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.
Impermanence Series n21. From Impermanence series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In the Kingdom of Transience, everything is temporary, subject to constant change. Everything is unstable and volatile like the wind. The precariousness of our existence reminds us t...
Paper, Mixed Media
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
Stelae (Abstract Geometric Wood Wall Sculpture in Grey & Dark Taupe)
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract geometric, minimalist three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in grey and dark taupe with paper collage "Stelae", hand-carved wooden wall sculpture by Hudson Valley artist, St...
Wood, Acrylic
$18,000
Howard Mehring - Study for Spring Sweep, Signed painting Washington Color School
Located in New York, NY
HOWARD MEHRING Study for Spring Sweep, 1964 Oil, oil stick, charcoal, gouache painting on paper Hand signed, dated and annotated with the names of the colors in graphite pencil on the front This is a unique work Frame included: elegantly matted and framed in a museum quality dark blue wood frame with UV plexiglass This 1964 hard edge painting on paper...
Oil Crayon, Oil, Gouache, Mixed Media
Places, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Terri Bell expresses an emotional abstraction of fragmented feelings. These small recollections span universally and happen to every one of us. She pai...
Mixed Media
Apart I
Located in Dallas, TX
charcoal on paper
Paper, Charcoal
Pure Joy
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
Collage on Canvas Titled: “PDP393ct09”
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
signed verso, custom framed and ready to hang Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa ...
Acrylic
Las Mascaras XII. From Las Mascaras (The masks) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This series draws inspiration from Hatillo’s Fiesta de los Santos Inocentes, translating the festival’s vibrant movement and collective energy into a refined abstract vocabulary. Thr...
Paper, Crayon, Oil Crayon, Pastel
Forces of Nature 27 - Textural Abstract Minimalist Artwork on Canvas
By Len Klikunas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Len Klikunas paints minimalist artworks to modify experienced reality through visual perception. The Blocks series is a mix of art and architecture, hovering between painting and scu...
Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media
Mixed Media Asian Abstract Collage Painting Katherine Chang Liu Chinese American
Located in Surfside, FL
Katherine Chang Liu "Chain", Acrylic and collage on paper mounted on board with a Trompe L'oeil 3D effect. contemporary abstract painting Hand signed "Katherine Liu" Dimensions: 37...
Paper, Acrylic, Board
Collage 3
By Wayne Timm
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Paper and Adhesive collage by Wayne Timm. measures 11 1/2 x 15 3/4 in. In the 1960's, Wayne Timm rubbed elbows with the likes of Warhol, Lichtenstein, Rauchenburg and many others, ...
Paper, Adhesive, Magazine Paper
Summer Saturation, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A yellow color field reveals tiny squares with glints of red, green, and natural wood. The bright and saturated palette evokes vivid colors on architecture unde...
Mixed Media
$8,500
Fils I Colors DCXCIV - Large Colorful Abstract Contemporary Art on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Barcelona native artist Raul de la Torre's vibrant abstract mixed media artworks pay homage to material. De La Torre allows the materials to take over during the process and collabor...
Thread, Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Umbra series 15, Abstract Sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Fear and insecurity came uninvited to keep the artist company. Suddenly it became necessary to release the sensations that surrounded him day and night. At times the artist felt as i...
Brass
Intervening
Located in Dallas, TX
encaustic on paper
Paper, Encaustic
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
Sunrise II - Original Vibrant Yellow Tone Textured Abstract 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
Shimmy
Located in Dallas, TX
encaustic on paper
Paper, Encaustic
Untitled. Large Mixed Media Splatter Painting
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
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
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
$1,560Sale Price|35% Off
Develop In The Dark - Bold Splash Textural Original Painting on Raw Canvas
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
Tone Overtone, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Pale, neutral tones blend with darker, earthy hues, creating a subtle tone-on-tone effect. A loosely defined grid anchors circles of varying sizes, allowing the...
Mixed Media
Abstract Barnstable Painting by Joseph Conrad-Ferm, Acrylic Mixed Media Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Barnstable by Joseph Conrad-Ferm, 2022 Acrylic paint, spray paint, marker, oil pastels, color pencil, and graphite on canvas W 58" x H 68.25" x D 1.5" "Barnstable county is a mass...
Oil Pastel, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Color Pencil, Graphite
"Layered Legacy", Abstract Collage painting
Located in Westport, CT
In Layered Legacy, Jill Haas distills the floral still life into a luminous, abstracted composition of layered forms and translucent color. Soft ivory, blush, olive, and pale sage ar...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$2,925
Essentials Collection: BURNING DESIRE - Meditative Abstract Painting on Canvas
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
"Saturday Morning", Abstract Collage painting
Located in Westport, CT
In this original botanical painting, Jill Haas presents a lush stand of blossoms in layered shades of lavender, violet, plum, and soft pink set against a warm golden ground. Vertical...
Canvas, Mixed Media
"Glacial" - Sculptural Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
"Glacial" - Sculptural Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed Bold sculptural painting by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). Rows of protruding rings ...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars, Mixed Media
$300Sale Price|50% Off
Sky Holes - Colorful Wood Sculpture Organic Blue Red Abstract Wall Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This original geometric abstract wall sculpture by Rebecca Klundt is a 16-inch square mixed media artwork, constructed from reclaimed wood and finished with acrylic paint. Featurin...
Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
$2,050
Deep Roots - Original Elegant Organic Abstract Redwood Sculpture with Maple Base
By Joe Garnero
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Garnero’s medium of choice for his winding abstract wood sculptures is reclaimed Redwood roots, which he finds along the northern California coast. The distinct curving shapes of...
Steel
"Passenger", Abstract Collage painting
Located in Westport, CT
In this original botanical painting, Jill Haas captures the dramatic elegance of orchids through a bold interplay of saturated color, silhouette, and form. Deep plum and soft lilac b...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,275
Looking Through Grandma's Window - Original Abstract Floral Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Morning Dew - Original Calm Soft Tone Abstract Blue Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"Gate 41 - Human Design" - Acrylic and Gold on Engraved Wood - 60x60 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Gate 41 – The door of the new cycles Inspired by door 41 in Human design and Gene Keys, this sacred geometry represents the starting point of any experience. The 41 symbolizes the o...
Gold Leaf
Sisyphus Skull and Counting The Beats Diptych. From The Khloris Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The “Plucking Daisies” offers rich ground for philosophical interpretation, particularly through a Heideggerian lens. It invites us to contemplate our own existence, our relationship...
Canvas, Mixed Media
A432 - Minimalist Abstract Original Red and Black Textural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss born artist Marco Schmidli creates minimalist paintings with a contemporary edge. Placing emphasis on process, he lets the mediums naturally manifest within his artwork. “An im...
Acrylic, Canvas
Italian Cities (Venice-Madonna dell'Orto): Pale Pink and Graphite Grid
Located in Hudson, NY
Italian Cities: Venice-Madonna dell'Orto (Mixed Media drawing with graphite pencil, color pencil, gouache, pen on paper on panel Image size: 11 x 11 inches Ebonized walnut floater fr...
Wood, Paper, Gouache, Pencil, Color Pencil
Resilience II
Located in Dallas, TX
charcoal on paper
Paper, Charcoal
Original Painting on Panel Titled: "PDP598ct13""
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painting on Canvas signed verso, blue white navy blue Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in...
Acrylic
Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 2 - 1977
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 2 64/75 Mixed media on guarro paper Poligrafa Edition Numbered out of 75 and signed in pencil by the artist Circa 1977 76 x 56 Perfect condition 110...
Mixed Media
$455
Devil's Bit Scabious - Original Framed Floral Art on Antique Botanical Book Page
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring focuses his contemporary paintings on vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday momen...
Paper, Mixed Media
$25,000
Free More, Painting, ex Zabriskie Gallery & Reader's Digest Collection, Signed
By Pat Adams
Located in New York, NY
Pat Adams Free More, 1989 Acrylic and encaustic painting with varnish on paper laid down on canvas Hand signed and dated on the upper left front Original artist's frame included This...
Varnish, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Acrylic, Pencil, Graphite
$16,500Sale Price|40% Off
Writers’ Bench 149th Street and Grand Concourse, 2020, Hand Finished
By José Parlá
Located in Draper, UT
Writers’ Bench 149th Street and Grand Concourse, 2020, José Parlá. Rare, hand finished from an edition of 50. Absolutely stunning piece that works in a variety of environments. Wonde...
Acrylic, Archival Pigment
$16,500
Winter Berry Diptych: Abstract Encaustic Painting, Dark Red on Beige Background
By Allyson Levy
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract encaustic painting with brown branches with dark red berries against a light beige background "Winter Berry Diptych" made by Hudson Valley based artist, Allyson Levy, in 201...
Organic Material, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Wood Panel
Untitled
Located in Summit, NJ
Gorgeous aquatint in reds and oranges by Piero Dorazio (Italian 1927-2005). This aquatint is on heavy "Umbria" Fabriano paper. It is signed and dated 1964 in the lower margin in penc...
Aquatint
$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
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
$10,500
Return to Forever - Large Original Abstract Expressionism 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
Slender Thing (Abstract, Modernist Brancusi Inspired Minimalist Grey Sculpture)
By Dai Ban
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract modernist, minimal, Brancusi inspired three dimensional wall sculpture in light grey. Made of carved high-density foam, epoxy resin, pigment and gypsum cement. Despite it's ...
Plaster, Board, Pigment
Persian Garden, Op Art 3D Color Silkscreen w/ Arches paper backing Signed/N '70s
Located in New York, NY
Anne Youkeles Persian Garden, ca. 1970 3D Color Silkscreen w/ Arches paper backing Hand-signed by artist in pencil, titled and numbered 37/100 on backing sheet of Arches paper. 23 x ...
Screen, Laid Paper
Marsh Potentil - Original Framed Floral Artwork on Antique Botanical Book Page
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring focuses his contemporary paintings on vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday momen...
Paper, Mixed Media
$14,000
The Struggle is Real - Large Colorful Original Abstract 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, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$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
CINTRA. Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
" The work resists framing in concepts, it overflows the contours and borders of the rational. It is through the presence of color, combined with an abstraction at times with express...
Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Crossing Stripes - Colorful Abstract Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Petra Rös-Nickel’s original paintings merge playful forms, bright colors and architectural compositions in oil and mixed media on canvas. Her contemporary artworks contain rich textu...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$1,396Sale Price|20% Off
Field Study — Group of Four Mixed Media Works on Paper by Murray Duncan
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Field Study is a group of four mixed-media works on archival cold-press watercolor paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, each measuring 18 × 24 inches. Part of his ongoing Untitled ...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
$3,360Sale Price|30% Off
December Light - Large Contemporary Blue Orange Sunset Water Abstract Painting
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
Tierra viva - Experimental. Mixed media painting on Canvas
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The paintings resists framing in concepts, it overflows the contours and borders of rationality. It is through the presence of color, combined with an abstraction at times with expre...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Oil Pastel
"At the Stroke of Midnight", Abstract, Blue, Red, Gold, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “At the Stroke of Midnight” is a 24 x 32 x 1 inch abstract mixed media painting on cradled panel in blue, aqua, red, and gold acrylic, ink, and pencil. First of the “Sp...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Color Pencil