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.
$850
Mysterious Sea, Abstract Seascape Painting in Orange, School of Fish Patterns
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Mysterious Sea ” is a contemporary abstract painting inspired by the fluid motion of ocean currents. Layers of teal, green, and orange tones intertwine with flowing yellow lines, ev...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
Textured lihes. Abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artistic creation is a collection of four unique paintings, unified by an exquisite palette. Each canvas, enriched with texture through the application of spackling, possesses i...
Paste, Acrylic, Canvas
Green Happy Life Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Canvas, 60x75 cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Green happy life" is an abstract painting distinguished by its texture and interwoven layers of color. Green tones predominate, complemented by flashes of blue, red, and green. It f...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$285
3.16 #10 - Original Muted Colorful Abstract Impasto Acrylic Painting on Paper
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...
Paper, Acrylic
Twilight Landscape 1 - Abstract Flowy Minimalist Ink Painting on Linen 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
Red Bloom Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in London, London
Floral vintage tapestry abstract decor Red flowers still-life. Artist: Katarina Joys Title: Red bloom Technique: acrylic on canvas Painted in London, UK, in 2025 Dimensions: 95x85...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$8,302
Equilibrium
Located in London, London
extra large scale abstract painting artist: Katarina joys 110x210cm abstract painting, landscape, The item is located in central London, United Kingdom. The painting will be shippe...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
avp_1628 - 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
$5,050
The Wellspring III - Large Scale Contemporary Colorful Abstract Oil 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
Horizon of Silence
Located in Zofingen, AG
An abstract work in the realm of contemporary painting, exploring the horizon as a symbol of anticipation, inner freedom, and emotional balance. This original artwork combines elemen...
Linen, Oil
$759Sale Price|20% Off
"Free woman" Contemporary figurative nude woman acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Free woman" is a contemporary figurative nude painting by French artist Natalya, created in acrylic paints and acrylic pens on heavyweight acid-free paper, depicting a seated female...
Paper, Acrylic
Crazy Apartment - Abstract Figurative Cubist Portrait Still Life Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valerie Etitinwo's unique approach to abstract figurative painting celebrates the unconventional beauty found in imperfection and awkwardness. The Nigerian-Swiss artist uses bold col...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$5,994Sale Price|27% Off
Coastal Equilibrium
Located in London, London
All the custom charges are included in the final price agreed. Turquoise, beige, red, lines, blue, fluid, movement. Abstract expressionist painting, large-scale contemporary art...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Formes en suspens— Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Formes en suspens by Sophie Dumont is a contemporary abstract oil painting on canvas measuring 89 x 116 cm. The work is presented in a black floater frame. This large-scale compositi...
Canvas, Oil
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled I (Skyscape, Warm, Glowing, Abstract, Pulsating, Lilac, Pink, Yellow)
By Annieo Klaas
Located in Kansas City, MO
Annieo Klaas Untitled I (from 7:45 am Series) 2025 Oil on Canvas Size: 24 x 24 inches (60.96 × 60.96 cm) Signed and titled verso COA included *On stretcher frame, gallery-wrapped - ...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Red Bloom Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in London, London
Floral vintage tapestry abstract decor Red flowers still-life. Artist: Katarina Joys Title: Red bloom Technique: acrylic on canvas Painted in London, UK, in 2025 Dimensions: 95x85...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Metal squares. 3D textured.
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting is made up of individual squares on canvas, creating a unique and intriguing geometric composition. Each square, crafted using clay, represents an individual element, im...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
Frozen Dreams - Large Colorful Impasto Abstract Painting: 120x100cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
Artist: Alex Senchenko Title: " Frozen Dreams " Size: Large 120cm x 100cm Depth: 4cm Deep. Medium: Professional Acrylics on Gallery- Wrapped Canvas Ready to Hang: Sides are pain...
Oil, Acrylic
$960
Original-Sunset Song-New Abstract-British Awarded Artist-en plein air-oil canvas
Located in London, GB
Sunset Song Series stands as one of the most iconic works featured in her Solo Exhibition - Modern Ancient, GSY Studio Gallery, London, UK. 2025; this is one of the latest in the ser...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Where it is quiet, No.5
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the artist explores silence as a state of inner balance and presence. Drawing from the ощущення of natural landscapes, she creates a distilled, atmospheric space where ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Umbrella - Silent Rain No.10, Abstract Painting, 21st Century, Acryl, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, Germany (1968) Master student of Kurt Schönburg, HWK Halle, Germany. Original artwork From the ongoing Umbrella series This work explores the tens...
Clay, Acrylic
Cellular Reaction Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, 1980s
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This colourful contemporary abstract painting is by the highly collectable artist Milly Ristvedt. Milly Ristvedt is considered one of Canada's foremost abstract artists. Hailed as a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Forest Moons, Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Forest Moons is an abstract painting in layered greens, with a mix of soft circular shapes and more solid, angular forms. The composition suggests a natural setting, with lighter spo...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Where it is quiet No.4
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the artist explores silence as a state of inner balance and presence. Drawing from the ощущення of natural landscapes, she creates a distilled, atmospheric space where ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Encounters at Dawn, Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, free shipping
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Encounters at Dawn" – Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas in Violet Tones with Figuration is an abstract oil painting that explores color field and abstract expressionism. The ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist Mid-century American painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful minimal Abstract Expressionist painting. Mixed media on paper glued down to illustration backing board. Paper sheet measures 10.25 x 14 inches. Cardboard panel measures 1...
Paper, Mixed Media, Illustration Board
Day Break.. Contemporary Abbstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Lorraine was born in London and studied sculpture for several years before undertaking a Fine Art Degree. She currently spends much of the year in the French Alps, which is a great i...
Acrylic
$759Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Fauvist influence still-life art "Blooming aura"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Neo-Expressionist floral still life with Fauvist chromatic influence, expressive mixed-media painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper (50 × 65 cm / 19.7 × 25...
Paper, Acrylic
Pearlescent Drapery. 3D textured
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artwork, created on 1 cm thick plywood, is a unique combination of textures and natural elements. The upper part of the painting is made from faux leather with a pearlescent tint...
Plywood, Mixed Media
$1,200
Botanical Interval, original botanical painting, pink, green, Abstract
Located in Cumming, GA
Botanical Interval – Original Contemporary Abstract Botanical Painting, 24 x 24 inches Botanical Interval captures a quiet, atmospheric moment where softened botanical forms emerge ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,110
Floating - Large Color Drenched Impasto Mixed Media Textural 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, Acrylic
Robot Circleish - Large Scale Abstract Expressive Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Robot Circleish' features whimsical details and vibra...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Blush of Spring II - Impressionistic Painting on Linen Canvas, floral art
Located in Zofingen, AG
Blush of Spring II captures a quiet moment of early bloom. Delicate pink buds and soft white petals emerge along slender branches, floating gently across a pale green background. The...
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
Fallen Angel Painting, Abstract Oil on Linen, Signed, 120x60 cm
Located in Silverthorne, CO
A dramatic expressionist painting dedicated to the soul of me before cancer, who believed in a benevolent universe, who saw signs and followed them, who somehow thought she would liv...
Linen, Oil
$1,700
Into the Wave, Large Ocean Diptych, Abstract Fishing Net, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unusual Seascape is a striking mixed-media diptych that reimagines the ocean as an abstract cartography of color, texture, and movement. Layers of vibrant blues and orange tones coll...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
"Meditation"
Located in Zofingen, AG
The immersive painting “Meditation” is created in oil on Belgian linen canvas using the ancient glazing technique. This refined method of applying multiple transparent layers produce...
Linen, Oil
The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by 'R.G.' (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgotten studio...
Board, Oil
Blue convergence, Abstract oil paint, Expressionism, Contemporary art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas, 2026 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in) Framed dimensions: 47 x 47 cm (18.5 x 18.5 in) 3 differents colors (collerctor's choice) Available with a brown or black or light wood...
Oil
$14,232
Couleurs en équilibre -Abstract oil painting, stylized bookshelf with warm tones
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont (b. 1964, Paris) French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont has developed a distinctive body of work over the past two decades, exploring the intersection of memory, str...
Oil
White Ruffles & Gold
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “White Ruffles & Gold” is created on canvas using a mixed-media technique. The sculptural ruffles, formed from clay, create an expressive relief that evokes movement, so...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Sculpted white folds. 3D texture
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artwork is crafted on a wooden circular canvas, enhancing its organic and natural appeal. The folds, created from durable mesh and coated with plaster, add depth and texture to t...
Mixed Media
$10,150
Mid-Hudson Inscape - Large Abstract Landscape Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Mid-Hudson Inscape' features whimsical details and vi...
Enamel
Abstraction 100-294 23 by Nicolas Galtier - Abstract Gold Leaf Painting
Located in Paris, FR
Abstraction 100-294 23 is a painting by French artist Nicolas Galtier. The artist uses a mixed technique combining pigments, binders, glues and various metal powders and sheets. The ...
Linen, Mixed Media
$1,186
Flower of Inspiration // Floral 3d impasto painting / Water Lotus / good vibes /
Located in Zofingen, AG
Inspiration is a state of highest ascent, when the physical and emotional spheres of a person are connected and aimed at solving a creative problem. Inspiration is essential for t...
Resin, Acrylic
$7,400
Rearranging Form - Large Contemporary Silver Tone Abstract Acrylic 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, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Finding your Embrace - Contemporary geometric abstraction - Oil Painting
Located in DE
Lilly Muth's geometric abstractions are colourful works full figures that of space such as the distance, shape, size, and relative position of figures. Her use of colour is bold yet ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,285
A Moment In Time - Colorful Impasto Mixed Media Textural 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, Acrylic
#253, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Architecture of Colors, Contemporary Large Abstract Oil Painting, 42x42 in
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Architecture of Colors This work is part of Sophie Dumont’s recent Architectural Abstractions series, an ongoing body of work exploring constructed space through layered oil painting...
Oil, Canvas
Time of change
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting explores an inner sense of trust that is shaped through closeness, support, and growing up. It speaks about the moment when a person learns to find safety within themse...
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,800
Infinity Bliss - Bue Tone Abstract Atmospheric Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Rider on Blue Horse" Contemporary Outsider Urban Expressionism Painting Framed
By Purvis Young
Located in New York, NY
The painting is an expressive, abstract work by Purvis Young with a strong emphasis on dynamic brushwork and a limited color palette dominated by deep cobalt blues, off-whites, and s...
Mixed Media, Found Objects, Magazine Paper
$6,523
A source. Contemporary oil abstract painting by Polish Young Artist, Big format
By Klaudia Lata
Located in Warsaw, PL
Big scale abstract oil painting by Polish artist Klaudia Lata. KLAUDIA LATA (born in 1993) Graduate of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice. Diploma in 2017 in the stud...
Canvas, Oil
$795
154 Squares V.3 - Modern Colorful Abstract Geometric Squares Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brandon Neher is a California artist whose original paintings embody a profound exploration of space, structure, and balance, infused with a touch of modern minimalism. Drawing inspi...
Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$5,692
Triptych “Symphony of nature” X-Large size . Semi-abstract interior painting
Located in Oslo, NO
This triptych showcases a dramatic seascape that captures the raw energy of turbulent waves crashing against rugged rocks. The swirling, frothy waters are depicted with dynamic brush...
Canvas, Acrylic
Jits on A Wire - Abstract Modern Organic Shape Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rue Bootay, a New York-born artist now rooted in the vibrant artistic landscape of Los Angeles, navigates the avant-garde realm of nonrepresentational surrealism with a style uniquel...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Where it is quiet, No.1
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work emerged from an inner need to pause and enter a space where tension no longer exists. In a world where silence has become rare and fragile, painting becomes a way to briefl...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$23,733
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY. Original work The Currency Project. Dots. Colors
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, Madrid
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY: 6274. NOBODY SHOULD HEAR IT Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Enamel paint on handmade paper Edition: 5.149 unique works on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 cm Conditi...
Enamel
$3,202
Modern abstract expressionist floral painting on linen canvas "Peony Bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Peony Bloom" is a contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, where vibrant color and expressive gesture celebrate the joyful abundance of peonies at their pea...
Acrylic, Canvas, Linen
AWH 352 - Abstract Minimalist Textured Layered Colorfield Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer produces deeply layered, subtly textured abstract paintings that contain diametrically opposed elements—order and chaos, abstraction and representation, boldness and ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil