Funk Art

Funk Art is a 20th century American artistic movement that was born out of a reaction against Abstract Expressionism. Considered an anti-establishment movement, Funk Art privileged figuration over the abstract forms that dominated art of the period. While Abstract Expressionists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning produced works that bore no resemblance to tangible reality, the artists of Funk Art represented elements of everyday life and pop culture in their work. 

Funk Art, like the musical style referenced by its name, is characterized by passionate, quirky and “unrefined" elements that contrast with what was considered to be “sophisticated" art at the time. More of a loose group of artists than a cohesive movement, the artists of Funk Art were mainly based in Northern California, and were active during the 1950s and 60s. Many Funk Artists used found objects and everyday subjects in their work, prioritizing the personal aspect of art over any political, social or moral association. 

To pay homage to the lasting influence of Funk Art on the world of contemporary art, Artsper has curated a selection of artists whose work echoes aspects of the movement. Join us to find artists such as César Baldaccini and Xanthe Somers, today!