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.
NEXA #2, Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
DNA is genetic information, hidden and encrypted in body fluids. Veiled data that we load, that we do not know and that someone knows how to decipher. Such specifications characteriz...
Canvas, Pastel, Acrylic, Mixed Media
Everything Has Its Moment, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An intricate collage of raw, painted, stained and burned reclaimed woods. Artist Heather Patterson collects her materials from abandoned barns in Maine to kit...
Mixed Media
Fragment. Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media on Canvas 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
Untitled mid century modern geometric abstraction
By William Fredericksen
Located in New York, NY
William Fredericksen Untitled mid century modern geometric abstraction, 1958-1959 Watercolor and Gouache on Board Hand signed and dated on the front 12 4/5 × 11 7/10 inches Unframed ...
Mixed Media, Watercolor, Gouache
'Abstraction in Coral, Aqua and Gold', 1970's American School Abstract Oil
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
American School, unsigned and painted circa 1975. A vivid and upbeat oil abstract comprising discrete areas of golden-yellow, coral and aqua-turquoise composed to evoke a sunlit lan...
Canvas, Chalk, Pastel, Acrylic
Fandango, Abstract Painting
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
Wandering with flowers in hand, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A vivid burst of color and movement, this painting captures the unrestrained energy of nature in full flourish. Bold strokes of crimson, fuchsia, and emerald collide with flashes of ...
Mixed Media
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Guided by Starlight, Abstract Embossed Print by Bik Chuen Ha
By Bik Chuen Ha
Located in Taichung, TW
Guided by Starlight (1993) is a mixed-media print by Hong Kong–born artist Bik Chuen Ha, known for his sculptural approach to printmaking. In this work, Ha layers deep embossing, car...
Mixed Media
Spanish Moon - 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 bright blue, orange, purple and yellow dominate and are balanced ...
Steel
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Symphony in White, Blue and Pink
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a beautiful whimsical geometric abstract painting by Bianca Wellwood. The colors are vibrant but subtle. Frame: unframed, further framing possible It is not stretched and...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$355
Love Me - Original Colorful Impasto Acrylic Glitter Textural Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Glitter, Acrylic
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
American Modern Art - Blue
Located in Houston, TX
Stupendous mixed media painting in a kaleidoscope of colors and a paper collage technique by American artist Kismine Varner, circa 1990. Unsigned. O...
Acrylic, Paper
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
Finding Balance v3, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Terri Bell displays geometric forms in a minimalist abstract. She balances distinct sections of circles and close linear work...
Mixed Media
On Purpose, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A densely layered image in blue, black, white and yellow, with intricate texture and mark-making through the surface. "This painting can have dual meanings," ...
Mixed Media
Bloom 5 by Isabel Ritter - Contemporary Wall Flower sculpture
Located in DE
Hand carved sculpture by artist Isabel Ritter. Ready to hang on the wall, this beautiful flower is full of vibrant colors. About the Gallery: Folly & Muse was established in 2015 in...
Acrylic, Fiberboard
"More Worlds". Contemporary Mixed Media Abstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Mixed media on canvas. Mixture of acrylic and oil paint, and acrylic spray paint. Contemporary Wood Frame Excellent condition. signed
Mixed Media, Oil, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Untitled #101-21
Located in Los Angeles, CA
According to the artist, "everything in life inspires me, not quite with direct interpretation, but as I see and experience faces, words, gestures, colors and shapes – all of it – I ...
Oil, Wood Panel
$4,800
"Tropical Sparkle" Mixed Media abstract with textural blues, teal, aqua, gold
By Nancy Eckels
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
"Cool Sparkle is a beautiful luminous abstract painting by Nancy Eckels. It exhibits the bold colors and textures that her work is known for. Using sculptural texture with beautiful...
Acrylic, Other Medium
Never-Ending Spiral - Mixed Media by Jannis Kounellis - 2008
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph realized by Yannis Kounellis in occasion of the Olympic Games of Beijing, China, in 2008. Hand signed and numbered, perfect condition. This work is from the portfolio Th...
Mixed Media
Colourful French Mixed Media Abstract Painting, Acrylic and Ink, 1980s
Located in Cotignac, FR
Colourful, French mixed media abstract, acrylic, newsprint and ink from the 1980s. The canvas is signed and dated bottom right but we have not yet managed to decipher it. A colourful and engaging painting crossing over styles. The colourfield elements are reminiscent of the work of Mark Rothko, three defined bands of colour in orange/pink tones vertically dissecting the painting with one horizontal band across the top, and yet the elongated depiction of the female figures within the bands remind us of Gustav Klimt and his paintings of Adele. The background of the painting has been worked broadly with a palette knife whilst the detail has been added quickly and deftly with ink or finer brushstrokes. With the addition of newsprint (in French) the artist may...
Canvas, Acrylic, Newsprint, Ink
Ryan Cronin - Untitled III, Drawing 2009
Located in Stamford, CT
Untitled III Ryan Cronin Oil Pastels on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw...
Paper, Oil Pastel
Contemporary Multi Color Abstract Painting On Handmade Paper by Martha Holden
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
With its extra-large dimension and joyful composition this painting by American artist Martha Holden is a rare piece. It is a contemporary abstract that ...
Ink, Gouache, Handmade Paper
Mesh and Metal, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This piece contrasts an irregular, linear mesh grid with small, structured metallic circles. The background, built from layered papers, creates an organic and s...
Mixed Media
Blue Abstract Painting, Acrylic and Ink on Canvas, Contemporary Art, 2025
Located in Miami, FL
Blue Abstract Painting, Acrylic and Ink on Canvas, Contemporary Art, 2025 This work is a striking example of contemporary abstract expressionism, distinguished by its layered surfac...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$13,000
Sphere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lisa Bartleson is a Northern California - based mixed-media artist whose work is inspired by the Light and Space movement from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Her work has a luminous quality ...
Resin, Mixed Media, Panel
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
Borrowed Landscapes Study No. 205/The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA
By Nina Tichava
Located in Denver, CO
Nina Tichava is a pattern-based, abstract painter primarily focused on spatial relationships that emphasize the inherent surface quality, color, and visual variations in her work. Sh...
Acrylic, Postcard, Pen, Graphite
Around the Block, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Small organic squares and circles form a densely packed grid. Akin to city blocks, the shapes vary in size and alignment, creating a mesmerizing visual effect...
Mixed Media
$1,500
Snow Flowers 8: Abstract Encaustic Painting of Green Petals on Beige Background
By Allyson Levy
Located in Hudson, NY
Neutral toned abstract painting of green plant leaves on a light beige cream colored encaustic background "Snowflowers 8," by Hudson Valley artist, Allyson Levy, made in 2020 spurge ...
Organic Material, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Wood Panel
$12,697
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artist French Rose Madone New Artwork forms earth colors
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
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
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Abstract Painting with Cut Out Collage Artwork Listed Artist
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning and completely unique one of a kind original artwork - by the well listed French abstract painter, Bernard Herzog (b.1935). During the latter part of his career, like Henr...
House Paint, Magazine Paper, Newsprint
Modern Red, Blue, Green, & Yellow Mixed Media Abstract Linear Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Modern red, blue, green, and yellow mixed media abstract painting by the artist Bert Millar. The work features vertical stripes of various colors set against a light grey wash of col...
Mixed Media
Opposite Sides, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An intricate assemblage of reclaimed wood, carefully cut and placed together to form a balanced composition that also highlights the character of the individual pieces. "No matter the side, there is a natural middle - a common ground - to meet upon," says artist Heather Patterson. "I bring together materials as disparate as flooring, piano parts, driftwood and crown molding, seeking to visually verbalize the opportunity for unity. Though we are many parts, we can join together to form a new mosaic...
Mixed Media
GEOMETRIC ABSTRACT 1969 “Twin Planes” Screenprint on Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Kenneth Noland "Twin Planes" USA, 1969 Screenprint on canvas laminated to board From an edition of 200 6.25"H 58.75"W (artwork) Original Period frame Overall good condition 'Twin ...
Lithograph, Canvas, Screen
Artifact, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A linear and tactile grid in earthy tones evokes the sensation of uncovering archaeological finds. The patterns resemble ancient writings found on cave walls,...
Mixed Media
Ryan Cronin - Crap Fair, Painting 2001
Located in Stamford, CT
Crap Fair Ryan Cronin Paint on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw, almost ...
Paint, Paper
$7,400
Abstract Expressionist Glass, Cement, and Polymer Painting by Laddie Dill
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Laddie John Dill, American (1943 - ) Title: untitled Year: 1984 Medium: Glass, Cement and Polymer on panel Size: 30 x 50 x 2.5 in. (76.2 x 127 x 6.35 cm)
Cement
Borrowed Landscapes Study No. 210/Sheep Lake, CO
By Nina Tichava
Located in Denver, CO
Nina Tichava is a pattern-based, abstract painter primarily focused on spatial relationships that emphasize the inherent surface quality, color, and visual variations in her work. Sh...
Acrylic, Postcard, Pen, Graphite
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
$7,001
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artist French Rose Madone New Artwork forms earth colors
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
$713Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century French Abstract Collage Mixed Media Painting Abstract Portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
''Abstract Portrait" French School, circa 1980's inscribed verso oil paint with paper collage stuck down on canvas, unframed canvas: 16 x 13 inches the p...
Canvas, Oil, Laid Paper
Crows On A Walk I
Located in Dallas, TX
mixed media on paper
Paper
Borderland I, Contemporary Encaustic Abstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Borderland I 2020 Encaustic wax on board 500 x 500 mm Signed Image 50cm x 50cm 2020
Wax, Encaustic, Oil, Board
Untitled Collage 3, Abstract Mixed Media Collage by Bertrand Dorny
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Bertrand Dorny, French (1931 - ) Title: Untitled - Collage III Year: 1978 Medium: Mixed Media Collage, signed l.l. Paper Size: 15 in. x 11 in. (38.1 cm x 27.94 cm) Frame Siz...
Paper, Spray Paint
$4,900
"Ocean Spray" mixed media abstract with textural blues, metallic gold, and aquas
By Nancy Eckels
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
"Ocean Spray" is a beautiful luminous large abstract painting by Nancy Eckels. It exhibits the bold colors and textures that her work is known for, and fe...
Acrylic, Other Medium
Going: Abstract Mixed Media on Wood Panel, Framed, 91.4x76.2 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Stephen identifies the delicate texture and beauty of the natural oxidation process. Oftentimes a found object initiates his work: By incorporating an object directly, imprinting, or...
Mixed Media, Wood, Wood Panel
$350
1960s "Shifting" Collage Intaglio Etching Blue Yellow Pink NY Artist Myril Adler
Located in Arp, TX
Myril Adler "Shifting" c.1960s Intaglio etching collage, ink on paper 5.25"x2.5" unframed Signed and titled in ink Myril Adler, was born on September 22, 1920 in Vitebsk, Russia (no...
Paper, Ink, Intaglio
'Cretan View', California Artist, SFMOMA, Metropolitan, LACMA
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Douglas McClellan' (American, 1921-2016), dated 1988 and titled lower left, 'Cretan View'; additionally signed, titled, dated and media noted as 'monotype with c...
Paper, Tissue Paper, Monotype
Hushed Moment 4
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Encaustic on panel. It's simple; I create art because it makes me happy. I try not to overthink the process of what I’m painting and let my intuition be my guide. I love laying do...
Encaustic
Small Talk, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Linda Shaffer used an assortment of papers and original images collected from everyday life to create this multi-layered mixed-media abstract painting....
Mixed Media
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
Untitled
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Untitled," Flashe on Paper, 30 x 22 Inches A highly sophisticated series of large and small paintings, drawings and monoprints by Margo Margolis, NY artist who recently retired as ...
Other Medium
$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
Adjacent Forces: Contemporary Mixed Media Abstract Triptych Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Adjacent Forces, Finding Rhythm ii Each panel 31.5" x 15.75" Pebbles, sand and pigment on panel Artist Statement My artistic practice has been profoundly influenced by exposure to ...
Pigment
$335
11.24 #12 - Original Colorful Vibrant Abstract Impasto Acrylic Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Ryan Cronin - Untitled II, Drawing 2006
Located in Stamford, CT
Untitled II Ryan Cronin Oil Pastels on Paper 30" x 22.5" When people look at his work Cronin wants them to feel an immediate impact, even if they’re not sure what hit them. The raw,...
Paper, Oil Pastel