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.
Coastal Seascape Mixed Media Painting by Eugene Healy 'The Front'
By Eugene Healy
Located in White Plains, NY
“The Front” by Eugene Healy, 2022. Mixed media on canvas. 30 x 40 in. This abstract, landscape painting features an abstracted seascape with land, sea, and sky in an aerial view. Ca...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$16,000
"Windswept I" - Large Pastel and Earth Tone Layered Contemporary Abstract Work
Located in Carmel, CA
Katheryn Holt (American, born 1951) "Windswept I" 2025 Oil paint and mixed media on cradled wood panel The artist signed the back of the painting. “Windswept I” is a serene abstract...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel, Stretcher Bars
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
Veil of Dusk: Abstract Encaustic Painting on Panel, Framed
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
Triptych: Hesperides 003, Hesperides 004 and Hesperides 001. Abstract Paintings
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The central concept of Larios painting series KHLORIS is based on the idea of the garden as a metaphorical space. Larios seeks to find a certain romantic beauty in the details of n...
Canvas, Lacquer, Pastel, Automotive Paint, Acrylic
Italian Cities (Pompeii): Abstract Grid Drawing with Color Pencil
Located in Hudson, NY
Italian Cities: Pompeii (Mixed Media drawing with graphite pencil, color pencil, gouache, pen on paper on panel Image size: 10.5 x 10.5 inches Ebonized walnut floater frame, 12 x 12 ...
Paper, Gouache, Pencil, Color Pencil
Magical Night - Large Oversized Colorful Blue Red Yellow Abstract Painting
By Clara Berta
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
Change Is in the Air, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Margriet Hogue presents a collaged abstract piece with a gentle pastel palette. Distressed papers constitute the lively canvas. Enigmatic patterns in i...
Mixed Media
Khloris 001 and Khloris 004 Diptych. Abstract Painting. From The Khloris Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The central concept of Larios painting series KHLORIS is based on the idea of the garden as a metaphorical space. Larios seeks to find a certain romantic beauty in the details of n...
Canvas, Lacquer, Pastel, Automotive Paint, Acrylic
$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
Triptych: Khloris 007, 003 and 002. From The Series Khloris
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The central concept of Larios painting series KHLORIS is based on the idea of the garden as a metaphorical space. Larios seeks to find a certain romantic beauty in the details of n...
Canvas, Lacquer, Pastel, Automotive Paint, Acrylic
Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 3 - 1977
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 3 38/75 Mixed media on guarro paper Poligrafa Edition Numbered out of 75 and signed in pencil by the artist Circa 1977 77 x 56,5 cm Perfect condition...
Mixed Media
Fruity Ramen: Yang II - White on White Graffiti Textural Painting on Canvas
By Jason DeMeo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo creates artworks that work to serve as a meditation for the viewer, drawing them toward the timeless concepts of truth, beauty, and goodness. H...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$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
Tondo Arboretum II - Circular Contemporary Abstract Warm Tone Botanical 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
Original Painting on Canvas Titled: "PDP 1147” 48 x 60
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painting on Panel signed verso Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa Springs, Colora...
Acrylic
$2,840Sale Price|20% Off
Raspberry Shimmer Pyrites (plum red cubic, tabletop sculpture, geometric, wood)
By Chloe Hedden
Located in Quebec, Quebec
This series by Chloe Hedden and Bill Hedden explores the growth forms of the mineral pyrite. Pyrite or 'fools gold' grows in organic ever expanding interconnected cubes. This father...
Wood, Alkyd
Untitled. 1960's Abstract Mixed Media Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Adrian HEATH (1920-1992) Untitled Composition Mixed media Signed and dated '64 Image 11.25" x 9"
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic, Pencil
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
$3,500
Victoria Barr -Spirit signed painting daughter of MOMA founder Fischbach Gallery
Located in New York, NY
Victoria Barr Spirit, 1974 Crayon on Paper Signed and dated lower right front Frame included Provenance: Fischbach Gallery, New York, NY This bright, abstract 1970s artwork was creat...
Oil Crayon, Graphite
$14,500
Gold leaf Painting, Gold leaf Painting, abstract gold painting, "Royal Throne"
Located in Delaware , OH
Gold leaf Painting, Gold leaf Painting, abstract gold painting,"Royal Throne" A B O U T T H I S P I E C E : Materials: Gold Leaf, Oil, Minerals This is a hand-signed piece with a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Trust Me, Abstract Mixed Media Painting, Whimsical Style, 2010-
Located in Tulsa, OK
Original art by John Randall Nelson depicting a horse with characteristics of Pop Art and Folk Art combined with a whimsical, illustrative style. The vibrant colors, cartoonish figur...
Mixed Media, Acrylic
Gemini, 1960s Op Art geometric silkscreen, mixed media paper, Signed AP, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Anne Youkeles Gemini, ca. 1969 Three-dimensional mixed media silkscreen on folded sheets of thin card Hand-signed by artist in pencil, titled and annotated Artist's Proof I from the ...
Paper, Mixed Media, Laid Paper, Screen
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Zig Zag 16-3-1 - Original Colorful Oil Painting Patterned Stripes with Texture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In Petra Rös-Nickel’s oil paintings playful, free forms along with compositional constructions develop into textures, referencing popular European design of the fifties and sixties, ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Painting++ - Original Minimalist Textured Black on White 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
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Zipline - Textured Black and White Abstract Thick Paint Monochrome Original Art
By Tasha Jentel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tasha Jentel creates original abstract art that merges minimalist design with richly tactile, sculptural texture. Working exclusively in black and white, ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$930
Olympiad - Abstract Contemporary Geometric Metal Sculpture for Table or Desk
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
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Restless Night
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an abstract painting by Bianca Wellwood. The colors are vibrant but subtle. Frame: unframed, further framing possible Signature: verso Medium...
Acrylic, Canvas
$11,852Sale Price|20% Off
ABSTRACT Contemporary Textile French Rose Madone New Artwork Nature Earth Nature
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
White Series n2 and n3 Diptych. Abstract Painting
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this series the artist represent the force of white that invades with its free forms, strongly over the structure of black. White is the absolute color, the purest, the most perfe...
Canvas, Lacquer, India Ink, Watercolor, Pigment
$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
$2,600Sale Price|43% Off
Harmony - Framed Original Abstract Painting Layered Red White Ochre on Canvas
By Greet Helsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Belgian artist Greet Helsen masterfully layers acrylic paint with the effervescent transparency of watercolors in her large mixed-media abstract paintings. Reminiscent of abstract ex...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
This is Up - 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
"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
"Untitled 8", Abstract Mixed Media on Paper, Signed, 2008
By Peter Opheim
Located in New York, NY
Mixed media on paper by New York artist Peter Opheim, titled "Untitled 8," created in 2008. This signed original work measures 26 x 20 inches and represents an important period in Op...
Gesso, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
$2,550
Stop Stepping on the Poppies, Jess! - Large Colorful Original Abstract Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sarah Svetlana's original abstract artworks offer a captivating glimpse into the intricacies of the human experience, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources and influenc...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Fils I Colors DCCI - 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, Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Cecil Touchon Painting on Panel Titled: PDP806ct16 30 x 48
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painting on Panel signed verso Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa Springs, Colora...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
Painting on paper, lyrical abstraction, contemporary, music score
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
Blue Minimal Painting. This is an original artwork realized by TUSET in 2019. We can frame it in natural wood or black on request. The dimensions of the painting are 41 x 29,5 cm. W...
Ink, Handmade Paper
Untitled #504, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric Modern
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #504 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
$680
Untitled #535 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #535 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
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
Out in the Dark - Abstract Serene Cool Tone Textural Acrylic Canvas Painting
By Vè Boisvert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
rawing 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
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
$7,200
Mirror
By Ky Anderson
Located in Dallas, TX
Oil & acrylic on paper
Acrylic, Paper, Oil
1960 Italy Abstract Painting and Paper Collage by Ermete Lancini
Located in Brescia, IT
This stunning abstract artwork was made in 1960, by the well known Italian artist Ermete Lancini. The artwork is a painting and a collage with newspaper sheet and other glued element...
Paper, Magazine Paper, Oil
Soft Stories, Abstract Painting
By Terri Bell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This mixed-media artwork combines calligraphy and found papers to create a neutral-toned composition. Arranged in a grid-like pattern, the piece acts as a story...
Mixed Media
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
$13,250
A641 - Big Canvas Art Large Contemporary Neutral Palette Abstract Painting
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...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Mary Bauermeister - Studio Leftover Fetich, 3D mixed media sculpture Fluxus, S/N
Located in New York, NY
Mary Baumeister Studio Leftover Fetich, 1953, 1967 Unique Mixed Media 3-D Assemblage Ink Signed, dated, titled, annotated "Edition Original" and numbered 52/75. Shadow box frame Incl...
Wood, Found Objects, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Wave Pearl Gold Mixed Media Wall Sculpture, Abstract, Framed, 2010+
By KX2: Ruth Avra and Dana Kleinman
Located in PARIS, FR
Pearlescent wave series, in aluminum with mixed media and pearlescent enamel on wood. Wall sculpture is sold with it's certificate of authenticity. Can be purchased individually or a...
Metal
Set of 6 Ragisména series White. Abstract Sculpture
By Rodrigo Zuliani Hauck Zampol
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The Ragisména series, which in Greek means cracked, has its materiality manifested through the desire to recreate and make feelings, memories and mythology tangible in the physical w...
Canvas, Plaster
Umbra series 13, 14, 15 Triptych, Abstract Wall Sculpture
By Rodrigo Zuliani Hauck Zampol
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
$5,366
Raw Earth-Toned Mixed Media on Canvas, Concrete and Sand, 2024 -'Untitled 85241'
Located in Bruxelles, BE
This unique piece was made by Roan Van Oort in 2024. With a strong focus on simplicity and timelessness, he consciously chooses natural materials, characterized by a certain fragilit...
Concrete, Sandstone
100 Tears II
By Andrea Myers
Located in Dallas, TX
Layered torn paper collage
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,425
Eternal Sunsets Sacred Feminine - Meditative Abstract Pink Geometric Painting
By Jason DeMeo
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" - 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...
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
Las Mascaras V. 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...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic