New to Modernist? Start here
If you remember one Modernist artist, make it Henry Moore (1898–1986), the name behind Reclining Figure and Madonna and Child. After that come Amrita Sher-Gil, Sidney Nolan, Barbara Hepworth and Emily Carr. Our 46 picks go from Pedro Alexandrino Borges (born 1856) to Abdul Latiff Mohidin (born 1941), from 17 countries.
How we picked them. We list the artists our catalogue links to Modernist, from the most famous down. Artists born after 1955 that we cannot yet check on Wikidata are left out. The Wikipedia number shows in how many of our 32 languages Wikipedia writes about them.
Quick facts
Meet them one by one
1of 46
British From Castleford Modernism, Abstract sculpture On Wikipedia in 29 of 32 languages
Henry Spencer Moore, born in the Yorkshire mining town of Castleford in 1898, emerged as one of Britain’s most significant and internationally celebrated sculptors of the twentieth century. He later attended Leeds School of Art and then the Royal College of Art in London, immersing himself in the study of classical sculpture and modern movements like Cubism.
2of 46
Hungarian-Indian From Budapest Modern Indian art, Avant-garde On Wikipedia in 20 of 32 languages
Born in Budapest in 1913 to a fascinatingly diverse parentage – Umrao Singh Sher-Gil Majithia, a Sikh aristocrat and scholar, and Marie Antoinette Gottesmann, a Hungarian Jewish opera singer – her life was destined to be one of compelling contrasts.
3of 46
Australian From Carlton Modernist On Wikipedia in 19 of 32 languages
Sir Sidney Robert Nolan, born in Melbourne in 1917, stands as a monumental figure in 20th-century Australian art. He absorbed influences from diverse sources – the poetry of Rimbaud, the spatial innovations of Cézanne, the raw emotion of Danila Vassilieff – yet forged a style uniquely his own, one that resonated with a distinctly Australian sensibility. The Heide Circle, centered around patrons John and Sunday Reed, proved pivotal.
4of 46
English From Wakefield Modernism, Surrealism, Abstraction On Wikipedia in 22 of 32 languages
Barbara Hepworth was born on 10 January 1903 in Wakefield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. This academic start led her to the Leeds School of Art in 1920, where she began to develop the technical discipline required for serious sculptural inquiry.
See them at Her physical presence in the art world remains anchored by The Hepworth Wakefield in Wakefield, United Kingdom.
5of 46
Canadian From Victoria Modernism, Post-Impressionism
Emily Carr, born December 13, 1871, in Victoria, British Columbia, was more than just a painter; she was a chronicler of a changing world, a passionate observer of both the natural majesty of the Pacific Northwest and the rich cultural heritage of its First Nations peoples.
6of 46
Austrian-American From Vienna Twelve-tone technique; Expressionism On Wikipedia in 31 of 32 languages
7of 46
Italian From Milan Modernism, Minimalism
Born in Milan, Italy, in 1931, Massimo Vignelli’s journey was one of unwavering dedication to the principles of modernist design. From a young age, he demonstrated an innate understanding of visual communication, beginning his formal training in architecture at the Politecnico di Milano and later continuing at the Università Iuav di Venezia.
8of 46
Brazilian From Cachoeira do Sul Brazilian Modernism
Born on September 1, 1886, in Capivari, São Paulo, into a prosperous coffee-producing family, Tarsila's upbringing afforded her opportunities uncommon for women of her time. This privilege allowed her to pursue artistic training, initially under the guidance of Pedro Alexandrino Borges before embarking on a transformative journey to Paris in 1920.
9of 46
Welsh From Haverfordwest Modernist On Wikipedia in 17 of 32 languages
Born Gwendolen Mary John in Haverfordwest, Wales, in 1876, her life unfolded as a deliberate counterpoint to the flamboyant artistic circles of her time. Unlike her celebrated brother, Augustus Edwin John, whose charismatic personality often overshadowed his work, Gwen carved a path defined by solitude, spiritual seeking, and an unwavering commitment to capturing the inner lives of her subjects.
10of 46
American From Rutherford Modernism, Watercolor On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Initially drawn to the practicality of architecture, Marin briefly attended the Stevens Institute of Technology before dedicating himself fully to art.
11of 46
From Philadelphia On Wikipedia in 14 of 32 languages
His father, Edward Wyatt Davis, served as the art editor for the Philadelphia Press, while his mother, Helen Stuart Davis, was a sculptor. During this period, he formed lasting friendships with fellow painters John Sloan, Glenn Coleman, and Henry Glintenkamp.
12of 46
Brazilian From Curitiba Modernism, Brutalism
João Batista Vilanova Artigas, born in Curitiba, Brazil, in 1915, stands as a monumental figure in the evolution of Brazilian architecture. His journey began at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo, where he earned his degree in 1937, an education that would serve as the bedrock for a career defined by innovation and a deep commitment to the Brazilian people.
13of 46
American From Lewiston American Modernism On Wikipedia in 16 of 32 languages
Marsden Hartley, born Edmund Hartley in Lewiston, Maine, on January 4, 1877, was a restless spirit drawn to the profound possibilities within art.
14of 46
Uruguayan From Montevideo Latin American Modernism On Wikipedia in 11 of 32 languages
Born in Montevideo in 1861, Figari’s path wasn't one of immediate artistic pursuit. However, it wasn’t until 1921, at the age of sixty, that Figari fully embraced painting, marking a dramatic shift and unleashing a torrent of creativity that would redefine Latin American art.
16of 46
American From Canandaigua Abstract Modernism On Wikipedia in 12 of 32 languages
Arthur Garfield Dove, born in 1880 in Canandaigua, New York, occupies a pivotal position in the narrative of American modern art. After studying at Hobart and Cornell Universities, he initially pursued commercial illustration in New York City, a pragmatic choice that nonetheless provided valuable experience while fueling an underlying desire for more profound artistic expression. The turning point in Dove’s artistic journey arrived with his move to Paris in 1907.
17of 46
French From Chantilly Modernist photography
Marcel Gautherot, born in Chantilly, France, in 1910, was more than a photographer; he was a chronicler of transformation, a visual poet who dedicated over half a century to documenting the evolving soul of Brazil. A brief period of military service in Senegal preceded a reconnaissance trip into the Amazon rainforest, experiences that broadened his perspective and ultimately led him to settle in Rio de Janeiro around 1940.
18of 46
From Sassari On Wikipedia in 10 of 32 languages
Born May 12, 1885, in Sassari, Sardinia, Italy. His father was an engineer, and his maternal grandfather, Ignazio Villa, was a respected architect and sculptor – providing early artistic exposure.
19of 46
British-American Modernist watercolor
Theodore Hancock (1923-1989) wasn’t a name immediately recognized by the public, yet his modernist watercolors hold a unique and compelling place in art history. Born in Britain but later establishing himself primarily in America, Hancock’s artistic journey was shaped by a confluence of influences. Hancock's career took a pivotal turn in 1963 when he was selected as an official NASA artist.
20of 46
Uruguayan From Montevideo Modernism, Vibrationism On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1890, Rafael Pérez Giménez Barradas emerged as a pivotal figure in the burgeoning modernist movement of the early 20th century. Immersing himself in the dynamic energy of Italy’s Futurist movement and briefly experiencing the radical deconstruction of Cubism in Paris, Barradas began to formulate an aesthetic vision that was both innovative and deeply personal.
21of 46
From Baghdad
Shakir Hassan Al Said was a multifaceted artist – painter, sculptor, writer, philosopher, art critic, and historian. Furthered his artistic training with a diploma in painting from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad (1954).
22of 46
From New Malden
Born: March 8, 1924, in New Malden, Surrey, England. Education: He attended Charterhouse School, where he was introduced to sculpture through his housemaster and Charles Wheeler.
23of 46
Brazilian From Rio de Janeiro Abstract, Geometric
Athos Bulcão de Almeida Lima, a name synonymous with the vibrant heart of Brazilian Modernism, was born into a Rio de Janeiro brimming with artistic potential on July 2nd, 1918. His early life was marked by personal loss – the passing of his mother when he was young – but nurtured by the practical artistry of his father, Fortunato Bulcão, a skilled metalworker.
24of 46
French From Johor Bahru ['Divisionism', 'Cubism', 'Orphism', 'Abstract art']
abdul latiff mohidin, a renowned malaysian modernist painter, sculptor, and poet, was born in 1941 in johor bahru, malaysia. his artistic journey began at an early age, earning him the nickname "the precocious one" for his exceptional understanding of paintings.
25of 46
Australian From Sydney Modernist Photography
maxwell spencer dupain ac obe, an australian modernist photographer, was born in sydney in 1911. his introduction to photography began at a young age when he received his first camera as a teenager. this early start led him to train under the tutelage of cecil bostock, a renowned photographer of the time.
26of 46
Portuguese From Porto Abstractionism, Expressionism
Júlio Martins da Silva Dias, known to the art world as Júlio Resende, emerged from the vibrant cultural landscape of Porto, Portugal, in 1917. Even during these formative years, a pragmatic side persisted; Resende supported his artistic ambitions through illustration work for periodicals like Jornal de Notícias and O Primeiro de Janeiro, crafting comic strips such as Matulinho e Matulão that showcased his versatility and narrative flair.
28of 46
Portuguese From Lisbon Modernist architecture
Francisco Caetano Keil Coelho do Amaral, 2nd Viscount of Pedralva (1910-1975), stands as a pivotal figure in the development of modern architecture in Portugal. Keil do Amaral’s formal artistic training began with studies in advertising design, followed by enrollment in the Architecture course at Lisbon's School of Fine Arts in 1930.
29of 46
Portuguese From São Tomé Modernism, Futurism
José Sobral de Almada Negreiros (1893–1970) stands as a singular figure in Portuguese Modernist art, embodying an extraordinary fusion of stylistic influences that resulted in a distinctive artistic vision. His father, António Lobo de Almada Negreiros, was of Portuguese descent, while his mother, Elvira Freire Sobral, carried Santomean roots, creating a rich tapestry of familial traditions that would permeate his creative endeavors throughout his prolific life.
30of 46
Italian From Rome Modernist Ceramics
marieda di stefano, an italian artist, was born in 1931 in rome, italy. despite her significant contributions to the art world, particularly in sculpture, there is a dearth of information regarding her personal life and professional trajectory.
31of 46
Sudanese From Omdurman African Modernism, Hurufiyya movement On Wikipedia in 6 of 32 languages
Born in the historic city of Omdurman, Sudan, on September 5, 1930, Ibrahim El-Salahi stands as a monumental figure in the landscape of global modernism. As a central pillar of the Khartoum School, El-Salahi did not merely paint; he orchestrated a visual dialogue between the ancient rhythms of Islamic calligraphy and the radical abstractions of the twentieth century.
32of 46
Iraqi From Tikrit Pan-Arab modern, Abstractionism, Hurufiyya
rafa al-nasiri, a renowned iraqi painter, draughtsman, print-maker, educator, and author, was born in 1940 in tikrit, iraq. he received his early art education at baghdad's institute of fine arts, attaining a diploma in painting in 1959.
33of 46
Canadian From Saugeen Shores Modernism On Wikipedia in 7 of 32 languages
David Brown Milne, born in the rural village of Burgoyne, Ontario in 1882, stands as a uniquely compelling figure within the narrative of Canadian art. The youngest of ten children born to Scottish immigrant parents, William and Mary Milne, he inherited a practical upbringing alongside a subtle appreciation for artistry – particularly from his mother, who crafted beautiful objects from found materials in nature.
34of 46
American From Lisbon Harlem Renaissance On Wikipedia in 9 of 32 languages
35of 46
American From Florence Harlem Renaissance, Expressionism, Folk Art On Wikipedia in 6 of 32 languages
The story of William Henry Johnson is one of profound transformation, a journey that began in the humble landscapes of Florence, South Carolina, and ascended to the heights of the international modernist stage.
36of 46
Portuguese From Leiria Modernist Art On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
Adriano Sousa Lopes (1879 – 1944) stands as a pivotal figure in the trajectory of Portuguese art, embodying the spirit of modernist experimentation while simultaneously grounding his artistic vision within the traditions of his homeland.
37of 46
From Istanbul On Wikipedia in 8 of 32 languages
His grandfather, Abidin Pasha Dino, was an Albanian Ottoman diplomat, adding a unique cultural dimension to his lineage. He spent parts of his childhood in Geneva and France, experiencing different artistic environments before returning to Istanbul in 1925.
38of 46
Canadian From Toronto Modernism On Wikipedia in 4 of 32 languages
Her journey was one of constant evolution, moving from the structured lessons of the Ontario College of Art to the avant-garde ateliers of Paris, ultimately returning to Canada to leave an indelible mark on both the canvas and the classroom. The artistic soul of Housser was forged in the prestigious halls of the Ontario College of Art, where she studied between 1913 and 1918.
39of 46
Canadian From Oshawa Modernism On Wikipedia in 4 of 32 languages
Growing up within the privileged surroundings of Parkwood Estate, home to her father Robert Samuel McLaughlin—founder of General Motors Canada—she was exposed to a world where art held significant value. This foundational experience was followed by attendance at the Ontario College of Art (OCA) between 1925 and 1927, where she benefited from the mentorship of Arthur Lismer, a key member of the celebrated Group of Seven, and Yvonne McKague Housser.
40of 46
Spanish From Listowel Surrealism On Wikipedia in 2 of 32 languages
41of 46
Brazilian From Rio de Janeiro Brazilian Modernism On Wikipedia in 6 of 32 languages
Emiliano Augusto Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Melo, known to the art world as Di Cavalcanti, was a pivotal figure in the shaping of modern Brazilian art. He became a key participant in the landmark Semana de Arte Moderna (Week of Modern Art) of 1922, a watershed moment that sought to liberate Brazilian art from the constraints of European academic tradition.
42of 46
Brazilian From São Paulo Latin American Modernism On Wikipedia in 1 of 32 languages
43of 46
Argentine-Brazilian From Lanús Art Deco On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
héctor julio páride bernabó, known by his artistic name carybé, was an argentine-brazilian artist, researcher, writer, historian, and journalist. born on february 7, 1911, in buenos aires, argentina, carybé's life was marked by a deep passion for the arts.
44of 46
Brazilian From Recife Cubist & Modernism On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
45of 46
Brazilian From São Paulo Abstract Painting, Grupo Santa Helena On Wikipedia in 3 of 32 languages
46of 46
Australian From Summer Hill Modernism, Abstract Art On Wikipedia in 2 of 32 languages
francis henry critchley hinder, an australian painter, sculptor, and art teacher, was born on june 26, 1906, in summer hill, australia. his artistic journey began with training at the julian ashton art school in sydney. this foundation would later influence his contributions to modernist sculpture and painting.
Pictures worth knowing
When it happened
Fun figures
| Brazil | 7 |
|---|---|
| Canada | 5 |
| United States | 5 |
| Portugal | 5 |
| United Kingdom | 4 |
| Australia | 3 |
| Italy | 3 |
| Iraq | 3 |
| 1850s | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1860s | 1 |
| 1870s | 6 |
| 1880s | 4 |
| 1890s | 8 |
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 3 |
| 1930s | 3 |
| 1940s | 2 |
Just the names
Henry MooreBritish · 1898–1986Amrita Sher-GilHungarian-Indian · 1913–1941Sidney NolanAustralian · 1917–1992Barbara HepworthEnglish · 1903–1975Emily CarrCanadian · 1871–1945Arnold SchoenbergAustrian-American · 1874–1951Massimo Vignelli, Vignelli AssociatesItalian · 1931–2014Tarsila do AmaralBrazilian · 1886–1973Gwen JohnWelsh · 1876–1939John MarinAmerican · 1870–1953Stuart Davis1892–1964João Batista Vilanova ArtigasBrazilian · 1915–1985Marsden HartleyAmerican · 1877–1943Pedro FigariUruguayan · 1861–1938
Lee, Jung-SeobKorean · 1916–1956Arthur DoveAmerican · 1880–1946Marcel GautherotFrench · 1910–1996Mario Sironi1885–1961Theodore HancockBritish-American · 1923–1989Rafael BarradasUruguayan · 1890–1929Shakir Hassan Al-Said1925–2004Sir Anthony Alfred Caro1924–2013Athos Bulcão de Almeida LimaBrazilian · 1918–2008Abdul Latiff MohidinFrench · born 1941Maxwell Spencer Dupain Ac ObeAustralian · 1911–1992Júlio ResendePortuguese · 1917–2011
Faeq Hassan, Fayiq Hassan, Faik HassanIraqi · 1914–1992Francisco Keil Do AmaralPortuguese · 1910–1975José Sobral De Almada NegreirosPortuguese · 1893–1970Marieda di StefanoItalian · 1931–2010Ibrahim El-SalahiSudanese · born 1930Rafa Al-NasiriIraqi · 1940–2013David MilneCanadian · 1882–1953Carlos BotelhoAmerican · 1899–1982William H. JohnsonAmerican · 1901–1970Adriano De Sousa LopesPortuguese · 1879–1944Abidin Dino1913–1993Yvonne McKague HousserCanadian · 1897–1996Isabel McLaughlinCanadian · 1903–2002Pegi Nicol MacLeodSpanish · 1904–1949Di CavalcantiBrazilian · 1897–1976Pedro Alexandrino BorgesBrazilian · 1856–1942CarybéArgentine-Brazilian · 1911–1997Vicente Do Rêgo MonteiroBrazilian · 1899–1970Aldo BonadeiBrazilian · 1906–1974Frank HinderAustralian · 1906–1992Good questions
Henry Moore (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Amrita Sher-Gil (#2) and Sidney Nolan (#3).
Henry Moore (#1), Amrita Sher-Gil (#2), Sidney Nolan (#3), Barbara Hepworth (#4) and Emily Carr (#5).
The earliest-born artist in this list is Pedro Alexandrino Borges (#42), born in 1856.
Brazil: 7 of the 46 artists in this list were born there, then Canada (5) and United States (5).
Most artists in this list were born in the 1910s (12 of 46), between 1856 and 1941 overall.
Montevideo: 2 of the artists in this list were born there.
The highest-ranked living artists in this list are Abdul Latiff Mohidin (#24) and Ibrahim El-Salahi (#31).
“This led her to experiment with increasingly abstract compositions, employing thick impasto techniques to create a sense of movement and texture.” — from our biography of Emily Carr (#5).
The highest-ranked artists born in Brazil are Tarsila do Amaral (#8), João Batista Vilanova Artigas (#12), Athos Bulcão de Almeida Lima (#23), Di Cavalcanti (#41) and Pedro Alexandrino Borges (#42).
The highest-ranked artists born in Canada are Emily Carr (#5), David Milne (#33), Yvonne McKague Housser (#38), Isabel McLaughlin (#39) and Pegi Nicol MacLeod (#40).
The museums holding the most key works of this list are The Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation (3), Barjeel Art Foundation (3) and National Gallery of Canada (3).
Our catalogue holds 3,501 works by these artists.
Read more
Other styles
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Famous Neoclassicist artistsThe Death of Marat · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Realist artistsThe origin of the world · Gustave Courbet
Famous Renaissance artistsMona Lisa (La Gioconda) · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Dutch Golden Age artistsThe Girl with a Pearl Earring · Johannes Vermeer
Famous Expressionist artistsComposition VII · Wassily Kandinsky
Famous Rococo artistsThe Embarkation for Cythera · Jean-Antoine WatteauOther eras
Famous Early Medieval artistsSnowy River · Wang Wei
Famous High Medieval artistsMadonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) · Giotto
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Famous Renaissance artistsThe Creation of Adam · Michelangelo
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Famous Modern artistsGuernica · Pablo Picasso
Famous Contemporary artistsWind Sculpture III (one in a series of nine) · Yinka ShonibareFamous paintings
Famous Impressionism paintingsWater Lilies · Claude Monet
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Famous Expressionism paintingsThe Scream · Edvard Munch
Famous Surrealism paintingsThe Persistence of Memory · Salvador DalíFamous Renaissance paintingsMona Lisa · Leonardo da Vinci
Famous Neoclassicism paintingsNapoleon at the St. Bernard Pass · Jacques-Louis David
Famous Symbolism paintingsThe Birth of Venus · William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Famous Mannerism paintingsThe Burial of the Count of Orgaz · El Greco
Famous Rococo paintingsThe Swing · Jean-Honoré FragonardKeep exploring
![Heller Rainbow Dinnerware\n\n[front view] by Massimo Vignelli, Vignelli Associates](/media/artworks/images-thumb/cd/9c/cd9c3f1015cd05d21f20d796279c84cb.jpg)
![Knoll Au Louvre\n\n[front cover] by Massimo Vignelli, Vignelli Associates](/media/artworks/images-thumb/2d/58/2d58532dc1c1248432ee69d88c0253d2.jpg)
![Nativity [Igrejinha de N. S. de Fátima 1958] by Athos Bulcão de Almeida Lima](/media/artworks/images-thumb/c1/1c/c11c36fe7c05230ed1517fa48fe3ce41.jpg)
![Baigneuses [Bathers] by Vicente Do Rêgo Monteiro](/media/artworks/images-thumb/54/26/5426c642108a8e75b6d63c31e241207f.jpg)
