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.
$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
Cafe Bougainvillea, Oil Painting
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
$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 - Loom (HYDRA) Standard
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
avp_1453 - Expressive Color Drenched Abstract 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
$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
Nick Thomm - AETHER (GREEN) Standard
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
$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
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Life to the Full LA Blue 2 - Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sarah Johnson infuses passion, heart, and a lifetime of creative experience into each original painting. Her radial series exhibits both uninhibited freedom and methodical technique. Through colors, textures, and movement, Johnson’s acrylic paintings on canvas radiate joy with pleasing repetition and form. This 48-inch high by 30-inch wide one-of-a-kind painting is stretched, wired, and ready to hang. The sides of this original artwork are painted and it does not require framing. It is signed by the artist on the back. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and International shipping are available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the Los Angeles art gallery is included. Johnson says about her work: "I believe things that you bring into your home make a difference in the way you live and feel. My artwork is inspired by joy, purpose, and freedom. I hope my paintings are a source of inspiration for you and everyone who enters your home." Each series has a meaningful message, adding both truth and beauty to your walls. Johnson is based in Dallas, Texas, and has been a professional artist since 2012. Her abstract artworks are collected internationally. REPRESENTATION Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, California, USA EDUCATION 2010 The University of Texas at Austin EXHIBITIONS 2022 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2022 The Collective, Dallas, TX 2022 Mecox Gardens, Houston, TX 2022 The Arbors, Round Top, TX 2022 The Walking Man, Whitefish, MT 2022 BayHill Design Studio, Austin, TX 2022 Septemberfest Art Fair, Midland TX - Honorable Mention 2021 Olive & Home, Tyler TX...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Inside Outside - Modern Three Dimensional Organic Contemporary Steel Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstracti...
Steel, Metal
Arnaldo Pomodoro - "Scultura" with official Authentication card Signed Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Arnaldo Pomodoro - "Scultura", with official Authentication card, 1982 Signed silver sculpture on chrome plated brass base, held in original wooden box and accompanying Authenticatio...
Brass, Silver
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
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
$2,500
Double Sided Gold Plated Medallion (Limited Edition; Signed and Stamped)
Located in New York, NY
ARNALDO POMODORO Double Sided Gold Plated Medallion, 1985 Bronze with Gold Patina 2 7/10 × 2 7/10 × 3/10 inches Limited Edition of 500 Signed by artist with incised signature; Stampe...
Gold, Bronze
$2,375
straits and narrows - Original Abstract Blue Tone Mixed Media Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Krista Reuter's contemporary paper sculpture artworks unfold like a quiet study in light, shadow, texture, and dimensional abstraction. Hand-cut and layered with meticulous precision...
Paint, Paper, Oil Crayon, Mixed Media, Wax
$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
$3,600
Cooler Heads Prevail - Large Abstract Expressionist Textural Painting in Blue
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
$3,200
Serene Scape - Large Original Minimalist Contemporary Green 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, Acrylic
Nick Thomm - GHOSTS (BLUE)
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'GHOSTS' (Blue) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 199 Hand Signed and Numbered #113 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Wo...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Nick Thomm - Loom (SKY) Standard
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'LOOM' (Sky) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 343. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Worldwide Shipping. Sold Unframed.
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
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
$14,000
A870 - Original Large Scale Minimalist Contemporary Expressive 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
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
After Robert Motherwell "Burnt Sierra"
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Woven wool tapestry Burnt Sienna, after Robert Motherwell is a tapestry in colors, woven with the artist's initials, from the proposed edition of 20. Published by Charles Slatkin, N...
Wool
After the Rain, Tennessee Tobacco Farm, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
In this painting, artist Doug Cosbie features small-scale American tobacco farms with their fields. Each has a curing shed that is attached to the main structure. "The atmosphere is humid after the rain, and the air has an overwhelming but delightfully sweet and pungent smell."
About the Artist
Artist Doug Cosbie presents the vibrancy found in nature with his impressionist, rural architecture centered artwork. Longing to create something that connects with people, Cosbie spent countless years perfecting how he portrays the world on canvas. Within his journey, he studied as an apprentice in the studios of Sam Black and Jack Shadbolt. As a plein air artist, Doug's studio is a portable pochade box...
Oil
Nick Thomm - AFTER DARK (ORANGE)
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'After Dark' (Orange) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 125 Hand Signed and Numbered #76 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NE...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
ARCHANGEL (XL Size)
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
$1,065
avp_1206 Red Colorful Textured Original 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
$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
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
Pink Cosmos Monotype Print, Abstract Art, 2023, Hand-Pulled by the Artist
By a.muse
Located in New york, NY
In the artist's abstract print series, Cosmos, 2023 by a.muse represents an imaginary cosmos - the universe as a place of longing, dreams, wonder, and ethereal beauty. A 13.75" x 11"...
Ink, Rag Paper, Monotype, Gouache
Meditations with Yellow ll
Located in East Hampton, NY
Works on Paper About the Artist: Julie Schumer, a native of Los Angeles, California, and born in 1954, lives and paints in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She discovered her love of abstract ...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$19,500
Art Card: Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning, 1953 (Hand Signed by BOTH)
Located in New York, NY
Art Card: Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning, 1953 (Hand Signed by BOTH Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning) from the Dan Pope collection, 1985 Offset lithograph postcard (S...
Postcard
$2,713Sale Price|20% Off
Flying Dutchman -Original modern abstract-texture painting-Contemporary artwork
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
$586Sale Price|64% Off
Contemporary Abstract Oriental Signed Painting
By Kozo Inoue
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful contemporary abstract signed painting Series of 4 canvas assembled to form a single painting signed Kozo Inoue dated 1974 This painting, never before on the market, comes f...
Canvas, Oil
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
$3,400
Tuscan 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
The Hills - Impasto Thick Paint Tall 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 i...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$2,750Sale Price|27% Off
Jay Phillips "Bel-Air Gate" 1981 Signed Enamel on Aluminum Wall Sculpture
By Jay Phillips
Located in Miami, FL
JAY PHILLIPS – "BEL-AIR GATE" ⚜ Enamel on Aluminum Wall Sculpture ⚜ Hand Signed and Numbered Lower Right ⚜ Roy Boyd Gallery Provenance ⚜ Acrylic Shadow Box Frame BOLD GEOMETRIC ENAM...
Metal, Enamel
Original Collage on Paper (Framed) Titled: Fs 2819 ct09
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Final Framed dimension: 18 x 22.5 collage art only: 9 x 12 full paper size: 15 x 19 Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, publish...
Acrylic, Laid Paper, Magazine Paper
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Banana leaves, 100x70cm, acrylic/canvas/pastel
By Fleur
Located in Yerevan, AM
Banana leaves 100x70 cm Fleur Professional artist from Belarus
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
$6,000Sale Price|33% Off
Leonardo Nierman 84"x56" Large-Scale Signed Wool Tapestry, Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
LEONARDO NIERMAN – UNTITLED TAPESTRY ⚜ Wool tapestry ⚜ Signed in the weaving lower right ⚜ Weaver: Gobelinos Riedl ⚜ Features original hanging loops ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST TAPESTRY ...
Tapestry, Wool
$975
The Shape of Memory: Textured Abstract Mixed Media Organic Wall Art Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
The Shape of Memory embodies Lisa Pressman’s long investigation into how memory lives within the body, surface, and time. This sculptural mixed media work is both painting and object...
Thread, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Panel, Cardboard
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Night music , 65x49cm, acrylic on paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Night music , 65x49cm, acrylic on paper
Paper, Acrylic
$315Sale Price|55% Off
What mask are you wearing? 80x80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
What mask are you wearing? 80x80cm, print on canvas Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
KAWS MONSTER (KAWS Companion)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS Monster: A highly collectible & super decorative KAWS art toy, featuring the artist’s rendition of the famed cereal character Frute Brute. A playful exploration of KAWS’s love for these timeless pop cultural characters featuring his signature motifs. New / never displayed; accompanied by full original packaging. Medium: Vinyl art toy. Approximately: 11.4 × 6.3 inches. New in original packaging. Published by the artist from a sold out edition of unknown. Further background: “Inspired by classic horror film characters, the Monster Cereals...
Resin, Vinyl
$5,000
Sol Lewitt, Geometric Abstraction Louis Vuitton 100% Silk Scarf, Limited Ed. 250
By Sol LeWitt
Located in New York, NY
Sol LeWitt Limited Edition Geometric Abstraction Silk Scarf, ca. 1987 Limited Edition Silkscreen on 100% Italian silk scarf/shawl Signed on the fabric with artist's printed signature...
Silk, Screen
Mixed Water Lilies Spotted Sunlight, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero spends much of his summers happily gardening and caring for his pond. There are also several others within walking distance from his hom...
Oil
$1,500
Russell Forester - Original ink Drawing, Uniquely signed & dedicated, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Unique original hand signed, dated and personally dedicated drawing by the renowned American (West Coast) architect and artist Russell Forester (1920-2002). The work is elegantly flo...
Ink
Modern Twentieth Century Signed Miro Lithograph Le Lezard aux Plumes D'Or
By Joan Miró
Located in ludlow, GB
Modern Twentieth Century Signed Miro Lithograph Le Lezard aux Plumes D'Or - Signed on the Plate and authenticated by the Mourlot family. This Lithograph by Miro was originally for G...
Lithograph
CHROMATIC - 4 Print Set (XL)
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
Nick Thomm - LUMINANCE - SET (Standard)
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
A586 - Large Contemporary Blue Abstract Painting With White Frame
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
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Triptych "A Story for Three" 100x50cm x3, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Triptych "A Story for Three" 100x50cm x3, acrylic, canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
"Study in Stripes, " Mixed Media Collage
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Fabric, Silk, Wood
Indian Beaded & Embroidered Shisa Mosaic Textile Wall Hanging 8 Feet Long
Located in Rochester, NY
Colorful Indian metallic thread abstract wall hanging or shisha . Enormous amount of hand work. Excellent quality. Shisheh or abhla bharat embroidery (Persian شيشه, abhala bharat; ...
Fabric
$315Sale Price|55% Off
What mask are you wearing? 80x80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
$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
$3,400
Museum of Rainbow Light, surreal abstract, gemstone crystal, 32x32" oil painting
By Loren Abbate
Located in Jersey City, NJ
"Museum of Rainbow Light" (2020) is an abstract geometric oil and acrylic painting on canvas by Loren Abbate. It is a square shaped piece and measures 3...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic