian Maier Editioned with Provenance
By Vivian Maier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed black and white street photograph by Vivian Maier (American, 1926-2009), untitled and undated (circa 1950s), This is a gelatin silver print printed in 2014. This sharply con...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, 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, Paper, Acrylic
Framed Street Photograph by Vivian Maier Editioned with Provenance
By Vivian Maier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed black and white street photograph by Vivian Maier (American, 1926-2009), "Untitled, June 25, 1961". This is a gelatin silver print printed in 2014. This sharply contrasted b...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vlaminck Framed 'Siene a Chatou' Color Lithography, circa 1972
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Original 'Siene a Chatou' color lithograph by Maurice de Vlamnick.
Lithograph printed from an original painting made by the author in France, circa 1906.
Published by Fernand Mourl...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Siegmund Lympasik, Abstract Composition Painting on Paper, Framed, around 1980s
Located in Berlin, DE
Step into the evocative world of Siegmund Lympasik's abstract expressionism with this captivating painting on paper, framed and created around the 1980s. Lympasik's artistic prowess ...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Pine, Paint, Paper
Framed Street Photograph by Vivian Maier Editioned with Provenance
By Vivian Maier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed black and white street photograph by Vivian Maier (American, 1926-2009), entitled "New York, NY, September 3, 1954", this is a gelatin silver print printed in 2014. This pri...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Framed Street Photograph by Vivian Maier Editioned with Provenance
By Vivian Maier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed black and white street photograph by Vivian Maier (American, 1926-2009), entitled "New York, NY, December 2, 1954", this is a gelatin silver print printed in 2014. This prin...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Bertil Berntsson Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting and Pine Frame, Sweden, 1957
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Abstract oil painting titled 'Woman IV' by Bertil Berntsson, Sweden, 1957.
A magnificent and rare abstract oil painting with its original pine frame titled 'Woman IV' composed by th...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
'Winter Day In Marievik' A Unique Ceramic Sculpture, Pekka Paikkari, 2023
Located in Helsinki, FI
”Winter Day In Marievik” is an impressive ceramic wall sculpture made by Pekka Paikkari in 2023. This extraordinary piece of art features a unique hand crafted ceramic design layed o...
Category
2010s Finnish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Wood
"Asanoha Landscape" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Monochromatic, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Marble
Contemporary Abstract Multicolored Oil Painting by Tomas Imrich , around 1980
Located in Berlin, DE
In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary art, Tomas Imrich's Abstract Multicolored Oil Painting, circa 1980, emerges as a mesmerizing testament to artistic innovation. Despite Imrich'...
Category
1980s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Pop Art 2 Julia
Located in Göteborg, SE
Wall sculpture in relief and mixed media.
Material: concrete, wood, acrylic glass and acrylic paint.
Measurements: 61 x 50 cm.
Limited and signed edition of 6 examples.
Julia, the wo...
Category
2010s Swedish Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Concrete
Original Modern Abstract Painting by Shannon Weir
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame by Shannon Weir, a distinguished artist based in Houston, Texas. Weir's mastery unfolds in this monochroma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic
Original Modern Abstract Painting by Shannon Weir
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary Acrylic Painting in antique frame by Shannon Weir. Signed in bottom right. This beautiful original art was made in 2022, but the frame is vintage.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic
Artwork by André Verroken for Hof van Cleve, Belgium, 1990s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This artwork by André Verroken is exclusively designed for Peter Goossens, the previous owner of the esteemed three-star restaurant Hof van Cleve. Their first encounter occurred in t...
Category
1990s Belgian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood
"Rampage" Mosaic by Toyoharu Kii, 2021
By Toyoharu Kii
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. Clas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Marble
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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