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.
"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
Dogwood Canopy 2
Located in Westport, CT
Jeri Eisenberg creates nature inspired works in single panels, diptychs and triptychs. Her soft colored photographic pieces are created using non-traditional and alternative photo-ba...
Photographic Film, Encaustic, Handmade Paper
Fiesta (Yellow) - Abstract Colorful Expressionist Textural Drip Painting
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
Refleksy (Reflexes), Mid-Century Wool Tapestry, Abstract Textile Wall Sculpture
Located in Wilton, CT
Refleksy (Reflexes), flax (linen) and wool, 50" x 48" x 2", 1973. This warm, vivid Mid-Century tapestry, Refleksy (1973) is by Polish textile artist, ...
Fabric, Textile, Tapestry, Wool, Linen, Thread
Lantern Column VI
By Niho Kozuru
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Title: Lantern Column VI Year: 1998 - 2014 Medium: Mold blown glass, cast polymer, steel, cast iron Size: 69 1/2 inches Price: $11,000. Niho Kozuru (髙鶴丹穂) is a Japanese-born mixed media artist based in Boston, MA. Kozuru casts and reconfigures molds of her own designs, classical and industrial turned architectural forms in unexpected materials. Using rubber, glass and clay she creates columns with undulating silhouettes. The “Lantern Columns” are a group of 7 towers, ranging from 4 feet to 7 feet tall. They have been shown in various configurations in multiple US States as well as the Fukuoka City Museum in Kyushu, Japan. Kozuru made 60 components by blowing glass into molds of her own designs while at Artists in Residency at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. After traveling the world, the Lantern Columns have been arranged into their final configuration, with a steel armature within and each topped with a vivid cast iron final...
Steel, Iron
Organic Way - Original Minimalist Blush and Blue Modern 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, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Peach Bloom, " Mixed Media Kite
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...
Wood, Fabric, Silk
Blue Boy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Criswell's dimensional wall sculpture emerged from a study of spatial organization by arranging basic, repetitive shapes into a harmonious balance, while exploring the concept of sim...
Wood, Paint, Wood Panel
$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
British Peter Clough Abstract Composition Signed From Pierre Rouve s Colletion
Located in London, GB
Peter Clough (1928–1991), British An abstract composition Oil on canvas Signed bottom right 'P.C. 57' Provenance: Pierre Rouve (From the ceiling in the master bedroom, the canvas ha...
Canvas, Oil
"II.2.1975" Watercolor Painting on Paper by Tim Nordin, Framed
By Tim Nordin
Located in Encino, CA
"Large Sumi Brush Mark Series, Untitled #II.2.1975," an original watercolor on paper by Tim Nordin, is a piece for the true collector. Nordin's use of color...
Watercolor
Erotic YOBITSUGI STYLE VASE by Aaron Scythe
By Aaron Scythe
Located in Morton Grove, IL
YOBITSUGI STYLE VASE (INV# NP2717) Aaron Scythe porcelain, clay, underglaze, glaze 8 x 6 x 6” 2020 This vase is made of several different vases, cut apart and enameled back together!
Porcelain, Stoneware, Glaze
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
"Red Rust Jacket, " Steel Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Upon discovering a weathered steel drum that had been warped to resemble the sleeve of a garment, artist Gordon Chandler was inspired to embark on a series of kimono sculptures forme...
Steel
"Study in Red, " Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Michael Thompson creates unique compositions of abstract painted elements and a collage of vintage Asian ephemera—including fragments of fabric, scrolls, drawings, and books collected during his travels. In a departure from his split bamboo kite series, this work on stretched canvas entitled "Study in Red" layers textured paper and silken fragments within a rosy...
Wood, Rice Paper, Canvas, Silk, Acrylic
Paradigm Blue
By Brad Ellis
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by artist Brad Ellis exists in an edition of 30. Paper size is 30"h x 24"w with an image size of 24"h x 19"w. Brad Ellis is a Da...
Cotton, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment, Digital...
"Bamboo Sunset (Persimmon), " Mixed Media Kite
Located in Chicago, IL
Chicago-based artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites crafted from split bamboo frames covered with stretched muslin and a collage of vintage Asian ephemera - including fragment...
Muslin, Wood, Paper
The Basque Suite #5
Located in New York, NY
Color screenprint on J. B. Green paper, 1970-71. Initialed by the artist and numbered 123/150 in pencil, lower right. Printed by Kelpra Studio, London. Published by Marlborough Gra...
Screen, Color
An Orange Sun, 8"x6", Fragments Of Fortuny Series, Collage, Abstract Landscape
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
This is the first in a series of intimate paintings exploring colour combinations using fragments of Fortuny textiles. Through the use of paint, paper and fabric, the simplified comp...
Canvas, Acrylic
Till It's Time to Go No. 3
Located in Westport, CT
Jeri Eisenberg creates nature inspired works in single panels, diptychs and triptychs. Her soft colored photographic pieces are created using non-traditional and alternative photo-ba...
Photographic Film, Encaustic, Handmade Paper
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
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
Large Oil Painting - "Black Elk" Monochromatic, Abstract Expressionism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Elk Oil on Canvas 94 x 74" / 7 ft 10" x 6 ft 2" Signed at the back (Some of these images show his other large scale work in collections around the country) This is one of his...
Oil
Calm And Cool - 8"x8", Green, Blue, Color Abstract Landscape Painting
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
Minimal art has a lot to say. In this abstract painting on canvas, emphasis is placed on simplified composition. Linear, textured detail creates subtle dimension within a harmonious ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$300Sale Price|50% Off
Lake house, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
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
$720
Copernican Revolution, Astronomy Style Patchwork, Blue Tones Geometric Shapes
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is a beautiful patchwork piece by Zita Chocarro. Her exploration of color plays with form and contrast, as the intersection of the shapes she uses masterfully come together to ...
Fabric
What mask are you wearing? 80x80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces my
Located in Yerevan, AM
What mask are you wearing? 80x80cm, print on canvas Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
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
What mask are you wearing? 80x80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
What mask are you wearing? 80x80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
Still life with oysters, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Still life with oysters, 80х80cm, print on canvas Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
Still life with oysters, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
Still life with oysters, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
Lake house, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
N3, 42x29 cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
N3, 2021, 42x29,7 cm
Paper, Acrylic
Waiting, 2021, 78x54 cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Waiting, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Untittle, 78x54cm, acrylic, paper
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untittle, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
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
Party, 78x54cm, acrylic/paper/pastel
Located in Yerevan, AM
Party, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Heat, 78x54cm, acrylic on paper, pastel
Located in Yerevan, AM
Heat, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Idle chatter, 2021, 78x54 cm, acrylic/paper/pastel
Located in Yerevan, AM
Idle chatter, 2021, 78x54 cm
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Denmark Hill Return, Oil on Canvas, Geometric Pattern Horizontal Painting
By Jon Probert
Located in Kingsclere, GB
Denmark Hill Return, Oil on Canvas Painting by Jon Probert B. 1966 Additional information: Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 77 x 153 cm 30 1/4 x 60 1/4 in Signed verso Having stud...
Canvas, Oil
Quadrille IV
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by renown artist Patsy Krebs exists in an edition of 30. Paper size is 37"h x 35"w with an image size of 26.5"h x 26.5"w. Patsy ...
Cotton, Pigment, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
Yvaral Lithograph "Structure géométrique 1" 1974.
By Yvaral (Jean-Pierre Vasarely)
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Yvaral Lithograph Structure géométrique 1 Signed in pencil Numbered 209/225 Circa 1974 59x64 cms 950 euros
Paper
Rainbow Shake Diptych
By Ned Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This acrylic on canvas painting is about light, shadows and refractions. Evan's explores sunlight through vapors with this painting. A master of texture and mediums, Evans effortless...
Canvas, Acrylic
Yaacov Agam Lithograph "Tribute to Mondrian" 1975.
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Yaacov Agam Lithograph Tribute to Mondrian Number 50/100 Circa 1975 71 x 67 cms
Paper
Reckoning 11-9-89
By Sam Gilliam
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Sam Gilliam (1933–2022) is beloved as one of the 20th century's most important abstract artists. He was a true innovator in the evolution of American abstraction. He is credited with...
Concrete
Jean-Michel Basquiat Bearbrick 400% (set of 2 Basquiat Be@rbricks)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Jean-Michel Basquiat Bearbrick 400% Figures: Set of two works: Unique, timeless collectibles trademarked & licensed by the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat This set reveals details fro...
Resin, Vinyl
"Shaped Canvas, " Red & Black Shape Oil on Canvas by Peg Fritsch
By Peg Fritsch
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Shaped Canvas" is an abstract oil painting created by Peg Fritsch. Fritsch shaped the canvas itself with an abstraction of geometric shapes. There is some damage to the lower right ...
Canvas, Oil
$28,000
Large Budd Hopkins Modernist Hard Edged Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting 1965
Located in Surfside, FL
Budd Hopkins, American (1931-2011) Strike Red Oil on canvas, 1965, signed 'Hopkins' and dated lower right. Dimensions: 85 x81 in., 86 x 52 in. with frame. Provenance: bears partial l...
Paint
"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
Framed Mixed Media Colorful Portait Painting: The Witness
Located in New York, NY
As a multidisciplinary artist, Jenny Flexner Reinhardt explores a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, collage, and mixed-media. Her art delves into the complexities of m...
Mixed Media
Raventos Birth of Venus. Original Big Tapestry
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Birth of Venus. 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 e...
Tapestry
25 Gehrys
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 27"h x 27"w. Gary Mankus was b...
Cotton, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
ONYX - Dusk (XL)
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - ONYX - Dusk (XL SIZE 36" x 48"). Limited Edition #15 of 25. Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW - Unopene...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
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
River Seine in Paris, Fall, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Suren Nersisyan depicts the romantic cityscape of Paris. "I love the bridges of this city connecting the banks of the Seine river," shares Suren. He ca...
Oil
$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
$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