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.
avp_1628 - Original Abstract Red Tone Contemporary Acrylic Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,100
Universe is With You - Large Scale Abstract Textural Acrylic Painting on Canvas
By Vè Boisvert
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
"Budding Flowering Ripening" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Budding Flowering Ripening,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 14 x 14 x 12 in. “Budding Flowering Ripening” is a radiant vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the ...
Glass, Resin
$2,500
avp_1521 - Original Abstract Vibrant Blue Tone Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (ORANGE) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Blue) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #44 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condit...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$1,065
avp_1618 - Original Abstract Deep Magenta Tone Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
avp_1219 - Original Color Drenching Contemporary Abstract Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,020
Earth to Sky - Tall Impasto Inspired Colorful 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, Acrylic, Glitter
$7,100
av_965 Colorful Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Natural Linen Canvas
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Linen, Acrylic
$2,900Sale Price|38% Off
Little Red Ball - Abstract Original Modern Playful Geometric Steel Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. His original artworks capture the...
Metal, Steel
Nick Thomm - LUMINANCE - SET (Standard)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'LUMINANCE' (SET) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) per print. Blue Limited Edition of 425. Orange Limited Edition of 409. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Pape...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Nick Thomm - Loom (HYDRA) Standard
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'LOOM' (Hydra) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 305. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Worldwide Shipping. Sold Unframed.
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (BLUE) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Blue) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #46 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Co...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Raventos Big Ocher Blue Green Original tapestry
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Happy world. Original tapestry RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. Raventós expa...
Tapestry
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (MULTI) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Multi) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #85 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. C...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$3,600
Cooler Heads Prevail - Large Abstract Expressionist Textural Painting in Blue
By Marc Raphael
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, Latex
$7,800
Set Adrift - Large Moody Atmospheric Abstract Alluring Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
Birch Study 2 - Original Abstract Tree Landscape Nature Still Life Oil Painting
By Beth Munro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beth Munro’s original paintings, whether composed of still life, landscape, or abstract forms, focus on pattern, color and texture. Munro is inspired by everything from the impressio...
Canvas, Oil
Bistro du Midi, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In his distinct style of impressionism, artist Onelio Marrero displays a man in a suit reading the news as he sits by an empty dining hall. He bases the piece on sketches of a Back Bay, Boston restaurant named Bistro du Midi. He creates a narrative of an imaginary proprietor perusing a newspaper before the establishment opens and the clients fill the place. Onelio gives the viewer a sense of the décor and light streaming through the windows - beyond it, a hint of the Boston Public Garden.
About the Artist
Artist Onelio Marrero paints impressionist city scenes of everyday life. He captures the romanticism of New York City, from the picturesque fountains in Central Park to a glistening city street on a rainy afternoon. He creates a sense of nostalgia and intimacy with his work, offering the feeling that you have visited this particular scene before. “Each play of light, each texture, and each movement of a figure can have a captivating effect on me,†says Onelio. He studied at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art where he mastered discerning color and values, giving his work a more spontaneous appearance. Onelio’s work is an appreciation for beauty in all of its greatest forms; nature, art, and people.
Words that describe this painting: restaurant, newspaper, bistro, cafe, table, Boston, Public Garden, Boston Common...
Oil
CHROMATIC - 4 Print Set (XL)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm CHROMATIC - 4 Print Set (XL SIZE 36" x 48" PER PRINT). Limited Edition #43 of 50. Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. ...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Monet's Pond at Giverny, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Reflections on the water in Monet's pond at Giverny. Onelio spent some time there taking in the splendor of the setting. "Each view of the place was a paintin...
Oil
Maple Hill, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A lone multi-colored tree stands proudly in the middle of the composition, hazy and dream-like with its undefined edges. A gentle reflection of these fall col...
Oil
Speedy Snoopy (Original Artwork On Wood Panel)
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<< _________...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Waits River Church, Vermont, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Waits River is a small village on Highway 25 southeast of Stowe, Vermont. "The church, buildings and barns presented an iconic view of New England...
Oil
Red on Yellow - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1970s, Large Scale
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large-scale contemporary painting by Milly Ristvedt explores colour in abstract form. A masterful, award-winning colourist, Milly Ristvedt’s elegant abstract paintings hang on...
Canvas, Acrylic
Dawn at the Grand Canyon, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"For a few brief moments on the south rim, the morning sun lights up the canyon walls like neon while casting blue shadows into its depths," says artist Cryst...
Oil
$2,025Sale Price|25% Off
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$2,000
Fire in the Belly 2 - Colorful Energetic Abstract Acrylic Textural Drip Painting
By Marc Raphael
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
One Truth - Impasto Inspired Thick Paint Pink 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
New York Misses You Too, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"The source of inspiration for this painting came as I was walking in Manhattan in the rain," says artist Onelio Marrero. "This street is based on 8th Avenue ...
Oil
$1,065
avp_1555 - Original Abstract Deep Magenta Tone Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Finding Balance - Tranquil Colorful Abstract Painting
By Julie Naima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The original artworks by Canadian artist Julie Naima feature visually appealing abstract compositions with organic shapes that evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. The harmonious interplay of a few carefully selected colors, and their varied shades, create a nuanced visual experience that is both calming and invigorating. Crafted in a contemporary and modern style, her paintings are infused with a touch of refinement and artistic flair. The use of organic shapes creates a sense of natural flow and movement, while the balanced color palette adds a level of sophistication to the overall design. This one-of-a-kind abstract painting on canvas measures 48 inches in height and 40 inches in width. The sides of the artwork are thoughtfully painted in a complementary shade of blue, eliminating the need for framing and creating a cohesive, finished look. The painting is wired and ready to hang, making it a hassle-free addition to any wall. It's signed by the artist on both the side and back, adding an extra touch of authenticity and value. Free delivery is available for those in the local Los Angeles area, and affordable worldwide shipping is available for US and international art collectors. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included with the artwork, ensuring that the piece is an authentic work of art from Julie Naima. Julie Naima is an accomplished artist originally from Montreal, Canada, who currently resides in a tranquil rural town, removed from the frenetic pace of city life. Her creative process is characterized by experimentation, having explored various techniques and media, such as fluid paints, flowy inks, epoxy resin, collage, and mixed media. However, Naima has since returned to exclusively working with acrylics on canvas, with a particular focus on color. Through this dedication, Naima has discovered that colorful abstract art, imbued with positive emotions and good intentions, is what resonates most with her. Naima's impressive body of work can be found in many private collections across Canada, Europe, Australia, and the United States, attesting to the universality of her artistic vision. Her unique use of color and form imbues her abstract works with a sense of energy and dynamism, evoking a wide range of emotions in viewers. REPRESENTATION: Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2023 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2022 ARTWRK Gallery, Canada Square Foot Show, Online 2020 Solo Show, Forena Spa, St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada Solo Show, Crystal Hotel...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,400Sale Price|42% Off
Soaring. 100x100cm, acrylic on canvas
By Olga Rikun
Located in Yerevan, AM
Soaring. 100x100cm
Canvas, Acrylic
Brutalist Ceramic Abstract Expressionist Lamp Base or Vase Form
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Raymond Gallucci (1923-2005) Lamp Base, ca. 1970. Glazed ceramic. 15 " h, 7 3/8" w, 6" d. Opening for lamp post measures 11/16 inch. While the piece would make a lovely lamp, we...
Ceramic
Hydrangea in Bloom, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A cluster of pink hydrangeas arranged in a clear rounded vase in full bloom. Artist Nicole Lamothe painted this piece in alla-pr...
Oil
ARCHANGEL (XL Size)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm ARCHANGEL (XL SIZE 36" x 48"). Limited Edition #22 of 25. Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW - Unopene...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Nick Thomm - AETHER (GREEN) Standard
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'AETHER' (Green) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 482 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Worldwide Shipping. Sold Unframed.
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$5,625Sale Price|25% Off
Sleep of the mind , 200x72 cm, oil on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Sleep of the mind , 200x72 cm, oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
ONYX - Amber (XL)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - ONYX - Amber (XL SIZE 36" x 48"). Limited Edition #15 of 25. Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW - Unopen...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$2,500
avp_1519 - Original Abstract Deep Magenta Tone Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,500
Mata Ortiz Black-on-Buff Geometric Olla by Juan Quezada, Signed
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This finely crafted black-on-buff geometric olla by Juan Quezada Celado features interlocking stepped and square-grid motifs that wrap around the vessel in a precise, rhythmic patter...
Clay
$4,000
Mystic Arboretum - Large Contemporary Abstract Geometric 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, Acrylic
$14,200
A834 - Original Large Scale Minimalist Contemporary Teal Tone Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss-born artist Marco Schmidli creates large-scale minimalist paintings reminiscent of color field studies with a contemporary edge. Placing emphasis on process, he lets the medium...
Canvas, Acrylic
Cafe Bougainvillea, Oil Painting
By Aruna Rao
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A sunlit cafe courtyard framed by bougainvillea in full bloom comes alive with color and movement. Expressive brushwork and thick impasto in the foliage create ...
Oil
Santiago Medina - ETERNITY (OUTDOOR MONUMENTAL), Sculpture 2021
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian stainless steel. Medina summarizes his artistic passion as “I bring inert stainless steel to life by creating sculptures full of light and movement”. Since studying at Harva...
Stainless Steel
$2,500
Raventos Marine Tapestry, Abstract Expressionist, 1990s, Unframed
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Marine. Original tapestry RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. Raventós expanded...
Tapestry
Dance '72
By Sam Gilliam
Located in New York, NY
Color screenprint, 1972. Signed by the artist and dated in pencil, lower right margin. Numbered 24/60 in pencil lower left,. Printed and published by Workshop, Inc., Washington, DC...
Screen
Spring Fling 2 - Large Colorful Abstract Painting
By Julie Naima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The original artworks by Canadian artist Julie Naima feature visually appealing abstract compositions with organic shapes that evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. The harmonio...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,692Sale Price|20% Off
Flying Dutchman -Original modern abstract-texture painting-Contemporary artwork
By Roman Goss
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Flying Dutchman" by Roman Goss is an original abstract painti...
Canvas, Oil
Dance '72
By Sam Gilliam
Located in New York, NY
Color screenprint, 1972. Signed by the artist and dated in pencil, lower right margin. Numbered 24/60 in pencil lower left,. Printed and published by Workshop, Inc., Washington, D...
Screen
avp_1633 - Original Abstract Red Tone Contemporary Acrylic Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Zone, vibrant, jewel-like, diaphanous strips of fabric collages
Located in New York, NY
Linda Kamille Schmidt plays with emotional connections and memory in her smaller, framed works. In their encasements, each collage appears as a portal; a...
Fabric, Thread, Plastic, Pins
$7,500
Sol Lewitt - Unique drawing Geometric Abstraction on franked card, hand signed
By Sol LeWitt
Located in New York, NY
Sol LeWitt Unique Geometric Abstraction on Postcard, 1982 Original drawing done on postcard from the Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam), mailed, stamped and postmarked (franked) from Spolet...
Ink, Mixed Media, Postcard, Offset
$6,200
Faded Rose - Muted Color Atmospheric Abstract Alluring Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
Pop of Color For Your Wall - Impasto 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, Acrylic
Vineyards and Mountains, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Suren Nersisyan shows an inviting view of a vineyard that draws the eyes further towards a scenic mountain range lining the distance. Rows of grapevine...
Oil
Imagine-Original abstract painting- contemporary artwork- contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Immersion -Original contemporary abstract painting- modern artwork- decor art
By Roman Goss
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
$1,065
avp_1631 - Original Abstract Deep Magenta Tone Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
62x68” Glacier - Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a beautiful oil painting by Alexis Portilla. Color, lines and shapes that resemble pictographs and vessels convey symbolism. Influenced by the emotion of artistic expression...
Oil