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.
$475
"Curious Matter", Abstract Collage, Red, Green, Blue, Monotypes, Mixed Media
Located in Franklin, MA
Monica DeSalvo’s “Curious Matter” is a 14 x 11 abstract mixed media collage on textured ivory pearlescent paper and a pale gray mat. Metallic Orange, translucent red, ochre yellow, l...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Monotype, Archival Paper
$4,650
Chop Jit - Large Abstract Color Drenched Unique Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rue Bootay, a New York-born artist now rooted in the vibrant artistic landscape of Los Angeles, navigates the avant-garde realm of nonrepresentational surrealism with a style uniquel...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Wavelet" 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
Stanley Hayter - Meduse, scarce abstract expressionist etching, Signed/N Framed
Located in New York, NY
Stanley WIlliam (Bill) Hayter Meduse, 1958 High Viscosity Etching & Engraving Pencil signed, titled and numbered from the edition of 50 (10/50) on the front Catalogue Raisonne Bl...
Mixed Media, Etching, Aquatint
Autumn Biogram of the Nelson
By Kory Twaddle
Located in Kansas City, MO
Artist : Kory Twaddle "Autumn Biogram of the Nelson" Newsprint, graphite, conté crayon pastel, charcoal, beeswax, cardboard, paper, gingko leaves, stickers, and Mixed Media on drawi...
Paint, Paper, Conté, Charcoal, India Ink, Acrylic, Tempera, Watercolor, ...
House with Yellow Windows, Oil Painting, Signed, 1960s NYC Artist
Located in Arp, TX
Martin Rosenthal "House with Yellow Windows" c. 1960s Encaustic & Oil paint on paper 20"x13" unframed Signed and dated in ink lower left Martin Rosenthal 1899-1974 Artist Mart...
Paper, Oil
$20,000
"Rhapsody in Red" Large-Scale Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Abstract 72"x60"
Located in New York, NY
"Rhapsody in Red", 2025, 72" H x 60" W. Large-scale abstract painting in hues of a warm, desaturated crimson consisting of acrylic, pencils, and oil pastels on canvas by Argentine-bo...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Color Pencil
$6,400
Green Cathedral III - Large Contemporary Abstract Green Tone Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Geometric Line Study C- 5 by Murray Duncan Mix Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geometric Line Studies C- 5 is an original mixed-media work on paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, part of his ongoing exploration of gestural geometry, spatial rhythm, and atmosp...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
$240
Mauve - Contemporary Colorful Impasto Inspired Abstract Painting Wooden Frame
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, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Existential Dance - Blue Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, 2010+
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Marc Raphael is influenced by the New York abstract expressionism of the 1940s and 50s. After encountering Jackson Pollock’s work for the first time in the 90s, Ra...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,425
Eternal Sunsets Sacred Feminine - Meditative Abstract Pink Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo presents a collection of artworks designed to engage viewers in a meditative experience, drawing them closer to the enduring ideals of truth, b...
Gold Leaf
Fils I Colors DCXX - Colorful Abstract Contemporary Art on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barcelona native artist Raul de la Torre's vibrant abstract mixed media artworks pay homage to textiles. De La Torre allows the materials to take over during the process and collabor...
Thread, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Paper
Ebb and Flow 1
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
$1,960
Blossoming Into Joy - Abstract Colorful Textural Floral Acrylic Canvas Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
Thin Structure 1
By Ky Anderson
Located in Dallas, TX
Acrylic on paper
Paper, Acrylic
"The Denizens of Delight - Fun with Matisse", Abstract, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “The Denizens of Delight – Fun with Matisse” is a 27.375 x 38.25 x 1 inch mixed media abstract painting on panel in blue, purple, orange, and green acrylic, ink, and co...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Panel, Color Pencil
Lab #7, #6 and #11 Painting. From the Lab series
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"The work explores the interconnection between organic nature and circuits, reflecting the relationships between human beings. On the canvas, organic shapes are displayed that evoke ...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
1960s "Moonscape" Red, Pink, Orange Collage Intaglio Etching NY Artist
Located in Arp, TX
Myril Adler "Moonscape" c.1960s Intaglio etching collage, ink on paper 3"x6" site unframed Signed and titled in ink Myril Adler, was born on September 22, 1920 in Vitebsk, Russia (n...
Paper, Ink, Intaglio
$13,700
Cloudstack - Large Oversized Red Contemporary Geometric Metal Steel Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
American Abstract Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Eye catching abstract mixed media painting blending vivid jewel tone colors by American artist Kismine Varner, 1990. Signed and dated lower right. Original artwork on paper displa...
Acrylic, Paper
$655
The Under Glow - Color Drenched Impasto Textural Thick Paint 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
Robot Circleish - Large Scale Abstract Expressive Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Robot Circleish' features whimsical details and vibra...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Personatge I Estels II, 1979
By Joan Miró
Located in Beachwood, OH
Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893-1983) "Personatge I Estels II," 1979 Etching, aquatint in colors with embossing on Arches wove paper Signed in pencil lower right, numbered 26/50 lower left ...
Etching, Aquatint
Venus - Ethereal Abstract Textural Floral Painting in Blush, Coral and Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
Pat Lay, DM414161212, 2016, Rice Paper, Digital Print
By Pat Lay
Located in Darien, CT
In the last decade Pat Lay’s artwork has focused on technological metaphors of the human experience. In this series of digital collages, digital images scanned from computer circuit ...
Silver Leaf
Cumulus - Mixed Media Abstract Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kristina Fjellman, a Minnesota-based visual artist and performer, seamlessly blends sculpture and performance art in her captivating work. She has garnered recognition with exhibitio...
Steel
"Aubrieta, " Abstract Painting
By Roger Mudre
Located in Westport, CT
This large abstract contemporary statement painting by Roger Mudre features many light circle shapes, layered over one another in a concentric fashion and a cool blue and silver pale...
Acrylic, Wood Panel, Mica
$15,000
Ben Wilson - Byzantium, original signed Abstract Expressionist painting Framed
By Ben Wilson
Located in New York, NY
Ben Wilson Byzantium, 1975 Oil on Masonite painting Hand signed reverse, Titled, "Byzantium", dated 1975 by the artist and also with estate stamp - in addition to Ben Wilson's hand s...
Masonite, Oil
$2,850
The Mood is Set - Contemporary Original Abstract Expressionist Large Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amber Goldhammer’s The Mood is Set, a bold and dynamic 36-inch tall by 60-inch wide graffiti-inspired abstract painting, showcases her signature layering of soothing tones and urban ...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Light Blue and Brown Chine Colle Watercolor with Found Object Collage
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful abstract expressionist collage by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Composed of two contrasting sections of light blue and brown, this piece has layers of ...
Paper, Watercolor, Found Objects
Ensign No. 1
Located in Columbia, MO
A native of Upstate New York, Matt Ballou was educated at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2001) and Indiana University ( MFA 2005) before coming to The University of ...
Mixed Media, Plastic, Permanent Marker
$635
Caribbean Sea - Original Textured Blue Tone Abstract Landscape Artwork Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The delicate and poetic artworks of painter Frederic Paul reference his Asian roots in expressive and elaborate compositions. Inspired by the bold colors, spices, flora, and landscap...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Rice Paper
Ensign No. 3
Located in Columbia, MO
A native of Upstate New York, Matt Ballou was educated at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2001) and Indiana University ( MFA 2005) before coming to The University of ...
Plastic, Mixed Media, Permanent Marker
Futuristica 3 (Original Mixed Media Artwork)
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** ***EVERYTHING MUST GO BY DECEMBER 31ST!*** >>The artist is moving to a new full time venture in 2026<< _________...
Mixed Media
"Wandering Bonanza 19" Abstract Mixed Media Sculpture, Unframed
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Wandering Bonanza 19" is an original Lost Object Series assembly with string by Amsterdam-based artist X-O (Hyland Mather) measuring 20in x 16in x 2in.
Mixed Media, Paint, Wood
$2,375
straits and narrows - Original Abstract Blue Tone Mixed Media Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Krista Reuter's contemporary paper sculpture artworks unfold like a quiet study in light, shadow, texture, and dimensional abstraction. Hand-cut and layered with meticulous precision...
Paint, Paper, Oil Crayon, Mixed Media, Wax
$680
Untitled #SP-200 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #SP-200 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray D...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
$1,300Sale Price|35% Off
Hermosa Way - Large Abstract Blue Original Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clara Berta’s acrylic and mixed-media paintings blend texture and color to create harmony, mystery, and depth on the painted surface. Her paintings transform spaces into Zen environm...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Untitled #537 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #537 by Murray Duncan – Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper Size: 32" x 40" Unframed, signed on the back A striking exploration of form and movement, Untitled #527 by Murray ...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
28K Gold Organic - 3D gold color 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...
Foam, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Passionfroot - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Colorful Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
untitled 607
By Ky Anderson
Located in Dallas, TX
Acrylic & oil on paper
Paper, Acrylic, Oil
Untitled #SP-207, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #SP-207 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray D...
Paper, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
$4,500
"Calm's Chaos - Storm Eye", Abstract, Blue, Brown, Orange, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “Calm’s Chaos – Storm Eye” is a 24 x 36 x 1 inch abstract mixed media painting on cradled panel in blue, indigo, and ochre acrylic, ink, and pencil. This colorful abstr...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Panel
CC #86 - Green Blue Abstract Geometric Wall Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Anna Kruhelska, a talented visual artist and practicing architect from Lodz, Poland, merges her expertise in both fields to create captivating artworks. With a background in major ar...
Wood, Plywood, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Resilience II
Located in Dallas, TX
charcoal on paper
Paper, Charcoal
Easy Over by Murray Duncan, Abstract Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Easy Over by Murray Duncan is a striking abstract composition that merges bold gestural lines with an earthy, textured surface. Rendered in a muted, organic palette, the piece evokes...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Eternal Sakura - Original Textured Neon Pink Landscape Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The delicate and poetic artworks of painter Frederic Paul reference his Asian roots in expressive and elaborate compositions. Inspired by the bold colors, spices, flora, and landscap...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Rice Paper
"Metropolitan Moves - Unleashed", Abstract, Blue, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “Metropolitan Moves - Unleashed” is a 24 x 36 x 1 inch mixed media abstract painting on panel in blue, aqua, purple, and gold acrylic, ink, and color pencil. This celeb...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Panel, Color Pencil
$680
Untitled #502, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric Modern
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #502 by Murray Duncan, 2024 Mix media on paper Unframed Size: 32" x 40" Murray Duncan Studio: Murray Duncan, born in 1966, is a self-taught creative visionary celebrated f...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Registros en el este II. From The Series Registros
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressions of past lives, perceptions of future lives. The Records series carries that mystery. Simple and profound since its deed does not happen on the surface. Although it manif...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Spring Bloom - Large Original Abstract Textural Warm Earthy Action Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Marc Raphael's abstract expressionism paintings are influenced by New York's abstract expressionist movement. After encountering Jackson Pollock’s work for the fir...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled 2 . From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"Abstract Rhythms" invites us to explore the visual universe of the artist Juan Carlos Amador, who, through his unique perspective, translates the pulsations of space and the invisi...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$17,500
'Profil de Jacqueline' Ceramic Convex Madoura Pottery Wall Plaque A. Ramie 383
Located in Portland, OR
Important, original, Pablo Picasso (1882-1973) ceramic plaque "Profil de Jacqueline", Madoura pottery 1956. The artwork was executed in 1956; this work is from the edition of 500, co...
Earthenware, Ceramic
$2,400
Straight Into the Middle - Lively Impasto Thick Paint Colorful 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 a...
Canvas, Glitter, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$12,000
"4 Figures" - Large Textured Oil Abstract in Black, Green, White, & Gold Leaf
Located in Carmel, CA
Frida Willis (Swedish, born 1971) "4 Figures" 2025 Oil Paint, Mixed Media, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the back of the painting. “4 Figures” by Frida Willis is a moody,...
Gold Leaf
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
$880
Quiet Room from Above, Bauhaus Geometric Interior, Nude Tones Patchwork, 2024
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is a beautiful patchwork piece by Zita Chocarro. Her exploration of color plays with form and contrast, as the intersection of the shapes she uses masterfully come together to ...
Fabric
$6,630
7 Folded Circles - Large Red Steel Tall Geometric Indoor Outdoor Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' modern industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely m...
Metal, Steel