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.
In the Warmth
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 92×92 cm (overall size with stretching 102×102 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: Ready to hang This painting evokes a profound sense of safety, tenderness,...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
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
$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
$1,150
Red Codec, Abstract Painting, Blue and Yellow Layers, Acrylic Paint on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Red Codec Medium: Acrylic Painting Monoprinting on Paper Size: 83x65 cm ( 32.7 x 25.6 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped c...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
$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
"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
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
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
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
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
$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
$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
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
“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
$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
"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
$3,830Sale 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
Dolce Vita
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 92×92 cm (overall size with stretching 102×102 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled An ironic and sophisticated homage to the aesthetic of Italian reso...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
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
$341Sale Price|20% Off
Colored bird
Located in Zofingen, AG
A vivid, almost tropical-feeling bird is captured in a moment of quiet contemplation. Its plumage is a painterly symphony of warm ochres, golden yellows, turquoise, and deep blues. T...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$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
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
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...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
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
$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
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
$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
$1,876Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Exotic Blue Green Birds
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 46 x 35 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good con...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Fish Painting Coral Reef Impasto Painting Palette Knife Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
Fish Painting Coral Reef Impasto Painting Palette Knife Art by Olga Nikitina Title: Fish Symphony Size: 80x60x2 cm Materials: oil, stretched canvas, palette knife Shipping: gallery ...
Canvas, Oil
A little bird on a lettuce background.
Located in Zofingen, AG
An exotic bird is depicted on a 40×40 cm canvas, painted with acrylics. Its plumage shimmers with vibrant shades of green, blue, turquoise, and yellow, creating a sense of living ra...
Canvas, Acrylic
“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
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
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
“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
$1,820Sale Price|62% Off
Mid-Century "The Horse Race" Pierre Bosco #50 B (Italy/France, 1909-1993)
By Pierre Bosco
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Mid-Century "The Horse Race" #50 B Pierre Bosco (Italy/France, 1909-1993) Oil on canvas Signed lower right. 15 x 12 inches, frame size “The savage art of Bosco bears its rudeness a...
Canvas, Oil
Long Wild Cat Acrylic on Canvas Painting by Lucie Sheridan, 2022
Located in Deddington, GB
Long Wild Cat by Lucie Sheridan [2022] Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look Lucie Sheridan is an illustrator and print maker, her works are available with Wychwood Art. She creates her work within her studio at Centrespace located in central Bristol, England, which is a long standing co...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Hiper Organico 35
By Laura Manino
Located in Dallas, TX
pastel & chalk on paper
Paper, Pastel, Chalk
$620Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Koi Abstract Original Painting
Located in Soquel, CA
Evocative and dramatic acrylic painting of abstracted Koi fish titled "Symbiosis" that's a masterful blend of motion and objects. Circa 1980. Unframed, by Chaquille (American, 20th c...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
Overhead Migration, Abstract Oil Painting
By Heidi Hybl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Fascinated by the birds that soar over her Big Sur home, artist Heidi Hybl paints an abstract depiction of their migration. Their bold forms contrast the soft...
Oil
Flow of Freedom
Located in Zofingen, AG
Freedom is always about pure energy and inner strength, and since ancient times, the horse has been its most powerful archetype. In this work, the image of the horse becomes a condui...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil Crayon
Turquoise turtle in gold
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting is created in a mixed media technique using gold leaf. The central image of the composition is a sea turtle — a symbol of harmony, wisdom, and tranquility. The turtle’s...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media
“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
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
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
Blue, Red, and Brown Abstract Impressionist Painting of a Cowboy on a Horse
Located in Houston, TX
Blue, red, and brown abstract impressionist painting by Texas artist Fred Darge. The painting depicts a cowboy wearing a blue shirt and a red hat as he sits on a brown riding horse. Signed by the artist at the bottom right corner. Unstretched and unframed but framing options are available. Artist Biography: Friedrich Ernst (Fred) Darge was born in Rendsburg, Germany March 1, 1900, and died in Dallas, Texas April 10, 1978. He entered the U.S. at Port Arthur, Texas in 1923. By 1924 he was in Chicago...
Canvas, Oil
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
$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