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.
Goddess 3
By Gary Mankus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by artist Gary Mankus exists in an edition of 40. Paper size is 37"h x 35"w with an image size of 29"h x 29"w. Gary Mankus was b...
Cotton, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
avp_1629 - 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
Blue Swirl 2 - Large Scale Abstract Flowy Minimalist Ink Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses dynamism and sensuality in her paintings: “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, flowers, and people in motion, capturing th...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media
$3,600
follow your path - 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...
Gold Leaf
Galisteo Basin, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by a beautiful basin in northern New Mexico outside of Santa Fe. "A monsoonal storm passed through and left the ground wet," says artist Heather Fost...
Acrylic
$3,500
"May 1st", 60" x 48" Acrylic on Canvas by Nasim Nekubakht, 2024; Tans, Blues
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas work by Iranian-born, Oklahoma City-based artist Nasim Nekubakht features soft yellows and tans with pops of sage green and a stripe of light cerulea...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,191
Our Blossom Time-original landscape figurative oil painting-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
Australian Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
By David Rankin
Located in Surfside, FL
David Rankin is a New York-based, British-born Australian post-war and contemporary artist known for his expressionistic abstract paintings. His work can be categorized by his use of...
Canvas, Oil
Any day now II, Freestyle Resin Art, Unique Piece, handmade
Located in München, BY
Unique Piece handmade Resin and Pigments on Wood As a self-taught artist, he uses the unique expression of resin materials to create fascinating works of art. Daniel combines variou...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood
$11,640
Blue Yonder-Monroe Hodder, American, Abstract, Bold, Modern, Red, Blue, Oil
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Blue Yonder is an original oil over acrylic on canvas painting by American artist Monroe Hodder. Hodder’s abstract paintings are gloriously bold. Inspired by the urban backdrops of h...
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
$2,100
Blooming in Heaven - Large Abstract Luminous 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
$2,100
Desert Awakenings - Large Abstract Warm Tone 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
The Mountain Is Also a Universe, Abstract Mixed Media on Paper, 2026
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
The Mountain Is Also a Universe, by Alejandra España -Mixed media, gold leaf -20 x 15 cm - Contemporary abstract collague, c. 2026 España’s intuitive processes and open engagement...
Gold Leaf
Celebrate Now - Abstract Warm Red Yellow Expressionist 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
$1,065
avp_1619 - Original Abstract Purple 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
Safe With Me - Meditative Abstract Floral Textural Painting on Canvas
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
$23,500
1967 Castelli Gallery Exhibition Announcement, uniquely signed by Frank Stella
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Leo Castelli Gallery Exhibition Announcement for Frank Stella Paintings, November 25 – December 23, 1967. With a later complimentary autograph Uniquely signed in ink by Frank Stella ...
Screen
$1,500
Untitled (Remembered): Abstract Acrylic Painting on Wood Panel, 21st Century
By Jeremy Nichols
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original painting on panel by artist Jeremy Nichols. The piece ships ready to hang in the pictured floater frame and measures 24in height x 18in width. The artist had recently focused on mainly graphite works in this style in recent years and this piece marks an exciting transition back to including paint and color in his process. Jeremy Nichols was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1982. He spent most of his youth in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio and traveling back and forth from Tokyo, Japan. After high school, he went to the Ohio State University to study Printmaking under Charles Massey...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Series "Composition", 50 x 35 cm, acrylic on paper
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Series "Composition", 50 x 35 cm, acrylic on paper The work is sold without a frame and mat
Paper, Acrylic
"Wild at Heart", Original Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
This striking abstract floral painting by Sandy Palasti, titled Wild at Heart, channels raw emotion through bold gesture and color. A dynamic composition of layered brushstrokes in d...
Canvas, Acrylic
In Water Already Counted (Rizq) - Painting, Oil on canvas
Located in London, GB
Shooq AlShawi In Water Already Counted (Rizq), 2025 Oil on canvas 100 x 70 cm 39 3/8 x 27 1/2 in
Canvas, Oil
Spring Sky Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 75x75 cm, 2010-
Located in London, GB
Neda Dana-Haeri Spring Sky, 2024 Oil on canvas 75 x 75 cm 29 1/2 x 29 1/2 in
Canvas, Oil
Split silence, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a striking and emotionally charged piece that feels like a portrait caught between two worlds. The right side of the canvas bursts with chaotic, layered energy, a storm of...
Oil
Composicion #23
Located in Milford, NH
A fine Mid Century vertical abstract expressionist oil painting by Panamanian artist Antonio Alvarado (b. 1938). Antonio studied under the figurative ...
Canvas, Oil
Signed, Dated, Original Ed Moses Painting
By Ed Moses
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Tibbar"- A dramatic, large abstract, acrylic-on-canvas painting by important, Los Angeles artist, Ed Moses (1926-2018) whose distinguished career earned him solo exhibitions at LACM...
Canvas, Acrylic
I see white Rabbits I-III, Freestyle Resin Art, Unique Piece, handmade
Located in München, BY
Triptychon / Unique Piece handmade Resin and Pigments on Wood Artwork consists of 3 Parts: - 50 x 150 cm / 75 x 150 cm / 125 x 150 cm 20 x 59 in / 29.5 x 59 in / 49 x 59 in As a sel...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood
$7,500
Alexander Calder - 1950's, Handwritten, signed letter, sent from Sache, France
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder Handwritten, signed letter, 1956 Ink on paper: 2 page handwritten and hand signed letter Hand signed by Calder at the end of the letter on the second page. Unique 11...
Paper, Ink
Threads VIII by Vicky Barranguet Large Contemporary Abstract Painting Grey, 2022
Located in Miami, FL
Threads VIII by Vicky Barranguet Large Contemporary Abstract Painting Grey, 2022 Acrylic on canvas 120 x 78 in Unstretched Vicky Barranguet found her own voice and colorful expres...
Acrylic
"Time Warp" Hand Embroidery with Colored Pencil on Paper
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This fabric work titled "Time Warp" is an original artwork by Kelly Kozma made of hand embroidery, colored pencil & acrylic paint on paper. The piece measures 15”h by 15”w framed...
Thread, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Color Pencil
Breath of Flowers - 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
$7,000
Thomas Nozkowski - "For Kevin", original drawing on paper, hand signed, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Thomas Nozkowski "For Kevin", original drawing Original drawing done on marker on title page of of monograph Boldly signed and inscribed "For Kevin All Best Wishes" and dated 2015 in...
Permanent Marker
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Sunflowers , 40x50 cm, oil on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Sunflowers , 40x50 cm, oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
$2,025Sale Price|25% Off
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Abstract Blue-Green Oil Pastel by Paul Reed with Pops of Yellow and Red
By Paul Reed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This vibrant drawing created with oil pastels by Paul Reed presents a light, wispy composition with the deepest blues set slightly off-center left. The blotted pastels become a gradi...
Oil Pastel
$3,100
The Beauty of the Heartbeat - Large Abstract 3D Textural Colorful Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Playing with the interaction between positive and negative space, strong colors on neutral backgrounds, Canadian artist Virginie Schroeder creates pop art portraits and iconic pop cu...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled, Mixed Media on Paper by Modern Indian Artist "In Stock"
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Reba Hore - Untitled Mixed Media on Paper 12 x 14.5 inches, 1992 (Framed & Door Delivered) This untitled mixed-media work by Reba Hore, created in 1992, is a deeply expressive comp...
Paper, Mixed Media
$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
$2,625Sale Price|25% Off
Dialog , 100x140 cm, acrylic on canvas
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Dialog, 2023, 100x140 cm
Acrylic
"Fs 3197 ct12" Original Collage on Paper (Framed) 18 x 22.5
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Final Framed dimension: 18 x 22.5 collage art only: 9 x 6 full paper size: 15 x 19 Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, publishe...
Acrylic, Laid Paper, Magazine Paper
$175
"Kuba Cloth 2" Geometric Fiber Art, Handmade, form Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in Austin, TX
Fiber Art by Kuba Artists Fabric Size: 26 x 23 in. Frame Size: 30 x 25.5 Vintage, Handmade Cultural Heritage Art from Democratic Republic of the Congo. The foundation cloth is wove...
Fabric, Thread
"Cool GIide" Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in New York, NY
48'x72" acrylic and oil on canvas, signed on reverse by the artist. This is a contemporary abstract painting by the New York/ Hawaiian artist, Debra Drexler. Hot pink, vibrant orang...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"Kuba Cloth 4"
Located in Austin, TX
Fiber Art by Kuba Artists Fabric Size: 26 x 23 in. Frame Size: 30 x 25.5 in. Vintage, Handmade Cultural Heritage Art from Democratic Republic of the Congo. The foundation cloth is ...
Fabric
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
The illusion of intimacy, 70x100cm, acrylic on canvas
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
The illusion of intimacy, 2020, 70x100 cm
Acrylic
Anticipation
By Richard Lytle
Located in Milford, NH
This large exceptional abstract was painted by American artist Richard Lytle (born 1935). Lytle was born in Albany, New York, studied at the Cooper Union School of Art and the Yale University School of Art, where he received a BFA and MFA. He was included in the Museum of Modern Art’s Sixteen Americans exhibition in 1959. He began teaching in 1960 at Yale, which began a forty year career as a teacher, professor, and dean. He has had numerous one-man and group exhibitions, and he received the Augustus Saint...
Canvas, Oil
$175
"Kuba Cloth 1" Geometric Fiber Art, Handmade, from Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in Austin, TX
Fiber Art by Kuba Artists Fabric Size: 26 x 23 in. Frame Size: 30 x 25.5 Vintage, Handmade Cultural Heritage Art from Democratic Republic of the Congo. The foundation cloth is wo...
Fabric, Thread
Towards The Dream - Abstract Colorful Textured Original Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sergei Inkatov’s original, abstract fine art oil paintings have been exhibited internationally. His expressionistic artworks are vivid and richly textured. Inkatov’s paintings radiat...
Canvas, Oil
Yasu - Burnt Wood sculpture by Zlata Kornilova
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture YASU Limited edition of 12 Mediums: burnt wood and brass Discover the stunning artistry of Zlata Kornilova with this exquisite sculpture crafted from burnt wood using the...
Steel
$17,118
River In The Sea-Monroe Hodder, American, Abstract, Bold, Modern, sea, Blue, Oil
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
River In The Sea is an oil on canvas painting by American artist Monroe Hodder. Hodder’s abstract paintings are gloriously bold. Inspired by the urban backdrops of her life in New Yo...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Been There, Seen It, Done It. Contemporary Quilt
By Bethan Ash
Located in Brecon, Powys
Bethan Ash is a professional quilt maker and teacher with a background in Fashion design. She has exhibited widely and her work has been bought by museums in the UK and USA, includin...
Fabric
$375Sale Price|25% Off
series "Personal Contacts", 61 x 48 cm, acrylic on paper
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
series "Personal Contacts", 61 x 48 cm The work is sold without a frame and mat
Paper, Acrylic
REST EASY, Freestyle Resin Art, Unique Piece, handmade
Located in München, BY
Unique Piece handmade Resin and Pigments on Wood As a self-taught artist, he uses the unique expression of resin materials to create fascinating works of art. Daniel combines variou...
Resin, Epoxy Resin, Wood
$7,200
Martin Pelenur, Architectural Geometric Abstraction in Blue and Yellow, 2020
Located in Miami, FL
Martin Pelenur, Architectural Geometric Abstraction in Blue and Yellow, 2020 This striking geometric abstract painting by Martín Pelenur presents a layered architectural composition...
Acrylic
Limited Edition Bronze Plaque (Placca), registered with the Pomodoro Foundation
Located in New York, NY
Arnaldo Pomodoro Plaque (Placca), 1980 Bronze 3 4/5 × 3 4/5 inches Edition of 500 Incised signature on the front top left, and foundry mark on the bottom; Rotary Club of Palermo plaq...
Bronze
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
$1,725Sale Price|25% Off
labyrinths, 100x100cm, acrylic on canvas
By Olga Rikun
Located in Yerevan, AM
labyrinths, 100x100cm
Canvas, Acrylic
Nick Thomm - AFTER DARK (BLUE)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'After Dark' (Blue) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 125 Hand Signed and Numbered #106 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Winter in White - Large Original Minimalist Contemporary 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, Acrylic
Leonardo Nierman (b.1932 - Mexico City, Mexico) Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Leonardo Nierman (b.1932 - Mexico City, Mexico) Abstract Expressionist Painting c.1970 Fine mixed media abstract landscape by noted Mexican artist Leonardo Nierman. Created with gouache and watercolor on paper. Dimensions 11" x 14.5". The silver leaf frame measures 19.5" x 23.5". The painting is signed in the lower right corner. The frame shows some chipping and can easily be restored. Paintings by Leonardo Nierman seldom appear on the market. This is a fine opportunity to acquire an original masterpiece by this highly regarded Mexican artist. A leader in modern Mexican art...
Watercolor, Gouache, Archival Paper
$2,000
'Okina 3
By Brad Brown
Located in Lyons, CO
Color monotype. The ‘okina is the Hawaiian representation of the glottal stop. It is a separation of doubles. The monotypes in the ‘Okina series are doubles; the prints are divided...
Monotype
$10,566
A Dance for Freedom, Oil and acrylic on canvas, Iranian Contemporary Painting
Located in London, GB
Firoozeh Akhlaghi 1968 - Current A Dance for Freedom, 2024 Oil and acrylic on canvas 170 x 170 cm 66 7/8 x 66 7/8 in
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic