neo-expressionism

or Ne·o-Ex·pres·sion·ism

[ nee-oh-ik-spresh-uh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. an art movement, chiefly in painting, that developed in Germany, Italy, and the U.S. in the late 1970s, emphasized large heavy forms and thick impasto, and typically dealt with historical narrative in terms of symbolism, allegory, and myth.

Other Words From

• neo-ex·pression·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of neo-expressionism¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

At once modern and classical, gnomic yet instantly clear, Haring’s work distilled the Pop Art of the previous decades and Neo-Expressionism of the 1980s, wrapping in uptown graffiti movements into a genderless, raceless utopia — a basic but expansive vision of human equality.

From New York Times

Basquiat, who lived and worked in New York City, found success in the 1980s as part of the neo-Expressionism movement.

From Seattle Times

Basquiat, who lived and worked in New York City, found success in the 1980s as part of the Neo-expressionism movement.

From Washington Times

Basquiat, who lived and worked in New York City, found success in the 1980s as part of the Neo-expressionism movement.

From Seattle Times

“Everything from abstraction, art brut, Dada, Fluxus, Neo-Expressionism, nouveau realism, pop art, surrealism, Viennese Actionism — most exhibitions will not cover this breadth.”

From New York Times