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.
A Corner of One's Own
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 122×142 cm (overall size with stretching 132×152 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This artwork immerses the viewer in a warm, cozy domestic atmosph...
Canvas, Acrylic
In the Warmth
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×142 cm (overall size with stretching 107×152 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled “In the Warmth” invites the viewer into an enveloping atmosphere o...
Canvas, Acrylic
Quiet Hour
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This painting captures a moment of absolute peace and cozy domestic...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Companion
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 132×142 cm (overall size with stretching 142×152 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled At the heart of the canvas is a laconic yet profound scene of qui...
Canvas, Acrylic
"umbrella girl series"Gold Edition No. 17, Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Rendered in an elegant slate-blue palette, this work embodies understated luxury and sophistication. The rich tonal variations create a sense of depth and tranquility, while the icon...
Clay, Acrylic
$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
Within the Green Crowns
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×120 cm (Total canvas size including stretching margins: 107×130 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This artwork is a visual metaphor for the sanct...
Canvas, Acrylic
“Set Out”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The works from this series were exhibited at ART KYIV Fair 2026 and later presented as part of the artist’s solo exhibition “Points of View” at MODI Art & Wine Gallery, Kyiv. “Set ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"umbrella girl series"Gold Edition No. 18, Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
A refined composition set against a soft French rose background. The delicate hue has long been associated with beauty, grace and quiet luxury, creating a captivating contrast with t...
Clay, Acrylic
Sunchasers: Painting of Dogs, Modern Abstract, Gold Frame, 51x41cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sunchasers Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
$900
Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
You brought Sunshine and Summer: Original Floral Painting, Blue vase, Geese.
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: You brought Sunshine and Summer Original Floral Painting, Blue vase, Geese, Heron, Unique, One-of-a-kind. "You brought Sunshine and Summer" is a painting that portrays a dee...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
The Quiet Bloom
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled A serene, intimate composition where a slender white figure rests i...
Canvas, Acrylic
Insightful Intent: Calm Dog Painting, Abstract Expressionist, Framed Gold
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: BLUE - Insightful Intent Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series c...
Gold
The Way Home
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This new piece from the “Past Passing Me By” series is a visual med...
Canvas, Acrylic
Honey Bee on Flowers Original Painting Garden Wall Art Bee Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
Honey Bee on Flowers – Original Oil Painting, Impasto Floral Garden Art, Contemporary Nature Wall Art This original floral painting captures a vivid and intimate moment from nature—...
Canvas, Oil
“Rest”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “Rest” from the series “From Simple to…” creates a sense of calm, recovery, and inner completeness. The minimalist image of the animal and the pastel, natural color pale...
Acrylic
$15,000
"Dancing in Teal Waters" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish & Water Oil Painting Canvas
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic portrayal of Japanese Koi fish jubilantly depicted with movement and enthusiasm. In a burst of motion, the fish joyfully swim in the clear light blue waters, as th...
Canvas, Oil
The Rooster, Abstrast Charcoal Drawing by Etienne Poirier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning charcoal drawing by French artist Etienne Poirier (1919 - 2002). This rare artwork is a charcoal-on-paper composition depicting an interpretation of the proud rooster. Thi...
Charcoal
$4,000
"umbrella girl series"Gold Edition UMB-16, Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
A solitary figure beneath an umbrella emerges from a deeply textured dark surface, accented with expressive gold and subtle traces of color. The contrast between the restrained backg...
Clay, Acrylic
Exhale
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
Exhale is part of the series From Simple to…, which focuses on simple things that help people restore their inner balance. The sheep conveys a sense of calm, trust in the present mom...
Acrylic, Canvas
Golden Hour (The Meeting)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Golden Hour (The Meeting) is a luminous contemporary impressionist painting that explores the emotional power of human connection through expressive brushwork, radiant color, and atm...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Inner Light
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled "The Inner Light" is a visual meditation on preserving one's true...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Blue and White Fish Patterns, Mediterranean, Expressionist Seascape
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$960
Deep Shoal, Colorful Seascape Painting, Pink, Blue, Abstract Gestures Fish Shape
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Acrylic, Paper
Two birds in the afterlife, mystical abstract oil painting w texture
By C. Dimitri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Acrylic and gesso on vellum, mounted to wood panel.
Gesso, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Vellum
Attempt at Harmony Abstract Painting, Mixed Media, Ochre Tones, 88cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Attempt at Harmony" is an abstract painting distinguished by its texture and intertwined layers of color. Dominated by ochre tones, the piece is complemented by flashes of blue, pur...
Acrylic, Oil, Cotton Canvas
"Pond Life" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish & Water Lily Oil Painting on Canvas
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic portrayal of Japanese Koi fish jubilantly depicted with movement and enthusiasm. In a burst of motion, the fish joyfully swim in the clear light blue waters, as th...
Canvas, Oil
Interior with Standing Dog
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Irvin Nahan (b.1927) Interior with Standing Dog, 1970. Watercolor and pencil on paper. Image measures 5 x 6.5 inches. Framed measurement: 10 x 12 inches. Signed and dated by ar...
Watercolor, Pencil
$3,600
Large Modernist French Abstract Expressionist Colorful Bird Painting Roger Lersy
By Roger Lersy
Located in Surfside, FL
Roger Lersy, French (1920 - 2004) Oil on canvas Signed, R. Lersy, dated 1961 lower right Measuring 35 X 31 Matted and framed. sight 26 X 21.5 Roger Lersy was born in Paris, France ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
“Let’s Play”
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting "Let’s Play" immerses the viewer in a playful world, inviting them into a fairy tale reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. The girl holds a small rabbit tightly in her arm...
Canvas, Acrylic
Mont Abstract Painting on Canvas, Signed, Oil, 81x127 cm, 2010+
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
This oil painting on canvas presents a composition that integrates human, animal, and abstract forms through intersecting planes and fields of color. Multiple visual relationships em...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$800
Blue and White Abstract Overlapping Shapes Fish Scribble Gestures, Mediterranean
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us and reminds us of its natural beauty and the importance of its preservation. Details: Title: Marina N31 Medium: Acrylic on Paper Size: 106 x 70 cm ( 41.7 x 28 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped carefully rolled and packaged in a tube. * Certificate of Authenticity provided. Enric Servera (Ciutadella de Menorca, 1970) lives and works between Barcelona and Menorca, Spain. His works explores the colors and forms of the ocean, inspired by the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean Sea. His work has shown in galleries across Spain, and is part of several public and private collections. Words that may describe this series of artworks are: Mediterranean-inspired art, abstract sea...
Acrylic, Watercolor
Spring Is Coming
Located in Zofingen, AG
Spring Is Coming From the series “Infinity Map” We all journey through our own inner world. Along the way, we encounter images that cannot be explained literally. They may evoke fea...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Crossroads
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Crossroads” is a work from the series “Map of Infinity,” reflecting a state of inner transition and the search for a new direction. The female figure appears suspended between layer...
Canvas, Acrylic
$750
Composed Calmness: Equestrian Horse Abstract Expressionist Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Composed Calmness Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borrowed f...
Gold
$3,831Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Horses Spanish School, signed 'Santos' early 21st century acrylic painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 48 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection, So...
Acrylic, Canvas
Equestrian Calmness: Abstract Expressionist Horse Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Blue - Peaceful Pursuit Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borr...
Gold
Red fish
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
The red fish is a symbol of confidence, stable good fortune, and abundance. It represents moving in one’s own rhythm, trusting intuition, and inner stability. The red color emphasize...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Untitled Seahorse Abstract Space Watercolor Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Untitled watercolor surrealist painting with a sea horse and planets. The work is done using bright warm colors and is signed by the artist in the bottom corner. The painting is not currently framed. Artist Biography: Born in the Belgian Congo in 1940, Gustave Alhadeff won his first award at the annual art show in Elisabethville, at age 13. His formal art education began with Mr. Marcel Pire (Prix de Rome). He continued his studies at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, with Mr. Van Nesche in Cape Town, South Africa from 1956 to 1957. He was awarded a scholarship from the Art Academy to continue his studies with Mr.Creytens at the "Institute National Superieur des Beaux Arts" in Anvers, Belgium. The following year he entered the class of Mr. Leon Devos...
Watercolor
The Foundation
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled the series "The Inviolable Reserve" Painting "The Foundation" is ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hiper Organico 35
By Laura Manino
Located in Dallas, TX
pastel & chalk on paper
Paper, Pastel, Chalk
$993Sale Price|20% Off
The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIII: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIII: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by unknown artist (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgott...
Oil, Board
$850
Marine Mirage, Abstract Gestures School of Fish, Blue Yones Modern Seascape 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Marine Mirage ” is a contemporary abstract painting inspired by the fluid motion of ocean currents. Layers of blue tones intertwine with flowing yellow lines, evoking the depth and...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
The Inner Circle
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×120 cm (overall size with stretching 107×130 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled the series "The Inviolable Reserve" "The Inner Circle" (The Invio...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,770
Small Symbolic Cloud Landscape Oil Painting on Paper Framed with Museum Glass
Located in FISTERRA, ES
A monumental white cloud rises above a quiet blue sea in this atmospheric oil painting, transforming a familiar natural phenomenon into a meditation on perception, weight and emotion...
Color Pencil, Paper
Transformation No. 8
Located in Bozeman, MT
Enthralled with the lore and spirituality of American Indian cultures, his work often depicts these traditional subjects in nontraditional ways. Hawkins captures the raw sense of ele...
Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Savor
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
Savor” is a work from the series From Simple to… about simple things that help a person maintain inner balance. A sheep savoring a small flower within a green landscape conveys a sen...
Acrylic
$8,000
White Fox, abstract pictographic animals ducks butterflies white w blues, colors
By C. Dimitri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Abstract and landscape, White Fox.
Gesso, Oil, Wood Panel
Marine Spectrum, Mixed Media Seascape, Art Brut Style on Paper, Light Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$1,050
White and Blue Diptych, Gestual Abstraction School of Fish, Modern Seascape Fish
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Trail of Tranquility: Blue Painting in Modern Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Blue - Trail of Tranquility Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue Nature Flora One-of-a-kind Unique This painting forms part of...
Gold
Bubbles Underwater Painting: Abstract Expressionism in Oil on Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
Materials: oil on canvas, 20x28" Shipping: Rolled in Tube or stretched Style: underwater impressionism, palette knife art, impasto painting Looking for a unique and one-of-a-kind p...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$850
Joyous Turquoise Sea, Abstract Fish Patterns, Mediterranean Seascape on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
Large Original Oil Painting Abstract Expressionist Horse
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning large scale abstract expressionist horse's head/eye, circa 1990. Unsigned. Unframed. Size: 60"H x 60"W x 1.5.
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Summer Sheep By Natalie Bird
By Natalie Bird
Located in Deddington, GB
original Oil on board Image size: H:14 cm x W:18 cm Sold Unframed Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look Oil on board
Oil, Board
"Hear"
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is about a state of openness and attentiveness to oneself and to the world. About the ability to listen — to stay in contact with one’s own feelings and with what is happen...
Acrylic
Woman Walking Dog
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Circle of Graciela Rodo Boulanger. Woman Walking Dog, ca. 1970. Oil on wood panel measuring 5 x 7 inches; 12.25 x 14.25 inches framed. Signed indistinctly upper right.
Oil, Wood Panel
“Accept”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Gather Yourself” Series “From Simple to…” This work is about inner composure and focus that emerge from simplicity and silence. About the ability to stay in contact with oneself, to...
Acrylic
"Exist"
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Exist” 2026 Series “From Simple to…” This work addresses simple things that lie in the basic settings of life. Repetitive, almost unnoticed actions that over time create a sense of ...
Acrylic