Why Collectors Connect with Figurative Expressionism

By Sebastien Montel

In today’s world of contemporary art, abstraction often dominates conversations, but collectors continue to return to figurative expressionism. As a French artist working in both Los Angeles and Palm Springs, I believe this connection comes from the figure’s ability to mirror our own humanity.

The Human Figure as Mirror

The human figure is universal. Even when distorted, it allows us to see ourselves reflected back. In expressionist art, distortion reveals truth by amplifying emotion, and collectors are drawn to that raw authenticity.

Emotional Resonance

Collectors often describe figurative works as living companions in their homes. This is the essence of emotional art, a painting that carries presence, one that continues to move its owner over time.

Psychological Depth

In psychological art, figures carry ambiguity. Are they joyful, anxious, grieving, relieved? Collectors value these layers because they invite reflection and dialogue. The figure becomes a partner in thought as much as in feeling.

Materiality and Storytelling

Through mixed media art, I create figures layered with oil, pencil, and newspaper—fragments of human memory embedded into form. Collectors connect with these works not only visually, but emotionally and psychologically, because they feel both timeless and deeply personal.

Collectors connect with figurative expressionism because it reminds us of our shared humanity. It is art that asks not just to be seen, but to be felt.