Surrealist paintings for sale

18 Original Paintings For Sale: How to define Surrealism style?[...]

18 Original Paintings For Sale:

How to define Surrealism style?

Surrealism is a literary and artistic movement that appeared in France in 1924, written by André Breton. It can be translated as "above realism" or "more than real".It is a dictation of thought, where reason and aesthetic or moral concerns must be erased. For Breton, surrealism is justified by a desire for emancipation: by freeing the unconscious to reconcile it with the conscious, humanity will be able to free itself from the constraints imposed by logic and reason. The artists and writers will therefore be inspired by the Dada movement, as well as the theses of Sigmund Freud, and the works of the Symbolists, in particular those of Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon. In literature, this approach will manifest itself in curious experiments, such as automatic writing or the exquisite corpse. In art, different currents will stand out: we speak of organic surrealism (Joan Miro, André Masson, Max Ernst), for those who use automatic techniques to free their creative imagination, or dreamlike surrealism (Salvador Dali, René Magritte) for those who use traditional techniques to represent surrealistic subjects (visions, dreams, hallucinatory scenes, impulses, fears, phobias, desires…). Surrealism has a face: that of Dali and his mustaches, but it also has emblematic works in different mediums, such as the sculptures of Alberto Giacometti (Woman with the Cut Throat, Hands holding the Void ...), or the photographs of Man Ray (Black and White, Violin d'Ingres, The Gift…). The Swiss artist Meret Oppenheim for her part composed with these different mediums (sculptures, photographs, ready-mades) to transcribe with poetry the extent of this current. The recurring themes and symbols of surrealism are: unexpected encounters, incongruous juxtapositions, dehumanizing masks (African, gas or industrial), the praying mantis (embodying fear of women), as well as puns (especially between the title of the work and its composition) and other visual puns, such as the famous “This is not a pipe” by Belgian René Magritte.

Buying artworks on the theme of "Dark Fantasy"

Imagination, this fantastic world, the place of all possibilities, including the darkest and most obscure thoughts. Art is the opportunity for many artists to express their dark side, through nightmarish pictorial visions. Horror, torture, torment are the visions  from Dark Fantasy inspired by artists. Specters, monstrous creatures, lethal allegories come to life under the brushstrokes of painters who take us on a journey through their surrealist torments. Among the great contemporary representatives of this particular art of Dark Fantasy painting is the Polish artist Zdzislaw Beksinski.

Looking for Original paintings for sale?

Explore all styles and all painting techniques: contemporary paintings, street art, abstract art, figurative art, landscapes, portraits, still lifes, nudes, watercolor, oil painting, acrylic painting… Artmajeur is for everyone artistic sensibilities and celebrates beauty by your side for 20 years with more than 2 million contemporary works of art to discover ... or acquire! The world benchmark for contemporary paintings. Discover works by contemporary artists from around the world to decorate your interior with class! Simple art lover or confirmed collector? Find the favorite canvas or painting that will truly enhance your decoration. Artmajeur offers you original works, limited editions and art prints by the best contemporary artists in the world. On Artmajeur, the paintings are selected by enthusiasts and experts in the art market. We select for you the original works of trendy, award-winning and recognized painters as well as new rising values in the field of contemporary art to guide you and help you in your process of buying paintings online.

Discover contemporary Artworks on Artmajeur

Contemporary art is a vibrant constellation of artistic expressions. This creative universe encompasses a wide array of mediums, from paintings, sculpture, and photography to drawing, printmaking, textile art, and digital art, each medium a star shining with its own distinct radiance. Artists use diverse supports and materials to bring their visions to life, such as canvas, wood, metal, and even innovative digital canvases for the creation of virtual masterpieces

A contemporary painting, for instance, may weave its story through the masterful strokes of acrylic or oil, while a contemporary sculpture might sing its song in the language of stone, bronze, or found objects. The photographic arts capture and manipulate light to produce striking images, while printmaking employs techniques like lithography and screen-printing to produce multiples of a single, impactful image. Textile art plays with fabrics and fibers, whereas digital art pushes the boundaries of creation with innovative technology. 

The allure of contemporary art lies in its boundary-pushing nature, its relentless quest for experimentation and its constant reflection of the evolving human experience. This boundless creativity, coupled with its strong social and personal commentary, makes every piece of contemporary art a unique emblem of its time, a mirror held up to the realities and dreams of our complex world. It whispers to us, moves us, provokes thought, and kindles a deep emotional response, stirring the soul of anyone willing to listen. It is, indeed, the language of emotions and ideas, spoken in the dialect of our era.

Painting,  15.8x11.8 in
Theater of the absurd Painting, 15.8x11.8 in
©2015 Anna Milevskaa

Origins and history of contemporary art

The story of contemporary art unfolds in the mid-20th century, marked by seismic shifts in artistic expression. Post-World War II, around the 1950s and 1960s, artists began experimenting beyond traditional confines, challenging the norms of what art could be. This revolutionary epoch birthed myriad new movements and artistic forms such as abstract expressionism, pop art, and minimalism. Paintings, once confined by realism, embraced abstraction, as artists used color and form to express emotions and ideas. Notable periods like the advent of pop art in the late 1950s and early 1960s saw artworks mimicking popular culture and mass media, reflecting society’s shifting focus.

The sculptural arts, too, witnessed a metamorphosis. Sculptors started to experiment with new materials and forms, often creating artworks that interacted with the viewer and the surrounding space, fostering a sense of engagement. Drawing, a timeless practice, also evolved, with artists incorporating innovative techniques and concepts to redefine its role in contemporary art.

Photography, a relatively new medium, emerged as a powerful tool in the contemporary art landscape. Born in the 19th century, it truly came into its own in the latter half of the 20th century, blurring the lines between fine art and documentation. Printmaking, a practice dating back to ancient times, saw renewed interest and experimentation with techniques like lithography, etching, and screen printing gaining prominence.

The realm of textile art expanded dramatically, as artists began to appreciate the versatility and tactile quality of fabric and fibers. Artists began using textiles to challenge the boundaries between fine art, craft, and design. 

The dawn of digital technology in the late 20th century heralded a new age for contemporary art. Digital art emerged as artists started leveraging new technologies to create immersive, interactive experiences, often blurring the line between the virtual and the physical world.

Through these transformative periods, the essence of contemporary art has remained the same: a dynamic, evolving reflection of the times we live in, continually pushing boundaries and embracing the new, always questioning, always exploring.

Painting,  19.7x17.7 in
Time Eating Painting, 19.7x17.7 in
©2024 Greg Known

Evolutions of theses contemporary works in the art market

As we navigate through the 21st century, the dynamic landscape of contemporary art continues to evolve and expand, reflecting our ever-changing world. Contemporary paintings, once primarily confined to two-dimensional canvases, now embrace a multitude of forms and techniques, ranging from mixed media installations to digital creations, each piece a rich a weaving of thoughts, emotions, and narratives. Sculpture, too, has ventured far beyond traditional stone and bronze, with artists incorporating light, sound, and even motion, embodying the ephemerality and flux of the modern world.

Photography, in the hands of Contemporary Artists, has expanded its horizons, seamlessly blending with digital technology to create breathtaking imagery that challenges our perception of reality. Drawing, as well, has transcended the borders of paper, incorporating multimedia elements and exploratory techniques to redefine its role in the artistic discourse. Printmaking continues to flourish, with contemporary artists using traditional methods in innovative ways to deliver potent social and personal commentaries.

Textile art, once considered a craft, now holds a prominent place in the contemporary art world, with artists using it to explore issues of identity, tradition, and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, digital art, the newest member of the contemporary art family, has revolutionized the way we create and interact with art, presenting immersive experiences that blur the boundary between the virtual and the physical.

These diverse forms of contemporary art hold significant value in the current art market, not only due to their aesthetic appeal but also their ability to encapsulate and communicate complex ideas and emotions. Collectors, curators, and art lovers worldwide seek these works, drawn to their inherent dynamism, their innovative use of materials, and their eloquent expressions of our shared human experience. As a testimonial to our times, these contemporary artworks encapsulate the pulse of our society and the resonance of individual voices, forever etching our collective narrative into the annals of art history.

Painting,  18.1x15 in
"I forgot my life somewhere" Painting, 18.1x15 in
©2023 Mrs Steamcloudy

Famous Contemporary Artists

As we delve into the vibrant realm of contemporary art, we encounter an array of artists who shape this dynamic field. Each a master in their medium - painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, printmaking, textile, or digital art - they push artistic boundaries, reflecting our era and challenging perceptions. Let’s explore these remarkable contributors and their groundbreaking works.

1. Gerhard Richter - Known for his multi-faceted approach to painting, Richter challenges the boundaries of the medium, masterfully oscillating between abstract and photorealistic styles. His works, whether featuring squeegee-pulled pigments or blurred photographic images, engage in a fascinating dialogue with perception.

2. Jeff Koons - A significant figure in contemporary sculpture, Koons crafts monumental pieces that explore themes of consumerism, taste, and popular culture. His iconic balloon animals, constructed in mirror-polished stainless steel, captivate with their playful yet profound commentary.

3. Cindy Sherman - An acclaimed photographer, Sherman uses her lens to explore identity and societal roles, particularly of women. Renowned for her conceptual self-portraits, she assumes myriad characters, pushing the boundaries of photography as a medium of artistic expression.

4. David Hockney - Hockney, with his prolific output spanning six decades, is a pivotal figure in contemporary drawing. His bold use of color and playful exploration of perspective convey an intoxicating sense of joy and an unabashed celebration of life.

5. Kiki Smith - An innovative printmaker, Smith’s work explores the human condition, particularly the female body and its social and cultural connotations. Her etchings and lithographs speak to universal experiences of life, death, and transformation.

6. El Anatsui - A master of textile art, Anatsui creates stunning tapestry-like installations from discarded bottle caps and aluminum scraps. These shimmering, flexible sculptures blend traditional African aesthetic with contemporary art sensibilities, speaking to themes of consumption, waste, and the interconnectedness of our world.

7. Rafael Lozano-Hemmer - A leading figure in digital art, Lozano-Hemmer utilizes technology to create interactive installations that blend architecture and performance art. His work, often participatory in nature, explores themes of surveillance, privacy, and the relationship between people and their environments.

Painting,  19.7x17.7 in
Cain and Abel Painting, 19.7x17.7 in
©2023 Greg Known

Notable contemporary artworks

The contemporary art landscape is a dynamic patchwork of diverse expressions and groundbreaking ideas, each artwork a unique dialog with its audience. Here are a selection of some renowned contemporary artworks, spanning various media such as painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, printmaking, textile art, and digital art, that have profoundly influenced this vibrant movement.

  1. "Cloud Gate" by Anish Kapoor, 2006 - This monumental stainless steel sculpture, also known as "The Bean," mirrors and distorts the Chicago skyline and onlookers in its seamless, liquid-like surface, creating an interactive experience that blurs the line between the artwork and the viewer.

  2. "Marilyn Diptych" by Andy Warhol, 1962 - An iconic piece of pop art, this silkscreen painting features fifty images of Marilyn Monroe. Half brightly colored, half in black and white, it reflects the dichotomy of celebrity life and its influence on popular culture.

  3. "Rhein II" by Andreas Gursky, 1999 - This photographic artwork, a digitally-altered image of the Rhine River, is celebrated for its minimalist aesthetic. It strips the landscape to its bare essentials, invoking a sense of tranquility and vastness.

  4. "Black Square" by Kazimir Malevich, 1915 - A revolutionary painting in the realm of abstract art, this piece, featuring nothing more than a black square on a white field, challenges traditional notions of representation, symbolizing a new era in artistic expression.

  5. "Puppy" by Jeff Koons, 1992 - This giant sculpture, a West Highland Terrier blanketed in flowering plants, explores themes of innocence, consumer culture, and the interplay between high art and kitsch. It’s a delightful blend of traditional sculpture and garden craft.

  6. "Re-projection: Hoerengracht" by Ed and Nancy Kienholz, 1983-1988 - A room-sized tableau representing Amsterdam’s red-light district, this work combines elements of sculpture, painting, lighting, and found objects. It engages viewers in a stark commentary on commodification and objectification.

  7. "Untitled" (Your body is a battleground) by Barbara Kruger, 1989 - This photomontage, combining black-and-white photography with impactful text, explores issues of feminism, identity, and power. Its potent, confrontational message is a prime example of the power of text in contemporary visual art.

  8. "For the Love of God" by Damien Hirst, 2007 - This sculpture, a platinum cast of a human skull encrusted with 8,601 diamonds, probes themes of mortality, value, and the human fascination with luxury and decadence. It’s a compelling blend of macabre and magnificence.

  9. "Physical impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living" by Damien Hirst, 1991 - This artwork, featuring a tiger shark preserved in formaldehyde, blurs the line between traditional sculpture and biological specimen. It prompts viewers to contemplate mortality and nature’s ferocity.

  10. "One and Three Chairs" by Joseph Kosuth, 1965 - A piece of conceptual art, it presents a physical chair, a photograph of a chair, and a dictionary definition of a chair, thus exploring the relationship between language, picture, and referent in art.

These pieces, in their diversity, exemplify the rich tapestry of contemporary art, each piece a unique commentary on our world and a testament to the limitless potential of creative expression.


Most Relevant | Newest

Painting titled "Theater of the absu…" by Anna Milevskaa, Original Artwork, Oil Mounted on Wood Stretcher frame
Theater of the absurd - Painting, 15.8x11.8 in ©2015 by Anna Milevskaa - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Мистическое искусство, Современное искусство, Искусство Эмоций, художник, ИллюзияЦвета, ЭмоцииВКрасках, ТайнаПодСлоями, маски

Anna Milevskaa

"Theater of the absurd"

Oil on Canvas | 15.8x11.8 in

$4,503.58
Painting titled "Cain and Abel" by Greg Known, Original Artwork, Oil
Cain and Abel - Painting, 19.7x17.7 in ©2023 by Greg Known - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Сюрреализм, фэнтези, Библия, запретный плод, яблоко, Рай

Greg Known

"Cain and Abel"

Oil on Canvas | 19.7x17.7 in

$4,348
Prints available
Painting titled "Insane of Brain" by Skylor Timeless, Original Artwork, Pencil
Insane of Brain - Painting, 11.8x7.9 in ©2024 by Skylor Timeless - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Kombination, farben, Aquarell, Maker-Pen, brush, trippy, Pfilzstift, Farbspiel

Skylor Timeless

"Insane of Brain"

Pencil on Paper | 11.8x7.9 in

$4,332.02
Painting titled "Valley of infinity" by Vaxo Lang, Original Artwork, Acrylic
Valley of infinity - Painting, 19.7x15.8 in ©2023 by Vaxo Lang - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Valley of infinity, vaxolang, vaxo lang, vakho lang, macabre, macabre art, macabre artwork, red, painting, artwork, acrylic painting, art for sale, art sale, art shop, contemporary artist, contemporary art, contemporary painting, painter, horror artist

Vaxo Lang

"Valley of infinity"

Acrylic on Canvas | 19.7x15.8 in

Sold
Painting titled "Headless" by Vaxo Lang, Original Artwork, Acrylic
Headless - Painting, 11.8x9.1 in ©2023 by Vaxo Lang - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, headless, vaxo lang, vaxolang, vakholang, vakho lang, vaxo art, vakho art, contemporary art, contemporary artist, acrylic painting, horror, horror art, horror artist, horror artwork, creepy, creepy art, creepy artist, creepy artwork, macabre art, macabre

Vaxo Lang

"Headless"

Acrylic on Canvas | 11.8x9.1 in

Not For Sale
Painting titled "Riss im Kappes 2.0" by Skylor Timeless, Original Artwork, Pencil
Riss im Kappes 2.0 - Painting, 11.8x7.9 in ©2023 by Skylor Timeless - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Druck, Laserdruck, Zeichnung, skizze, gerahmt, Radierung, Symbol, Reaktion

Skylor Timeless

"Riss im Kappes 2.0"

Pencil on Cardboard | 11.8x7.9 in

$5,248.46
Painting titled "Time Eating" by Greg Known, Original Artwork, Oil
Time Eating - Painting, 19.7x17.7 in ©2024 by Greg Known - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Surrealism, Steampunk, Fantasy, Flowers, Time

Greg Known

"Time Eating"

Oil on Canvas | 19.7x17.7 in

$4,348
Prints available
Painting titled ""Silence"" by Mrs Steamcloudy, Original Artwork, Acrylic Mounted on Wood Stretcher frame
"Silence" - Painting, 18.1x15 in ©2024 by Mrs Steamcloudy - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, realism, surrealism, portraiture, figurative, frame, canvas, acrylic, painting

Mrs Steamcloudy

""Silence""

Acrylic on Canvas | 18.1x15 in

$2,776.97
Prints available
Painting titled ""Implosion"" by Mrs Steamcloudy, Original Artwork, Acrylic Mounted on Wood Stretcher frame
"Implosion" - Painting, 18.1x15 in ©2024 by Mrs Steamcloudy - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, realism, surrealism, portraiture, figurative, acrylic, painting, frame

Mrs Steamcloudy

""Implosion""

Acrylic on Canvas | 18.1x15 in

$2,587.7
Prints available
Painting titled "Difficult choice. T…" by Greg Known, Original Artwork, Oil
Difficult choice. The Good Gardener. - Painting, 19.7x15.8 in ©2023 by Greg Known - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Сюрреализм, Стимпанк, Фэнтези, Сад, Цветы

Greg Known

"Difficult choice. The Good Gardener."

Oil on Linen Canvas | 19.7x15.8 in

$4,336
Prints available
Painting titled "Judith and Holofern…" by Greg Known, Original Artwork, Oil
Judith and Holofernes - Painting, 19.7x15.8 in ©2023 by Greg Known - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Surrealism, fantasy, dolls

Greg Known

"Judith and Holofernes"

Oil on Canvas | 19.7x15.8 in

$4,336
Prints available
Painting titled "Goodbye" by Ana Gratess, Original Artwork, Oil Mounted on Cardboard
Goodbye - Painting, 15.8x11.8 in ©2020 by Ana Gratess - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, surreal, surreal art, macabre, grotesque, abstract surrealism, dark fantasy, pink and blue

Ana Gratess

"Goodbye"

Oil on Canvas | 15.8x11.8 in

Not For Sale Prints from $38.87
Painting titled ""I forgot my life s…" by Mrs Steamcloudy, Original Artwork, Acrylic Mounted on Wood Stretcher frame
"I forgot my life somewhere" - Painting, 18.1x15 in ©2023 by Mrs Steamcloudy - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, portraiture, figurative, realism, surrealism, acrylic, painting, emotionnal

Mrs Steamcloudy

""I forgot my life somewhere""

Acrylic on Canvas | 18.1x15 in

$2,378.52
Prints available
Painting titled "Zerfall 2.0" by Skylor Timeless, Original Artwork, Pencil
Zerfall 2.0 - Painting, 7.9x11.8 in ©2024 by Skylor Timeless - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Skizze, Bleistift, Wischtechnik, Kohle, psychodelic, mauer, spezial Technik

Skylor Timeless

"Zerfall 2.0"

Pencil on Paper | 7.9x11.8 in

$3,474.25
Painting titled "Napoleon and Joseph…" by Greg Known, Original Artwork, Oil
Napoleon and Josephine - Painting, 19.7x15.8 in ©2023 by Greg Known - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, сюрреализм, фэнтези, стимпанк, дети, куклы, цветы, маки

Greg Known

"Napoleon and Josephine"

Oil on Canvas | 19.7x15.8 in

$2,317
Prints available
Painting titled "The Scolopendra" by Vaxo Lang, Original Artwork, Acrylic
The Scolopendra - Painting, 11.8x9.8 in ©2023 by Vaxo Lang - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, scolopendra, vaxolang, vaxo lang, dark art, dark, horror, horror art, horror artist, horror artwork, creepy, creepy art, creepy artist, creepy artwork, macabre, macabre art, macabre artist, macabre artwork, hell, contemporary art, contemporary artist

Vaxo Lang

"The Scolopendra"

Acrylic on Canvas | 11.8x9.8 in

Not For Sale
Painting titled "Dirty Long Night" by Skylor Timeless, Original Artwork, Pencil
Dirty Long Night - Painting, 7.9x7.9 in ©2023 by Skylor Timeless - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, Painting Druck, schwarz-weiß, Limited, Surrealistisch, Papier, satin, gerahmt, deep, düster, eigenscharm, colores

Skylor Timeless

"Dirty Long Night"

Pencil on Cardboard | 7.9x7.9 in

$5,217.46
Painting titled "Poisonous Snake" by Ana Gratess, Original Artwork, Acrylic
Poisonous Snake - Painting, 15.8x11.8 in ©2017 by Ana Gratess - Surrealism, surrealism-627, Dark Fantasy, dark art, dark surreal, imaginary, dreamy, gothic style, snake, skull

Ana Gratess

"Poisonous Snake"

Acrylic on Cardboard | 15.8x11.8 in

Not For Sale Prints from $38.87

Artmajeur

Receive our newsletter for art lovers and collectors