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.
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
The Feeding Flower. Series:The Non-Silent Plant.s
Located in Zofingen, AG
Series: "The Non-Silent Plants" In this series, I turn to the quiet yet essential moment — the blooming of vegetable plants that form the foundation of human nutrition. These blosso...
Canvas, Oil
$6,670
Abstract Painting Red Gestural on Linen, Contemporary Matthew Van Liessum
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Matthew van Liessum (b. 1989, The Netherlands) is an abstract painter based in Antwerp. His practice is rooted in gestural abstraction, where energetic mark-making meets a strong sen...
Linen, Ink, Oil, Acrylic
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed media composition (1979) by Jack Thiack - 23x23 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Mixed media with frame and "passe-partout" Total size with the frame: 60x50x2 cm
Ink, Watercolor, Gouache
$3,100
Renewal II
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roxane is an Atlanta-based, multi-disciplinary artist. Originally from the Midwest, she was influenced by the Native American spiritual sensibilities and respect for the Earth she en...
Canvas, Plastic, Mixed Media
"Dilly's Dally", Abstract, Blue, Gold, Red, Green, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “Dilly’s Dally” is an 8.5 x 10.5 x 1 inch mixed-media abstract painting on panel in blue, aqua, and gold acrylic, ink, and color pencil. Recipient of a Copley Society A...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Panel, Color Pencil
Mark Ebert Løvendahl Minimalist Abstract Dark Painting on Cotton Canvas
By Mark Ebert
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 Au...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Beautiful Disaster - Sold - Commission available
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Piece on canvas. Vibrant colors or red, black, pinks, greens, blues. About the Artist: Joanne attended the University of Pennsylvania where she studied as a photographer. She established a professional practice in studio photography in 2001, while her personal work began to explore the language of abstraction. This continued exploration inspired a transition into painting. Handler enrolled at The Art Students League of New York, where she studied with Peter Golfonopoulos for three years. She is currently studying under James Little...
Acrylic, Spray Paint
Abstract Modernist Colorful Mixed Media Art Screen-print on Handmade Paper 6/20
By Sandy Kinnee
Located in Surfside, FL
Title: Steal 32 color screenprint on 100% rag handmade, shaped deckle edged paper. hand signed in pencil, stamped and numbered from edition of 20. The piece below is one of a series...
Paint, Ink, Handmade Paper
$382Sale 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
Blue Sky II
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roxane is an Atlanta-based, multi-disciplinary artist. Originally from the Midwest, she was influenced by the Native American spiritual sensibilities and respect for the Earth she en...
Mixed Media
"Scintillate" Fine Art Mirror
Located in Westport, CT
This large 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 ...
Mirror, Film
"Symphony in Four Movements - III - Confict", Abstract, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “Symphony in Four Movements - III - Conflict” is an 8.5 x 10.5 x 1 inch mixed-media abstract painting on panel in blue, aqua, and purple acrylic, ink, and pencil. This ...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Panel, Color Pencil
1970s Abstract Landscape Mixed Media Artwork, Signed, 143x245 cm
Located in Roma, IT
Landscape is an artwork realized by Mario Sinisca, 1970s. Mixed media on canvas, 143 x 245 cm; not framed. Hand signed lower left. Good conditions.
Mixed Media
Blue Sky III
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roxane is an Atlanta-based, multi-disciplinary artist. Originally from the Midwest, she was influenced by the Native American spiritual sensibilities and respect for the Earth she en...
Mixed Media
Surface Tension, Abstract Painting
By Linda McCord
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
The abstract mixed-media artwork combines acrylic paint and fabric netting in a bold composition. Fiery red and orange balance with muted areas against the deep...
Mixed Media
Arcadia, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A collage of papers, screen printer ink, and acrylic paint capture the land and seascapes of Acadia National Park. Artist Tim Engelhardt took inspiration from t...
Mixed Media
'Oberon, Series 1', Instituto Allende, Carmel Art Association, NAWA, La Jolla
By Barbara Johnson
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, 'Barbara Johnson' (American, 1927-2021) and titled, lower left, 'Oberon Series 1'. Exhibited: Carmel Art Association, circa 1995 (accompanied by original label) ...
Gold Leaf
Moon
Located in Napa, CA
Catherine Woskow’s abstract paintings exhibit a bold rawness that the artist draws from her own inner world, with her thoughts and emotions on view as a visceral expression in each o...
Mixed Media
$4,868Sale Price|20% Off
Gratitude Abstract Acrylic and Marble Painting, 80x80cm, 2010+
Located in Saint Pol de Léon, Bretagne
A golden disc, almost solar in its very matter — metallic deposits, impastos of marble powder that catch the light — rises above a jagged black-and-white ridgeline, where mortar and ...
Marble
"Symphony in Four Movements - I - Genesis", Abstract, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “Symphony in Four Movements - I - Genesis” is an 8.5 x 10.5 x 1 inch mixed-media abstract painting on panel in blue - with red, yellow, green, and white acrylic, ink, a...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Panel, Color Pencil
Breathe Anew #5
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roxane is an Atlanta-based, multi-disciplinary artist. Originally from the Midwest, she was influenced by the Native American spiritual sensibilities and respect for the Earth she en...
Mixed Media
Hidden Depths: Contemporary Mixed Media Abstract Painting
By Shelly Cook
Located in Brecon, Powys
Heavily textured with paste, crackle, bitumen, fabric and acrylics. In the words of the artist; “this piece reminds me that we are all more than what we can see on the surface”. Signed on reverse so that it can hang whichever way you choose. NB:- This piece may work well as a diptych with Scar Face...
Paste, Fabric, Acrylic
Take Wing I
Located in Atlanta, GA
Roxane is an Atlanta-based, multi-disciplinary artist. Originally from the Midwest, she was influenced by the Native American spiritual sensibilities and respect for the Earth she en...
Mixed Media, Paper
Seguire il cuore, 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." --...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
Passano le stagioni
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." --...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
Blood and Light (2021)
By Alex Tea
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Drawing / Geometric Abstraction / Mythology and Religion / Bright and Vivid Colors / Black and White Enamel, ink, colored pencil and alcohol ink on paper....
Enamel
"Friendship Garden" by L. A. Spowart - Vibrant and Pastel Tone Large Abstract
Located in Carmel, CA
Lesley Anne Spowart (American, born 1957) "Friendship Garden" 2021 Acrylic Paint, Paper, Mixed Media, Canvas The artist signed the back of the painting. Friendship Garden by Lesley ...
Canvas, Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Seeds of Change 128
Located in West Hollywood, CA
In Seeds of Change 128, Salvatore Matteo continues his exploration of balance, perception, and collective consciousness through intricately layered paper relief. Cut, curled, and sus...
Archival Paper, Graphite
Vibration * Frequency * Feelings
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Vibration * Frequency * Feelings Gouache and metallic ink on 1957 Encyclopedia page Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist / Geometric Abstraction / Gestural Abstraction / Abstract...
Acrylic, Gouache, Magazine Paper
Original Diptych Paintings on Canvas ( 48 x 60 )
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
2 Paintings on Canvas signed verso. Also sold separately Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist livin...
Acrylic
Taffiti Graffiti, Contemporary Quilt
By Bethan Ash
Located in Brecon, Powys
Bethan Ash is a professional quilt maker and teacher with a background in Fashion design. She has exhibited widely and her work has been bought by museums in the UK and USA, includin...
Fabric
"Untitled" - Bright Colorful Mixed Media Textured Contemporary Abstract Artwork
Located in Carmel, CA
Steven H. Rehfeld (American, born 1954) "Untitled" 2023 Oil paint, paper, newsprint, tissue paper, glue, mixed media, canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the back of the paintin...
Canvas, Paper, Glue, Mixed Media, Oil, Stretcher Bars, Newsprint, Tissue...
Eau Mixed Media Triptych, Abstract Style, Framed, 2010s, 88x68 cm
By Kugbe Kukoff
Located in Cotignac, FR
Abstract mixed media triptych. This abstract "Eau" by African artist Kugbe Kukoff from Togo is the first in a trilogy of works titled " Air, Fire and Water" all of which are availab...
Mixed Media
Vista Aerea (Aerial View)
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." --...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
Untitled (blue & red diamonds)
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Untitled (blue & red diamonds) Gouache on 1957 Encyclopedia page Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist / Geometric Abstraction / Gestural Abstraction / ...
Gouache, Magazine Paper
Color Circle and Star, Marker on fabric print Hand signed (ed of only 20) Framed
By Polly Apfelbaum
Located in New York, NY
Polly Apfelbaum Color Circle and Star, 2004 Fabric Marker and Fabric Dye on Velvet Cotton Signed and dated in ink by the artist on the front with artist's inkstamp. Frame Included Si...
Fabric, Dye, Ink, Mixed Media, Permanent Marker
"Dubai", Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Dubai, by Paul Wadsworth. Mixed media image with gold leaf bringing the opulence of Dubai and the desert to canvas. Striking work by this British artist Contemporary Black Wood Frame
Gold Leaf
Writing to You, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Abstract lines and shapes intertwine with a mix of handwritten and printed text. Through words and visual elements, artist Linda Shaffer portrays writing as o...
Mixed Media
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
Borderland IV, Contemporary Encaustic Abstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Borderland II 2020 Encaustic wax on board Image 764 x 578 mm. Signed, In a Welsh Oak frame 2020
Wax, Encaustic, Oil, Board
$5,991Sale Price|20% Off
Efficiency of Red N°4 Abstract Acrylic Painting on Linen, 100x100cm, 2024
Located in Saint Pol de Léon, Bretagne
Painted in November 2024, this square 100 × 100 cm canvas leaves, across its right half, a white barely textured with marble powder, on which a single black form is inscribed, entire...
Acrylic
Evolve * Develop * Learn From Past
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Evolve * Develop * Learn From Past Gouache and metallic ink on 1957 Encyclopedia page Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist / Geometric Abstraction / Gestural Abstraction / Abstra...
Acrylic, Gouache, Magazine Paper
Desert Wash, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"This piece depicts the beautiful colors and varied textures I found while wandering around in a desert wash," says artist Crystal DiPietro. Capturing a porti...
Mixed Media
$5,000
Poppy Pods in Red (Abstract Encaustic Painting on Panel of Poppy Pods on Red)
By Allyson Levy
Located in Hudson, NY
Poppy Pods in Red, 2018 48" X 24" (vertical) 24" x 48" (horizontal) This long, rectangular, modern, abstract encaustic painting by Allyson Levy is made with assorted brown and beig...
Organic Material, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Wood Panel
Breathers (Flora * Fauna * Fungi * Biota)
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Breathers (Flora * Fauna * Fungi * Biota) Gouache on 1957 Encyclopedia page Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist / Geometric Abstraction / Gestural Abstraction / Abstract Art / M...
Gouache, Magazine Paper
Lingering Thoughts, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Thin, transparent layers of color create an abstract piece full of depth and movement. It represents the ideas, fears, and plans that occupy our minds. They shi...
Mixed Media
Serene * Serenity
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Serene * Serenity Gouache and metallic ink on 1957 Encyclopedia page Feminist Art and Contemporary Feminist / Geometric Abstraction / Gestural Abstraction / Abstract Art / Minimali...
Acrylic, Gouache, Magazine Paper
Rosa Italiano (B)
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." --...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
Resilience I
By Noosha Golab
Located in Dallas, TX
charcoal on paper
Paper, Charcoal
Disclosure
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Disclosure” is a moment of transition, when light meets form, and silence is filled with life. The flower seems to unfold in space, its petals stretching towards the new, changing t...
Canvas, Oil
$1,600
Memories X
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...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Memories XI
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...
Canvas, Mixed Media
"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
Bluster East To West. Contemporary Mixed Media Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Martha Winter employs a unique technique to create visually stunning 3 dimensional pieces where painting meets sculpture. By building textures and patter...
Sandstone
Atmosfera Avvolgente I
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
Canzone del Salice
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." --...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
Universal Flow Circle iii. Contemporary Mixed Media Abstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Pebbles, sand and pigment on panel Artist Statement My artistic practice has been profoundly influenced by exposure to two vastly different environments. Firstly, growing up in Lond...
Pigment
Desiderio 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
$4,868Sale Price|20% Off
Equilibre Mixed Media Artwork, Abstract Style, 2026, 100x100cm
Located in Saint Pol de Léon, Bretagne
"Equilibre" Mixed Media Artwork, Abstract Style, 2026, 100x100cm Everything begins, for Emmanuelle Vroelant, with a deliberate act of restraint: faced with this handmade art paper,...
Marble