Beginning in the early 20th century, abstract art became a leading style of modernism. Rather than portray the world in a way that represented reality, as had been the dominating style of Western art in the previous centuries, abstract paintings, prints and sculptures are marked by a shift to geometric forms, gestural shapes and experimentation with color to express ideas, subject matter and scenes.
Although abstract art flourished in the early 1900s, propelled by movements like Fauvism and Cubism, it was rooted in the 19th century. In the 1840s, J.M.W. Turner emphasized light and motion for atmospheric paintings in which concrete details were blurred, and Paul Cézanne challenged traditional expectations of perspective in the 1890s.
Some of the earliest abstract artists — Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint — expanded on these breakthroughs while using vivid colors and forms to channel spiritual concepts. Painter Piet Mondrian, a Dutch pioneer of the art movement, explored geometric abstraction partly owing to his belief in Theosophy, which is grounded in a search for higher spiritual truths and embraces philosophers of the Renaissance period and medieval mystics. Black Square, a daringly simple 1913 work by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, was a watershed statement on creating art that was free “from the dead weight of the real world,” as he later wrote.
Surrealism in the 1920s, led by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim and others, saw painters creating abstract pieces in order to connect to the subconscious. When Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York during the mid-20th century, it similarly centered on the process of creation, in which Helen Frankenthaler’s expressive “soak-stain” technique, Jackson Pollock’s drips of paint, and Mark Rothko’s planes of color were a radical new type of abstraction.
Conceptual art, Pop art, Hard-Edge painting and many other movements offered fresh approaches to abstraction that continued into the 21st century, with major contemporary artists now exploring it, including Anish Kapoor, Mark Bradford, El Anatsui and Julie Mehretu.
Find original abstract paintings, sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.
Exquisite Recollection, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soft, cloudlike background merges with a whimsical splatter of movement and comforting colors. The gold square anchors the scene, bridging muted grays and blu...
Mixed Media
Never-Ending Spiral - Mixed Media by Jannis Kounellis - 2008
Located in Roma, IT
Never-Ending Spiral is a mixed media print realized by Jannis Kounellis. Limited edition of 260. Hand signed and numbered. This artwork is from the portfolio The Unique Collectio...
Mixed Media
Abacus: Mixed Media Contemporary Painting by Peter Rossiter
Located in Brecon, Powys
Abacus Mixed media on canvas. New work from his new circle series.
Mixed Media, Oil
Pre Johnsonian Equilibrium
Located in Brecon, Powys
Pre-Johnsonian Equilibrium 2019 Encaustic wax, rust & oil colour on deep-fame board 600 x 600 mm
Encaustic, Oil, Board
Bronzed Skyline: Contemporary abstract expressionist oil painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Mixed Media on canvas
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Untitled. Large Mixed Media Splatter Painting
By Gordon Couch
Located in Brecon, Powys
Mixed media (acrylic and oil paints) splatter painting on canvas Signed and dated verso. Gordon Couch born 1949 British artist based in Cornwall and ...
Oil, Acrylic
Celtic Song. Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Patricia McParlin, is an award winning British artist who lives and works in Wales. She studied at The University of Wales and The West Wales School of the Arts. She has recently b...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Starstruck, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Starstruck- bright colours glooming in the sky. A joyful outburst of vibrant colours merging together to form a visualisation of the dynamic force of nature. Katja Wittmer‘s tec...
Mixed Media
Three Moons
By Marina Stern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This work is part of our exhibition Marina Stern Luminary, the first retrospective of the artist since 2007. Previously exhibited: Marina Stern Paintings, Eleanor Rigelhaupt Gallery...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
Burden of Need, 39x64 Multi media with hand coloring and collage
Located in Southampton, NY
Steve Sorman has had over 80 solo artist exhibitions throughout the United States . I have included, just for reference, some images of his museum show so that you can see the body...
Oil Pastel, Ink, Mixed Media, Handmade Paper, Aquatint
Spirit - Abstract Geometric Form, Hand Painted, Welded Steel Sculpture
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic table sized sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern and then painted with an acrylic paint to enhance the surface. While the work adheres to a rigid, rational geometry, this sculptures suggest lyrical movement, apparent weightlessness and improvisation as the title suggests. Chris Hill Spirit welded steel, acrylic paint 16.50h x 11.50w x 7d in 41.91h x 29.21w x 17.78d cm CHI021 Chris Hill is a Santa Fe based sculptor. Chris was born in Port Arthur, Texas but grew up in small town North Mississippi. He began welding at age 18 at the Tennessee Valley Authority...
Steel
$400
Mixed Media Abstract Collage, Sand, Paper, Gouache, Signed, 19.25x13.5
Located in Arp, TX
James Spencer Russell "#4" 1958 Collage with paper, sand, gouache Signed in pencil 19.25x13.5" James Spencer Russell (1915-2000) was born in Monticello, Indiana, but spent much of h...
Sandstone
AWH 349 - Abstract Minimalist Textured Layered Colorfield Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer produces deeply layered, subtly textured abstract paintings that contain diametrically opposed elements—order and chaos, abstraction and representation, boldness and ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Large Mod Abstract Expressionist Modernist Edward Avedisian Color Field Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
Edward Avedisian (American, 1936-2007) Abstract Large Painting Acrylic on panel heavily textured with a 3D effect. Dimensions: 48"h x 75"w Circa late 1970s, early 1980s Provenance: ...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Photosynthesis, Abstract Painting
By Terri Bell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A field of warm color contains veins of green energy weaving through the abstract landscape. Organic shapes create a playful, rhythmic composition. The fluid mo...
Mixed Media
Paper Shale- black 3D organic feel contemporary abstract mural sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...
Resin, Foam, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper
Sculpture on Wall, Installation, Migrant Diptych I
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Nanotechnology Material, Lead, Galvanized Pipe and Caps on Aluminum Exhibited at the International Art Fair, Zona Maco 2019 in Mexico City. Exhibited at Mana Contemporary at Jersey ...
Metal
Untitled - Mixed Technique on Paper Domenico Spinosa, Italy 1970
Located in Napoli, IT
Evocative painting by Professor Domenico Spinosa Naples 1916-2007 President of the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples.Spinosa Domenico (Naples 1916 - 2007) mixed media on paper, signed a...
Mixed Media
$24,000
"Challenge 16" - Energetic Abstract Expressionist in Blue, Red, Black, and White
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri Hayssam (Lebanese, born 1965) "Challenge 16" 2019 Oil paint, Acrylic paint, Mixed Media, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom right and the back of the painting....
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$2,900
Memories V
Located in Atlanta, GA
Janet Hamilton (b. 1970) is a contemporary abstract painter in Nashville, TN. Her work is deeply inspired by color and the relationships that develop from its interactions. She crea...
Mixed Media, Canvas
Happanese: Abstract Encaustic Painting of Hemp Leaves on Light Mint Green
By Allyson Levy
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract painting made with light green encaustic and brown hemp leaves and branches resembling a tree Happanese, made by Allyson Levy in 2020 48 x 34 inches hemp leaves, branches, a...
Organic Material, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Wood Panel
Different Nomenclatures. Contemporary Abstract Encaustic Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Different Nomenclatures 2019 Encaustic wax & oil colour on deep-fame board 600 x 600 mm
Wax, Encaustic, Oil
Traces of Time, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft turquoise and vibrant reds create a striking contrast while shimmering gold leaf symbolizes the returning sunlight and the promise of renewal. The layers o...
Mixed Media
"Kaleidoscope" Fine Art Mirror
Located in Westport, CT
This abstract fine art mirror by Alina B is made with dichroic film on mirror, and is framed in a champagne-toned frame. The film on the mirror allows for it, and the space it reflec...
Mirror, Film
$5,500
Violet (unique signed painting; Charles Cowles, Baltimore Museum, Albright Knox)
By Tom Holland
Located in New York, NY
Tom Holland (b. 1936) Violet, 1971 Watercolor and Mixed Media on Paper. Hand Signed. Framed with Charles Cowles Gallery, Albright Knox Gallery and Baltimore Museum of Art labels. Han...
Paper, Mixed Media, Watercolor
North of Sante Fe
Located in East Hampton, NY
Mixed Media collage on Paper As Seen at Art On Paper 2024 at The Mannix Project East Hampton NY Pier 36 NYC Comes with white mat & black frame 24"X20" FRAMED. Purchase individually ...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Untitled 64", Abstract Mixed Media on Paper, Signed, 2009
By Peter Opheim
Located in New York, NY
Watercolor, acrylic, gesso, and collage on paper by New York artist Peter Opheim, titled Untitled 64, created in 2009. This signed original work measures 18 x 11 inches and represent...
Gesso, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Collage Figure #2, Abstract Painting
By Gail Ragains
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A female figure burst with earthy tones and vibrancy. The combination of collage papers, acrylic glazes, and oil pastels infuses the piece with a playful abst...
Mixed Media
Finding Serenity, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Brown and gold circles with black outlines contrast against a splatter of colors in this abstract painting. Each ring symbolizes completeness and wholeness, r...
Mixed Media
Stories Uncovered (6)
Located in Columbia, MO
Stephen Gammell St. Paul, Minnesota Signed and dated recto. Stephen Gammell’s studio practice is rooted in an intuitive and deeply personal approach to mark-making. In Stories Unc...
Paper, Archival Ink, Watercolor, Panel
$310Sale Price|20% Off
Wolfgang Hutter - "The bird, feather, meeting of wings" - giclée print, labelled
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Wolfgang Hutter - "The bird, feather, meeting of wings". Giclée print. Hand signed and numberd. A beautiful artwork that looks good in every room an...
Paper, Giclée
Basement Systems
By Kory Twaddle
Located in Kansas City, MO
Artist : Kory Twaddle Title : Basement Systems Materials : Acrylic, tempera, gouache, and glitter glue on cardboard drawing pad back Date : 2019 Dimensions : 18 x 12 x .2 in. Kory ...
Paint, Paper, Conté, Charcoal, India Ink, Acrylic, Tempera, Watercolor, ...
Original Mixed Media Collage Titled FS3534ct14 22 x 30
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
mixed media collage by renown artist Cecil Touchon paper is 22 x 30 in size image/art 12 x 18 signed verso Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American colla...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Touches Me, Touches You", Abstract, Mixed Media Sculptural Wall Relief
By Joan Hall
Located in New York, NY
Touches Me, Touches You by Joan Hall Handmade paper, pulp painting, collagraph and relief printing, acrylic, glass pins Joan Hall creates large-scale works and sculptural installati...
Glass, Acrylic, Handmade Paper
Fandango, Abstract Painting
By Terri Bell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This two-part abstract features organic circular forms painted in a vibrant array of colors. Layered and stained papers create a rich, textured backdrop, while ...
Mixed Media
Astronomo
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Ruben Poblano – Mexican (20th century ) Title: Astronomo Year: 1968 Medium: Mixed Media on canvas Canvas size: 31.5 x 47.5 inches. Framed size: ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$1,531
Colorful Abstract Expressionist Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Signed Original
By Ángel Celada
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This colorful abstract expressionist painting combines layered washes, energetic brushwork and spontaneous dripping in a compact composition charged with rhythm and movement. Create...
Acrylic, Board, Vinyl
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
The Whole Thing bright abstract painting colorful pattern
By C. Dimitri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dimitri incorporates and captures free form expression using urban iconography, text, collage and traditions methods.
Oil, Panel
The Lapis V, 1954 Mixed Media by Irene Rice Pereira
Located in Long Island City, NY
The Lapis V Irene Rice Pereira, American (1902-1971) 1954 Watercolor and Ink on Paper, signed, dated and titled Size: 12 x 15 in. (30.48 x 38.1 cm) Frame Size: 13.75 x 17 inches
Ink, Watercolor
$185,000
Untitled
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Oil with paper collage on found card stock board, with vintage reproduction on reverse, 1956. Signed by the artist and dated in oil, lower right. Stella (1936-2024) made this work ...
Oil
In The Distance, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"It's a muted meditative exploration of how physical distance, as well as the distance created by the passage of time, affects our experiences of memory and p...
Mixed Media
$10,250
"Evening Falls" - Serene Blue and Earth Tone Mixed Media Color-Field Abstract
Located in Carmel, CA
Katheryn Holt (American, born 1951) "Evening Falls" 2022 Oil paint and mixed media on cradled wood panel. The artist signed the back of the painting. With Frame: 33" x 49" x 2" “Ev...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood, Wood Panel
$1,000
Richard Smith, Signature Etching & Aquatint Signed 17/25 British Pop Art pioneer
Located in New York, NY
Richard Smith Signature, 1997 Etching and Aquatint 22 3/4 × 18 inches Edition 17/25 Signed and numbered 17/25 in graphite on the lower front RICHARD SMITH BIOGRAPHY Charles Richard ...
Etching, Aquatint
Rose Madone New Abstract Earth Tone Painting with Horizon Framed Large 2025
By Rose Madone
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of A...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Pigment
Circus Act, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Circus Act is a mixed media painting on canvas. Various collaged papers were adhered to the canvas to create shape and form. Paint was applied layer after lay...
Mixed Media
$10,000
Unique signed pastel & graphite work Geometric Abstraction Minimalist painting
Located in New York, NY
Charles Hinman Untitled Geometric Abstraction (Hand Signed), 1980 Pastel & Graphite painting on Paper Signed and dedicated to "Michael and Rene" in graphite by the artist on the fron...
Pastel, Pencil, Graphite
Abstract Composition, Gouache and Watercolor by Stan Brodsky
By Stan Brodsky
Located in Long Island City, NY
Abstract Composition Stan Brodsky American (1925–2019) Gouache and Watercolor on Paper Size: 17 x 14.5 in. (43.18 x 36.83 cm) Frame Size: 23 x 20.25 inches
Watercolor, Gouache
Atmosfera Turchese, II
Located in Atlanta, GA
"My passion for the vestiges of aged surfaces that inspires my painting has been influenced by my travels in Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Russia, and Sweden." --...
Paper, Mixed Media
$9,070
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artist French Rose Madone New Artwork forms earth colors
By Rose Madone
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of A...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pigment
Patricia Zippin "Study for Anaganaga 2/6" 1980s Abstract Painting
Located in Arp, TX
Patricia Zippin Study For Anaganaga 2/6 1980s Mixed Media 30"x 23", unframed Signed in pencil bottom right and titled bottom left and signed and titled in pencil on reverse Patricia...
Encaustic, Acrylic, Pencil
Mardi Gras, Unique signed mixed media painting
Located in New York, NY
Miriam LaTour Shapiro Mardi Gras, 1997 Acrylic and mixed media Hand-signed by artist, signed in acrylic paint on the front Unframed (the work was removed from its original vintage fr...
Plastic, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$3,000
Edward Marecak Witches Entrance 1960s Abstract Geometric Figures Painting
Located in Denver, CO
A bold 1960s abstract geometric composition by Edward Marecak titled Witches Entrance, depicting stylized figures emerging through a structured field of color and form. The painting ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic
Alan Shields Lonely Night, screenprint and pochoir with collage, signed numbered
Located in New York, NY
Alan Shields Lonely Night, 1969 Screenprint and Pochoir with collage on perforated paper Pencil signed, numbered and dated from the limited edition of 100 Unframed Mixed media colla...
Mixed Media, Screen
Bouquet of Winter / Mixed Media impasto large painting 100x100 cm, Signed.
Located in Zofingen, AG
❄Winter is the harshest time of the year. But it is in winter we have the most beautiful holidays! We are looking forward to Christmas and New Year in anticipation of a miracle. An...
Resin, Acrylic
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern 1960s Abstract Geometric Collage w Navy Blue, Green & Purple
Located in Soquel, CA
Dynamic late 1960's mixed media abstract geometric collage, with mulberry paper cut into curved and angular shapes and adhered in layers, in a unique color palette of navy blue, dark...
Mulberry Paper, Tissue Paper
Transition Patterns, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"This composition is segmented in horizontal strips, each featuring different shapes, textures, and a transition of colors," states artist Terri Bell. "There ...
Mixed Media
$950
Modern Vintage Mixed Media Collage in Blue and Gold by Mary Chenoweth
Located in Denver, CO
This exceptional vintage mixed media collage by acclaimed artist Mary Chenoweth is a refined and visually engaging example of modern paper-based abstraction. The one-of-a-kind compos...
Acrylic
Carta de Navegación: Mixed Media Artwork, Abstract, Framed, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Jim Rattenbury’s work is of our time, yet it is filled with signs from other eras, both distant pasts and distant futures. He creates marks on his works that are accessible to childr...
Iron
Palo Verde, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Crystal DiPietro displays an impressionist view of flourishing Palo Verde trees. It blooms with bright yellow flowers in th...
Mixed Media
Paul Manes - Untitled Globe, Painting 1989
By Paul Manes
Located in Greenwich, CT
Paul Manes was born May 4, 1948, in Austin, Texas. He began his professional career in New York City in the early 1980s. His art has been widely exhibited in America and Europe and h...
Canvas, Paint, Oil