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.
"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
"Passenger", Abstract Collage painting
By Jill Haas
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
Memento Morididdle Movement #111: Abstract Mixed Media Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Memento Morididdle Movement #111" is an original hand-cut paper sculpture in a found frame by Charles Clary. This piece measures 13in x 15in x 3.5in. Bio // Charles Clary was born...
Mixed Media, Archival Paper
FRENETIC. 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, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pastel
Untitled Abstract Expressionist painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Desmond Mclean (1929-2015). Untitled, ca. 1960. Mixed media on paper. Sheet measuring 12.5 x 19 inches. Unframed. Born: Ireland Studied: Heatherly School of Art, London; America...
Paper, Gouache, Color Pencil
serenity 10, Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
True peace can only come through the surrendering of the heart. With a brushstroke of elegance and a palette of tranquility, my artistic aim in this series is to explore the transfor...
Mixed Media
Red Eclipse - Geometric Abstract Original Mixed Media Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mexican artist Heny Steinberg’s abstracted landscapes invite us to travel from the map to the localized event. The shapes within Steinberg’s work transcend two dimensional representa...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"White Box Blue Lines" 1980s Encaustic Abstract Painting CCAC Artist
Located in Arp, TX
Patricia Zippin White Box Blue Lines 1980s Mixed Media 30.75"x 22.5", unframed *Custom framing available for additional charge. Please expect framing time between 3-5 weeks.
Encaustic, Acrylic, Pencil
"Sacred Geometry of Aquarius" - Egg Tempera and Gold on Engraved Wood - 40x40cm
Located in Geneva, CH
The Sacred Geometry of Aquarius. Associated with the number 11, Uranus and Saturne; representing inner freedom, idealism, rebellion and brotherhood. Embodies innovation, humanism an...
Gold Leaf
SET OF 9. Black and White, Line Drawing. Abstract Works on Paper
By Clemens Wolf
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Clemens Wolf declares himself a champion of sensuality: 'I'm really interested in the process of transforming something trivial into a sensual object. The...
Epoxy Resin, Paper
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
Untitled Abstract Expressionist painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Desmond Mclean (1929-2015). Untitled, 1959 Mixed media on paper. Sheet measuring 14.75 x 20.25 inches. Unframed. Born: Ireland Studied: Heatherly School of Art, London; Amer...
Paper, Charcoal, Gouache, Color Pencil
Untitled AP-123 — Mixed Media Work on Paper by Murray Duncan
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled AP-123 is an expressive mixed-media work on archival cold-press watercolor paper, measuring 18 × 24 inches. In this composition, Toronto artist Murray Duncan builds a dynami...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
$1,130Sale Price|20% Off
29/3
Located in Saint Pol de Léon, Bretagne
“I went to my reserve and found this painting started 20 years ago, at the time when I was making still lifes... And, suddenly, she spoke to me, I modified some colors, rebalanced th...
Marble
Biogram of the Kansas City Zoo
By Kory Twaddle
Located in Kansas City, MO
Artist : Kory Twaddle Title : Biogram of the Kansas City Zoo Materials : Pastel, oil pastel, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, tempera, glitter glue, foam stickers, paper, marker, color...
Paint, Paper, Conté, Charcoal, India Ink, Acrylic, Tempera, Watercolor, ...
$48,000
Diptych: Khloris 007 and 002. 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
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
$129,580
Sunday Morning
By Bram Bogart
Located in London, GB
Bram Bogart Sunday Morning 2007 Mixed Media 140 x 137 cms (55 x 54 ins) BB10401 Provenance The artist Bernard Jacobson Gallery London Jason Martin, Lond...
Mixed Media
Between Equinox and Solstice
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Meghan Hedley's work is a commentary on the full spectrum of aliveness and is influenced by her lifelong research into healing. Her process is a celebration and a contemplation, and ...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Pen, Permanent Marker
Park, Colorful Jewel-toned Abstract Textile Collage in Geometric Layers
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant textile collage is composed of layered sheer fabrics in a luminous palette of jewel tones and saturated brights. Carefully both hand-stitched and machine-stitched, the w...
Fabric, Thread, Plastic, Acrylic, Pins
White and Green & Blue, Expanded Metal Tile, Diptych. Wall Sculpture
By Clemens Wolf
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The panel paintings "Expanded Metal Tile Paintings" are the closest to the classic art of painting. Firstly glaze is applied by roller brush and a piece of expanded metal onto a bloc...
Metal
Peter Voulkos - unique Ceramic Sculptural bowl hand signed by renowned sculptor
Located in New York, NY
Peter Voulkos Ceramic Sculptural Dish, ca. 1985 Sculpted ceramic Hand-signed by artist, Incised signature on the base. 1.5 x 11.5 inches This charger plate by Voulkos features a Gree...
Ceramic, Glaze, Mixed Media
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
Untitled 24. From Mexican Ryōan-ji Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ryōan-ji is the Japanese Zen temple in Kyoto, a monastery that gave rise to the idea of the purely abstract Zen garden that inspired this series Francisco Larios’ works are done by...
Gold Leaf
$2,200
“Witches Banner” 1960s Abstract Painting by Edward Marecak, Signed, Unframed
Located in Denver, CO
Witches Banner is an original mid-century abstract painting by celebrated Denver modernist Edward Marecak (1919–1993), created circa 1960s. This bold, expressionistic work features r...
Crayon, Acrylic
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
Momento la Fuori
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
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
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
$1,425
Eternal Sunsets: GOLDEN MIST - Meditative Abstract Blue Tone 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
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
$635
River Stones - Original Grey Tone Textured Abstract Mixed Media 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
$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
$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
El Olor del Silencio, Abstract Mixed Media on Cardboard, 1980s, Signed
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
COMO PUEDEN APRECIAR, LA OBRA VA FIRMADA POR LA PARTE TRASERA "ALDO MENÉNDEZ" Y TITULADA (EL OLOR DEL SILENCIO) ESTA OBRA ES DE FINALES DE LOS AÑOS 80 LA OBRA SE PRESENTA SIN ENMAR...
Mixed Media
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
$8,500
Mixed Media Collage Oil Painting Latvian American Modernist Artist Adja Yunkers
By Adja Yunkers
Located in Surfside, FL
Adja Yunkers, Latvian/American, 1900-1983. 1973 Mixed media collage painting with applied threads on canvas, Titled "Collage #67". Initialed "A. Y." and dated "'73" lower left, ...
Mixed Media, Fabric, Oil
$3,400
Soft Daylight - Original Textured Misty Grey Tone Abstract 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
"Vessel", Psychedelic Patterns and Textures on Canvas by Kelly Kozma
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Vessel" is an original 13in x 13in painting on stretched canvas by Kelly Kozma. Image 1 shows the full piece. Images 2-7 are close-up images of the details of the artwork. Images 8...
Canvas, Latex
Irregular Grid with Circles, Abstract Painting
By Terri Bell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Complementary colors form a loose grid that creates a gently wavy composition. Each olive green square contains a circular accent. The interplay of structure an...
Mixed Media
$3,400
576 Circles V3 - Blue Abstract Geometric Pattern Original Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Califonia artist, Brandon Neher captivates with his figurative abstract artworks that seamlessly blend German Expressionism and Pop Abstraction. His original paintings on canvas embo...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Lapis - 3D small contemporary blue abstract round 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...
Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper
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
$475Sale Price|50% Off
Ocean Series of Contemporary Art abstract art Blues Individual Pieces of Art
Located in Houston, TX
Joan Breckwoldt is an American contemporary artist living in Houston, Texas. This collection of mixed media abstractions in The Ocean Series on paper ...
Mixed Media
$5,000
Mångata X horizontal (sky blue grid wood patterns Brown yellow nature)
Located in Quebec, Quebec
Mangata X continues Melisa Taylor Metzger’s exploration of light, structure, and materiality through her signature fusion of pyrography and airbrushed pigment. The work evokes the el...
Spray Paint, Wood Panel
Sculpture on Wall, Installation, Migrant Diptych I
Located in Cuernavaca, Morelos
Nanotechnology Material, Lead, Galvanized Pipe and Caps on Aluminum Exhibited at the International Art Fair, Zona Maco 2019 in Mexico City. Exhibited at Mana Contemporary at Jersey ...
Metal
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
$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
$763Sale Price|78% Off
Beauty Beneath the Chaos, Abstract Expressionist Painting by Emmi Iida
Located in Lahti, FI
“Beauty Beneath the Chaos” is an original abstract expressionist painting by multidisciplinary Finnish artist Emmi Iida, whose work blends raw emotion, layered symbolism, and poetic ...
Oil Pastel, Pastel, Acrylic, Pencil, Color Pencil
Fibrosa (Abstract Encaustic, Fabric and Collage Painting on Linen)
Located in Hudson, NY
"Fibrosa" made by Hudson Valley artist, Alaina Enslen, in 2025 Encaustic, dyed fabrics, and paper mounted on panel 20 x 16 x 2 inches unframed, sides reveal raw panel and wrapped fab...
Fabric, Linen, Encaustic, Monotype
Geometric Line Study C - 7 by Murray Duncan Mix Media on paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geometric Line Studies C- 7 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
Trees of Life II - 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
$9,070
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artist French Rose Madone New Artwork forms earth colors
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, Acrylic, Pigment
$4,146Sale Price|20% Off
CARPE DIEM
Located in Saint Pol de Léon, Bretagne
"The initial idea was rather an acknowledgement of powerlessness in the face of all that the future offers us of a damaged planet, of a war in space... And then my energy was manifes...
Acrylic
Registros XVII, Abstract Paintings. From The Series Registros
By Nat Orlowski
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, Lacquer, India Ink, Acrylic, Pigment
White Path - 3D small contemporary abstract round 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...
Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper
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
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
$320Sale Price|20% Off
Jeanne Gentry Keck, Accidental Freedom XI, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2021
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Artist: Jeanne Gentry Keck Title: Accidental Freedom IX Size: 9 x 7 Inches Medium: Mixed Media on canvas Year: 2021
Canvas, Mixed Media
Geometric Line Study C - 6 by Murray Duncan Mix Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geometric Line Studies C-6 is an original mixed-media work on paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, part of his ongoing exploration of gestural geometry, spatial rhythm, and atmosph...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil