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.
Slow Soft Summer: Floral, Abstract, Contemporary, Nature, Soft tones, Original
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Slow Soft Summer Floral, Abstract, Contemporary, Nature, Soft tones, Original, Authentic, Investment In this gentle, though lively acrylic painting, I connected to the joys ...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Glaze, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Hand Painted X-Large-Gladiolus Glorious-British Artist-Limited Edition#9 of 10
Located in London, GB
This rare X-large Limited Edition is 80% hand painted and highlighted with original paint and brushstrokes painted by artist Shizico Yi. Only 10 Limited Edition has been made, last ...
Gesso, Archival Ink, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée
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
$758Sale 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
Coastal Equilibrium
Located in London, London
SPECIAL SPRING FLASH SALE: 25% OFF this weekend only to celebrate our 2026 Collection launch. Ships safely rolled in a gallery tube. All the custom charges are included in the final...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
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
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
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
$850
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Abstract Expressionist French Urban Scene. Gouache on Paper. 50cm x 65cm.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Colorful abstract expressionnist village scene in gouache and watercolor on paper by Belgian artist André Pierard. Signed bottom right and dated August 1976 bottom left. This artwo...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
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
"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
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Bountiful Bouquet: Large Floral Painting, Contemporary, Delight, Botanical
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Bountiful Bouquet Large Floral Painting, Contemporary, Delight, Botanical Bountiful Bouquet captures the essence of blossoms and roses in shades of pink, filled with splash...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$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
$758Sale 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
$525Sale Price|25% Off
Abstract Composition with Color Fields – Contemporary Oil Painting "Far Blue 2"
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Distant Blue 2." Abstract Composition with Fields of Blue Color is an original oil painting on canvas by Colombian artist Luis Xiua, created in his Bogotá studio. The work explores ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$14,225
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
$5,067Sale Price|28% Off
Blooming Ether in abstract
Located in London, London
All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. Red flowers, blue sky, space, stars, passion, pink, crimson, blossom, love. Abstract RED flowers expressionist extra larg...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$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
Mid-century Modern “Tidepool-esque” Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Layers upon layers of paint and other media, marked by incisions, have created a dense weathered texture that appears almost like a tide pool. Patches of ochre and pale marine blue e...
Masonite, Mixed Media, Oil
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
"Untitled" Jackson Pollock Style Abstract Expressionist Painting on Board Framed
Located in New York, NY
This painting is a vibrant abstract expressionist work in the style of Jackson Pollock, characterized by energetic, chaotic splatters, drips, and interwoven lines of paint. With bold...
Mixed Media, Board
$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
$9,483
Emanation
Located in London, London
Cobalt Blue, Blue, yellow, green, flowers, nature, beige, pink, red, golden, ochre, XXL size, extra large abstract painting, large scale, design artwork. Artist: Katarina Joys Tit...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, 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
$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
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...
Canvas, Oil
$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
$1,710Sale Price|30% Off
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
$1,285
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
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
Golden Elegance. Abstract
Located in Zofingen, AG
This exquisite piece of art is a small square canvas crafted using modeling paste. The magnificent white-gold color scheme creates an atmosphere of sophistication and luxury. The pai...
Paste, Canvas, 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
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
#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
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
$5,348Sale Price|43% Off
Eternity Abstract Canvas Painting, Oil & Acrylic XXL
Located in London, London
All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. unframed, shipped rolled XXL, Extra-large painting, large painting, abstract art, abstract painting on canvas, oil on can...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,963
My lips still remember the taste, pomegranate - K.Husslein flower Still life
Located in DE
Title: Love don’t meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of a dark background. Reminding us of o...
Canvas, Oil
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
$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
Golden Country: Abstract Impressionist Landscape
Located in Atlanta, GA
Georgia based artist Niyati Jiwani creates works that aim to fuse abstraction and themes of nature utilizing color, gesture, and light. Born in India, Niyati grew up with a flair an...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$3,983Sale Price|30% Off
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
$3,544
Articulation Point, Modern Abstract painting, Geometric, Original Oil on Canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas, 60 x 60 cm (23.6 x 23.6 in) Framed: 67 x 67 cm (26.4 x 26.4 in) Signed lower right Framed in a black or natural wood floater frame (your choice) Certificate of authen...
Oil
Water flowers abstract painting
Located in London, London
Decor floral, vintage flowers Abstract painting on canvas, blue, extra-large, XXL, large oil on canvas painting, abstract expressionism. Abstract art, water flowers, exotic flower...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
$8,200
Return to Presence - Moody 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
$663Sale Price|20% Off
Modern abstract Impressionist still life floral painting on paper "Roses Trio"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Roses Trio” is a vibrant contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, whose intuitive, spontaneous brushwork transforms everyday blooms into a burst of emotiona...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
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
"Forevermore 2" - Original Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Forevermore 2 by Dorothy Fagan is a 2023 oil on canvas measuring 48 x 36 inches, with a framed size of 49.50 x 37.50 x 2 inches. Professionally framed and ready to hang, this vibrant...
Canvas, Oil
$23,708
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
The Air Feels New
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped rolled in a tube. The Air Feels New from the series “Inner Landscapes” This painting is part of the Inner Landscapes series, where landscape becomes a reflection of memory, ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,185
Liberty
Located in Zofingen, AG
Liberty is an oil abstract painting and minimalist abstract landscape shaped by the quiet meeting of a sky-blue horizon and warm ochre earth tones, creating a subtle dialogue between...
Canvas, Oil
$1,232Sale Price|20% Off
Golden Glow. Abstract expressionist, Japandi, Wabi-Sabi, Shabby Chic
Located in Oslo, NO
"Golden Glow" is a painting filled with bright, warm light and abstract shapes that convey a sense of powerful energy and inner light. The painting depicts a bright sun piercing the...
Canvas, Acrylic
$616Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Present moment"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Present Moment” is a contemporary abstract portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created as part of her ongoing series dedicated to women and their inner emotional landscapes....
Paper, Acrylic
The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”
In his current show at New York's Lehmann Maupin gallery, the Puerto Rican–born talent reveals new paintings with a semiautobiographical aspect.