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.
$9,255
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
Drops sprinkling my discontinuous trip
By L.G.
Located in Paris, FR
One of a kind Blown and fused Glasswhite silver transparent and matte white and noir. Includes its black metal base ( about 32 cm X 10 cm X 18 cm ). Total weight about 20 to 25 k...
Blown Glass
'New Mexico Mission' by James Cobb, Framed Oil Painting on Canvas, 2019
By James Cobb
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
James Cobb's oil painting on canvas, 'New Mexico Mission', reflects on his time spent in the area as he has historically worked in both Norman, Oklahoma and New Mexico. His works are...
Canvas, Oil
$2,800
"Lady Godiva"; 36" x 36" x 1.5" Acrylic on Canvas by Nasim Nekubakht, 2024
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 36" x 36" acrylic on canvas work by Iranian artist Nasim Nekubakht is an abstract adaptation of the legend of Lady Godiva, the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. The legend dates ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Gray Arch
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Gray Arch, 2018 Dry wool needle felting 48 x 32 in Edition of 3 One of Gary Goldberg’s photographs from his Finding the Universe in Oax...
Textile, Felt
"Abstract #18" by Anthony Dyke; 17" x 13.625" Oil on Canvas, Resin, 2025
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 13.5" x 17" oil painting on canvas by Boston, Massachusetts-based artist Anthony Dyke is an abstract interpretation of an urban cityscape. Through exploration of color and their...
Canvas, Resin, Oil
$13,506Sale Price|20% Off
On Stellar Rays -Monroe Hodder, American, Abstract, Juxtapositions, Bold, Modern
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
On Stellar Rays, original acrylic on canvas painting by American artist Monroe Hodder. Hodder’s abstract paintings are gloriously bold. Inspired by the u...
Acrylic
Acrobat (detail), Limited Edition Porcelain Plate in bespoke gift box - Abstract
Located in New York, NY
This porcelain/ceramic plate makes a gorgeous gift - in a bright blue bespoke box, ready to be gifted. Any fan of Helen Frankenthaler or Abstract Expressionist art would be thrilled!...
Porcelain, Screen, Cardboard, Mixed Media
$3,150Sale Price|25% Off
City flowers, 100x160 cm, acrylic on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
City flowers, 100x160 cm, acrylic on canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
$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
Arrival To Earth - Colorful Abstract Floral Painting
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
$675Sale Price|25% Off
Narcissus, 50x45cm, oil on canvas
By Fleur
Located in Yerevan, AM
Narcissus, 50x60cm, oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
Two My cat, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By LE ANH TUAN
Located in Yardley, PA
The painting "Two My Cat" is an emotional work of art, capturing the gentle and friendly moments between two cats. With its delicate painting style and attention to detail, this wo...
Acrylic
Orb I Acrylic on Wood Panel, Abstract Minimalist Art, 2020, Unique
Located in London, GB
Orb I - acrylic on wood panel, 2020 20 x 20 x 4.5" inches Circular wood panel mounted on square wood box panel. original and unique piece. Christian Möller, German and born in Kab...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
$1,005Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Modern Abstract Italian Painting by Claudio Cazzola
By Claudio Cazzola
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful modern painting from the 1970s by the artist Claudio Cazzola. An abstract motif of rare intensity and originality, this very elegant painting has two exhibition stamps on t...
Canvas, Oil
"Abstract #17" by Anthony Dyke; Oil on Canvas, Resin; 11.5" x 14.5", 2025
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 11.5" x 14.5" oil painting on canvas by Boston, Massachusetts-based artist Anthony Dyke is one of his recent abstract compositions. Dyke is influenced by his studies on color re...
Canvas, Resin, Oil
"Emerge", Original Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
Evocative and atmospheric, this original floral abstract "Emerge" by Sandy Palasti captures the quiet moment when a bloom seems to emerge from shadow into light. Through expressive b...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Daydreaming 2", Original Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
Soft, ethereal, and quietly captivating, this original floral abstract "Daydreaming 2" by Sandy Palasti evokes the fleeting beauty of a blossom suspended in light. Blending abstracti...
Canvas, Acrylic
Paper Ball 100% Silk Scarf w/tag designed by Alexander Calder, Estate authorized
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder (after) Paper Ball, 2001 100% silkscreen on silk scarf 33 inches × 35 inches - fully opened (unfolded) Unframed Published by Powerball, with special authorization from the Estate of Alexander Calder In 1949 Calder was commissioned by the New York firm Laverne Originals to create two designs for use as fabric and wallpaper. This design - Paint Ball, a beautiful silk scarf...
Silk, Screen, Fabric
Taffiti Graffiti, 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
$2,100Sale Price|20% Off
Life to the Full Neutral 2 - Earth Tone 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 exhibit 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 36-inch high by 60-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 available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the 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
La Longere, Seguret, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer displays a magnificent view of a French vineyard. Rows of grapevines ripen under the radiant summer sun. A longère, a lengthy narrow farmho...
Acrylic
Polygon Deer - 100cm - Unique Modern Outdoor Ornament - Stefan Traloc
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Unusual polygon sculpture deer with burner insert on an oxidized oak stele for home and garden. The burner supplied already contains individual lava stones, so this burner can be eas...
Steel
$500
"Divergent Discourse", Abstract, Black, White, Rust, Mixed Media Accordion Book
Located in Franklin, MA
Monica DeSalvo’s “Divergent Discourse” is a 10.75 x 58 mixed media accordion book on paper with a predominant palette of black, white, rust, gray, and pastel accents. The book is con...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype, Conté, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Photography
"Summer of Love", Original Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
In Summer of Love, Sandy Palasti brings her signature expressive style to a vibrant yet ethereal palette of sky blues, softened whites, and grounding neutrals. This large-scale oil p...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,038
Cola Bears and cola , Oil on Linen Still Life Painting, Hyperrealism, 80 cm
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
Melba - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1970s, New, 42x60 in
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This abstract contemporary painting by Milly Ristvedt is all about colour. Early in her career, Milly Ristvedt had already been singled out as an exceptional artist by Canada’s Jack...
Canvas, Acrylic
Gold - Impasto Thick Paint Earth Tone Neutral 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, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$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
Cosmic Trigger - Large Contemporary Organic Shape 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, Oil
The Center of Life - Minimalist Abstract Geometric 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
Limited Edition Monograph: Pat Steir (Hand signed and inscribed by Pat Steir)
By Pat Steir
Located in New York, NY
Pat Steir (Hand signed and inscribed by Pat Steir), 2014 Limited Edition clothbound hardback monograph with no dust jacket as issued (hand signed and inscribed to Nadine) Hand signed...
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset, Board
"So It Grows" Embroidery and found object assembly
By Kelly Kozma
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"So It Grows" is an original hand-embroidered piece on paint chip color samples with Swarovski Elements crystal details by American artist Kelly Kozma. The piece ships in the pictur...
Thread, Mixed Media, Archival Paper
$7,500
Monograph: Philip Guston (Hand signed, inscribed and dated to a major collector)
Located in New York, NY
Philip Guston Monograph: Philip Guston (Hand signed and inscribed to major collector by Philip Guston), 1980 Softback monograph (hand signed, inscribed and dated by Philip Guston to Mary Keesling) Warmly signed and inscribed by Philip Guston to Mary Keesling on the title page 10 1/4 × 9 × 3/4 inches If you're reading this description, then we hardly need to tell you, dear collector and Guston enthusiast, that autographed books...
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Lithograph, Offset
$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
$2,500
Bronze Belt Buckle, limited edition in collection of Victoria & Albert Museum UK
By Anthony Caro
Located in New York, NY
Anthony Caro Bronze Belt Buckle, 1993 Bronze sculpted belt buckle. Stamped on the verso 3 × 4 1/2 inches Exhibition History: Victoria and Albert Museum, L...
Bronze
$625
Quiet Earth - Original Minimalist Gold, Brown Tone Abstract Contemporary Artwork
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
$1,283
Singularity II Original Abstract Geometric Painting, Mixed Media, 42x90 cm
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Singularity II" by Heny Steinberg is a captivating exploratio...
Acrylic, Board
$4,700Sale Price|53% Off
Hecate. The Old Woman , 90х190 cm, oil on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Hecate. The Old Woman , 90х190 cm, oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
$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
$2,625Sale Price|25% Off
Dialog , 100x140 cm, acrylic on canvas
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Dialog, 2023, 100x140 cm
Acrylic
$525Sale Price|25% Off
N3, 42x29 cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
N3, 2021, 42x29,7 cm
Paper, Acrylic
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Waiting, 2021, 78x54 cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Waiting, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Untittle, 78x54cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untittle, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Catch a deer, 78x54cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Catch a deer, 2023, 78x54 cm The work is sold without a frame.
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Party, 78x54cm, acrylic/paper/pastel
Located in Yerevan, AM
Party, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$825Sale Price|25% Off
Heat, 78x54cm, acrylic on paper, pastel
Located in Yerevan, AM
Heat, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Life with a cat, 78x54cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Life with a cat, 2023, 78x54 cm The work is sold without a frame.
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$750Sale Price|25% Off
Embrace, 54x39cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Embrace, 2021, 54x39 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
"Japanese Garden" 100x120 cm, acrylic on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
"Japanese Garden" 100x120 cm, acrylic on canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
$975Sale Price|25% Off
E , 90x70cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Heterochromia, 80x80 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Time loop , 120x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Time loop , 120x100 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,000Sale Price|25% Off
27 , 235x170 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
27, 235x170 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
Winter, 100x120 cm, acrylic on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
100x120 cm, acrylic on canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
Anticipating, Oil Painting
By Gary Leonard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A contemplative portrait rendered in bright oranges and green. Artist Gary Leonard first developed the abstract background and then worked the figure into the...
Oil
$3,916
A Misty Evening -original impressionism cityscape painting - contemporary art
By Shazia Imran
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
Skyward, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"I decided to lean into the suggestive pose of the figure," shares artist Sumner Crenshaw, "creating a work that radiates with confident sensuality and femini...
Oil
Lipstick Pink - Colorful Original Thick Paint Impasto Artwork Red Tones
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, Mixed Media
Black Rainbow - Vivid Abstract Expressionism Colorful Painting on Canvas
By Dez Gaskin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Desireé Gaskin (Dez) is a self-taught artist living and working in Dallas, Texas. Her artistic style is a form of abstract expressionism ruled by her creative imagination and love fo...
Canvas, Acrylic