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.
"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
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
Enrique "Sebastian" Carbajal Modernism Bronze Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
Enrique "Sebastian" Carbajal (Born 1947) bronze sculpture Brilliant bronze sculpture by listed Mexican artist Enrique "Sebastian" Carbajal. This Mexican modernist bronze sculpture ...
Bronze
$12,500
Dots 1 -textile abstract geometric blue, grey, red, yellow stitched wool framed
Located in New York, NY
Alma Prism stands at the intersection of art and ethics, creating geometric abstraction designs that are as responsible as they are beautiful. Through our collaboration with skilled ...
Wool
$8,200
Spring Vibes -textile abstract geometric beige, grey, brown stitched wool framed
Located in New York, NY
Alma Prism stands at the intersection of art and ethics, creating geometric abstraction designs that are as responsible as they are beautiful. Through our collaboration with skilled ...
Wool
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...
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
"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
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
$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
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
"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
$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
"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
$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
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
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (ORANGE) XL
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Blue) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #44 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condit...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
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
$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
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
$300Sale Price|50% Off
Lake house, 80х80cm, print on canvas.Edition of 20 pieces
Located in Yerevan, AM
Edition of 20 pieces
Canvas, Color
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
$5,500
Shadow, 1970, offset lithograph on card (uniquely signed by Sean Scully), Framed
By Sean Scully
Located in New York, NY
Sean Scully Shadow, 1970, 2016 (uniquely hand signed) Offset lithograph print on card depicting Scully's painting "Shadow" Boldly signed in black marker by Sean Scully for the prese...
Cardboard, Lithograph, Offset
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
$2,500
Sean Scully Estampes (Graphic Works) exhibition poster (Hand Signed by Scully)
By Sean Scully
Located in New York, NY
Sean Scully Estampes, France (Hand Signed), 2006 Offset Lithograph poster Boldly signed in black marker on the front by Sean Scully for the present owner Unframed This is a wonderful piece for true Scully fans. It's a rare 2006 poster from the European exhibition entitled "Sean Scully Estampes" (Sean Scully Prints...
Lithograph, Offset
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
Blue Pillars, Contemporary Art, Textile Art, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Blue Pillars Textile Art, Cotton, Handmade Free style weaving, framed 120x60cm 2025 About the artist Matthias De Vogel The Textile art studio Fault Lines is Founded in 2015 by Mat...
Textile, Cotton
"Aeriform" 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 fragments ...
Muslin, Wood, Washi Paper, Pigment, Silk
Autumn Lights My Way, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Mesmerizing autumnal trees flourish in artist George Peebles' serene landscape. Radiant hues of orange take over the green foliage as the season gently but dr...
Oil
Two heads, 70x100cm, acrylic on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Two heads, 70x100 cm
Canvas, Acrylic
Goddess 4
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
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
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
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
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
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
Black Poppies, Sept 7, 2022 (Ed: 23/50)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Donald Sultan is an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker. He is particularly well-known for large-scale still life paintings, and one of the first to employ a wide range of ind...
Screen
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
We are one, 100x50cm, acrylic on canvas
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
We are one, 100x50cm
Canvas, Acrylic
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
"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
$17,295
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
$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
Noumenon-Contemporary, Carrara Marble, Sculpture, Ian Thomson, inspiration
Located in Knowle Lane, Cranleigh
Introducing "Noumenon" — a captivating sculpture crafted from premium Carrara marble, renowned for its luminous quality and timeless elegance. This piece embodies the artist's profou...
Marble
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
avp_967 - 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
$9,500
Prine
By Ned Evans
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The painting "Prine" is apart of a series of work featured at an exhibition titled "Inside the Prism" where Evan's explores fractured light. A master of texture and mediums, Evans ef...
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
$581
Entree 12H Ticket Collage Abstract Collage & Crayon, 1982, signed, 10.3 x 9.20cm
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
George Dannatt (1915-2009) Ticket Collage - "Entree 12H" 1982 Mixed media: Collage crayon Image: 10.3 x 9.20 cm Frame: 25.4 x 21.5 cm George Dannatt (1915-2009) was an outsta...
Crayon, Mixed Media
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
$8,500Sale Price|22% Off
"River Ocean Lake" Contemporary Large Scale Abstract Painting, violet, orange
Located in New York, NY
A water inspired abstract painting by New York/Hawaiian artist Debra Drexler. 60"x48" signed on reverse. Lavender, plum, purple and violet colors overlap with peach light orange/pin...
Canvas, Acrylic
Serra 7x7
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
$1,930
Albert Bridge Sunset Acrylic Painting, original Contemporary Cityscape, 53x41cm
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, Acrylic
Summer Evening at the Albert Hall -original modern realism cityscape artwork
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, Acrylic
$4,835
View of St Paul’s-original modern realism cityscape 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, Acrylic
$4,835
Towards the city -original surreal realism cityscape 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, Acrylic
$5,520
Surreal Bridge Melodies-original NY cityscape abstract 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
$3,037
A Moment in Times Square-NY cityscape abstract surreal 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, Acrylic