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.
Dancing in the Light 3, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A large, abstract impressionistic painting reminiscent of Monet, titled 'Dancing in the Light.' Swirling blue and bright yellow collide and blend, creating a surface that evokes a s...
Acrylic
Who I Am to Disagree, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Abstract Expressionist
Acrylic
When there is a meaning, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
- Title: When there is a meaning - Dimensions: total size 48"H x 90W" - three panels painting on 48"30", 48"24" and 48"x36" - Support: Stretched Canvas, ready to hang. - Medium: M...
Acrylic
Thrive, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original painting on tones of blue, rust orange, red and white. It was painted with professional acrylic paint on canvas. Stretched on a wooden frame. The sides are painted too. ...
Acrylic
Fury and Bloom, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Explosive bursts of fiery reds, blazing oranges, and radiant yellows collide with softer greens, blues, and pink. Fury and Bloom channels both chaos and creation, a vivid interplay b...
Acrylic
Flare of Dawn, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A powerful abstract where fire and sky collide. Bursts of orange, yellow, and gold ignite across deep blues, capturing the raw energy of daybreak. With sweeping textures and radiant ...
Acrylic
Roses in Motion, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Soft pinks, fiery oranges, and yellow hues unfurl like a garden in motion, echoing the fleeting beauty of roses carried by the wind. This abstract work captures both delicacy and str...
Acrylic
Echoes of Fall, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
“Echoes of Fallâ€
Acrylic
Reef of Wandering Starfish, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A vivid dance of colors unfolds like a living reef, where golden currents meet bursts of fiery orange, reminiscent of starfish clinging to hidden rocks beneath the sea. The painting ...
Acrylic
$825Sale Price|25% Off
Main in red, 78 x 54 cm, acrylic on paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Main in red, 78x54 cm
Paper, Acrylic
$10,450
“Post Japan 3 / Osaka” abstract geometric painting, yellow, red, bold pattern
By Gene Johnson
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A contemporary painting by NYC-based painter, Gene Johnson. Signed on verso: [ "Post Japan 3 Osaka" (Yellow) Acrylic on canvas 2024 47 1/2 x 34 3/4" Gene Johnson ] Artist Bio Gen...
Canvas, Acrylic
Thermal Surge, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
"Thermal Surgeâ€
Acrylic
Lilies in Soft Reflection, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Lilies in Soft Reflection is an abstract painting inspired by the quiet movement of water and the way light dissolves into reflection. Layers of soft blue, aqua, warm ochre, moss gre...
Acrylic
Pushed to the Edge, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Pushed to the Edge is a large abstract triptych defined by bold yellow, white, orange, and gray tones layered with expressive, energetic brushwork. Thick acrylic paint, visible textu...
Acrylic
Echoes of Heat, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Abstract Expressionist
Acrylic
Ethereal Reflections, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Ethereal Reflections an abstract landscape that captures the serene stillness of a distant, dreamlike world. This evocative painting invites the viewer into a realm where sky and wat...
Oil
Above Us, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This semi-abstract painting features a bold interplay of red, green, and neutral colors, evoking the sensation of a vivid landscape. The sweeping brushstrokes and textured layers bri...
Oil
origine, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
In Origine, the painting is structured as an ascending movement that rises from a dense, organic base and gradually dissolves into layers of light and transparency. The work explores...
Oil
Aqui, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This contemporary portrait explores the idea of the threshold as a liminal space between presence and absence. A horizontal fracture crosses the face like a horizon, merging inner la...
Oil
Study I, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Study I is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floating can...
Oil
Deeper, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Deeper is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floating canv...
Oil
Eclipse III, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Eclipse III is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floating...
Oil
Lost in the Fog, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Lost in Fog is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floating...
Oil
Watersound I, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Watersound I is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floatin...
Oil
Deep End, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Deep End is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floating ca...
Oil
Washed Denim, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Washed Denim is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floatin...
Oil
Watersound II, Painting, Oil on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Watersound II is composed of oil and wax on Arches paper. Signed, titled, and dated on the back. Paper oil paintings can be framed behind glass or mounted on board to create a floati...
Oil
Let It Be More, Painting, Acrylic on Wood Panel
By Ana Hefco
Located in Yardley, PA
Let It Be More is a calming yet expressive ocean-waves painting that captures the timeless rhythm of the sea. Soft, fluid brushstrokes form rolling waves that move gently toward the ...
Acrylic
Great Dune
By Paul Dempsey
Located in East Hampton, NY
Snow Fence on Dunes in the Hamptons Black & White Photography Printed to order edition of 10 Dye Sublimation Print on Metal 16x24 on metal - 20x30 on metal - Title: Great Dune Year:...
Metal
$441
Authograph Letter Signed by Silvio Cabianca to the Artist Carlo Ferrari - 1926
Located in Roma, IT
Authograph Letter Signed by Silvio Cabianca to the Artist Carlo Ferrari. Ancona, December 10th 1926. In Italian. Four page, bilateral, perfectly readable, good condition, including...
Paper
$11,400
"Someday the Right Day" Linear Abstract oil Painting (blue grey neutral colors)
By Mark Masyga
Located in New York, NY
48"x60" oil and graphite on canvas (signed on reverse). This large scale oil painting by Mark Masyga created with a stunning linear abstract composition. A neutral cool grey groun...
Canvas, Oil, Graphite
"Asanoha Landscape, " Mixed Media Mosaic
Located in Chicago, IL
Monochromatic, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technical art of mosaic making. ...
Marble
Tumblers
By Paul Dempsey
Located in East Hampton, NY
Photograph of ice 30"x20" 36"x24" 10 day turnaround About the artist: A computer programmer and Webmaster by trade, Paul describes himself as a fine art photographer and a “digita...
Photographic Paper
Bhutan Abstraction PF-1 and PF-2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by world renown artist Ricardo Mazal exists in an edition of 30. The image is printed at full bleed to the edge of the paper. Bo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
There's More to Grey - 16"x16" - Abstract Painting, Modern, Contemporary, Grey
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
In this abstract painting on canvas, emphasis is placed on simplified, subtle and minimal composition. This warm neutral piece features a loosely detailed geometric pattern along the...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,200
Blue Damask - 16”x16”, Abstract Painting, Textured Pattern, Blue, White
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
This highly detailed artwork seamlessly blends acrylic, pencil and colour pencil in a freeform style, maintaining a delicate balance between expressiveness and refinement. The distre...
Canvas, Acrylic, Pencil, Color Pencil
Glass Sculpture Ravenna Purple
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Hand-crafted Glassfusing Glass Sculpture Glass Artwork for Sale "Ravenna Purple", is a hand-crafted sculpture of colored glass using the fusion process. This window model sculpture...
Steel
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
Time loop , 120x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Time loop , 120x100 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
Bhutan Abstraction PF-1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by world renown artist Ricardo Mazal exists in an edition of 30. The image is printed at full bleed to the edge of the paper. Bo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Bhutan Abstraction PF-2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by world renown artist Ricardo Mazal exists in an edition of 30. The image is printed at full bleed to the edge of the paper. Bo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Cups - Screen Print by Tito Stefanoni - 1972
Located in Roma, IT
Cups is an original screen print on aluminum realized by Tito Stefanoni in 1972. Signed lower right. Edition of 2100. Specimen no. 302 (as marked on rear) The artwork is depicted...
Screen
$425
Pink - 8"x8", Pink And Grey, Minimal Abstract Painting On Canvas, Modern
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
So little with so much to say. This pink and grey abstract painting puts emphasis on simplified composition with the use of paint and paper collage. Layers of paint build up a softly...
Canvas, Paper, Acrylic
Tornado Alley, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork is a vibrant explosion of color and movement, characterized by dynamic, intertwining strokes that evoke a sense of energy and spontaneity. Bold yellows, reds, and blues d...
Acrylic
Pinata, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork is a dynamic abstract piece filled with energetic strokes of vivid colors layered over intense black forms. The use of bright hues such as reds, blues, yellows, and pinks...
Acrylic
The Summit, the Eye, and the Wedge, Mix Media, 30x25cm, Abstract Geometric, 2026
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
The Summit, the Eye, and the Wedge, by Alejandra España. -Mix Media -30 x 25 cm, -Abstract Geometric, c.2026 España’s intuitive processes and open engagement with materials allow ...
Gold Leaf
$750Sale Price|25% Off
In crowd, 78x54cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
In crowd, 2023, 78x54 cm The work is sold without a frame.
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Oxygen Cutting - Original Bronze by Angelo Bozzola - 1983
Located in Roma, IT
Oxygen Cutting is an original artwork realized by Italian artist, painter as well as sculptor, Angelo Bozzola in 1983 in Turin. Flame cutting on bronze...
Bronze
"Diary (2301), " Mixed Media Mosaic, 2023
Located in Chicago, IL
Intricate, ethereal and highly textured, the abstract compositions of Japanese mosaic artist Toyoharu Kii reflect a sophisticated approach to the technica...
Marble
Unitled
Located in New York, NY
Gouache on paper. Signed in pencil, lower right corner.
Gouache, Paper
October: The Silence with 2 lithograph by Kumi Sugar - 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Edition of 160 copies, including 5 copies numbered from A to E with the hand-writing of poet, 5 copies from F to L with the hand-drawing by artist, 30 copies from 1 to 30 with the 2 ...
Paper, Lithograph
Autograph Postcard Signed by Giuseppe Santomaso - 1955
Located in Roma, IT
Autograph Postcard Signed by Giuseppe Santomaso (Venice, 1907 - 1990) to the Capogrossi family. May, 11, 1955. Dated. In Italian On the front, a colored reproduction of Capogrossi'...
Ink, Postcard
Bloody Soccer, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork showcases a vibrant explosion of color and energy, characterized by bold strokes and an intricate web of lines. The use of bright yellows, reds, blues, and purples intert...
Acrylic
Pearly Gates, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The artwork is a vibrant abstract piece, characterized by a dynamic interplay of colors and textures. Distinct patches of yellow, pink, blue, and red are juxtaposed, creating a vivid...
Acrylic
Be@rbrick x Warhol and Basquiat Estates 400% and 100%
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Bearbrick and Andy Warhol Foundation and Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat Vinyl Figures: Set of two (400% & 100%) A unique, timeless collectible trademarked & licensed by the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat & Andy Warhol. The partnered collectible reveals details from Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol's 'New Flame' painting wrapping the figure in its entirety. Housed in a unique Warhol, Basquiat collector's box. Sold out; highly collectible. Medium: Vinyl Figure. Year: 2021. Set of two figurines...
Resin, Vinyl
$300Sale Price|50% Off
Lake house, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Limited edition of 5 pieces
Canvas, Color
$270Sale Price|55% Off
Oysters, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
$3,000Sale Price|25% Off
oxygen , 250x170 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
oxygen, 250x170 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$7,800
"Boy Reflection" oil and resin painting, mirrored portrait atop a Lily Pond
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Boy Reflection" is an abstract expressionist painting of a boy's reflection onto the surface of a lily pond. An exciting new series out of Darius Yektai’s studio this year, shows r...
Linen, Epoxy Resin, Oil
$300Sale Price|50% Off
Lake house, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
KAWS Flayed Companion 2016: set of 2 works (KAWS companion)
By KAWS
Located in NEW YORK, NY
KAWS Companion 2016: Set of 2 KAWS Flayed Companions (Brown & Red). Each, new and sealed in original packaging. Published by Medicom Japan in conjunction with the exhibition, KAWS: W...
Resin, Vinyl