Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is a conversation piece?

What is a conversation piece?

An object with distinctive or unusual qualities that naturally draws attention and prompts discussion among people.

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Lowbrow

Lowbrow

(210 Works, 104 for sale)

Lowbrow is a derogatory term that refers to certain forms of popular culture. It describes an art movement that began in Los Angeles in the 1970s. The term lowbrow originally refers to a person with little intellectual or refined taste. The Lowbrow art movement, also known as Pop Surrealism, blends elements of underground comics, punk music, hot rod culture, and other subcultures, often with a sense of humor and irony.

Artwork by Cindy Sherman
Cynical Realism

Cynical Realism

 (48 Works, 6 for sale)

Cynical Realism is a term first used in 1992 by art critic Li Xianting to describe a group of Beijing artists who created satirical social realist paintings. The group aimed to depict the psychological turmoil experienced in China as the country grappled with new political ideologies.

Artwork by Yue Minjun
Happening

Happening

 (382 Works, 184 for sale)

A Happening is a term used to describe artistic and theatrical events held by artists in the 1950s and 60s. These events were typically staged in gallery installations or planned environments and often involved audience participation, along with elements like lighting, sounds, and slide projections. Happenings were a precursor to performance art, which later included the active participation of the artists themselves.

Artwork © Allan Kaprow’s “Happenings”

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