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.
$2,691Sale Price|20% Off
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artwork White Brown Earth Minimal Texture On Hansen
By On Hansen
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Handmade Paper
$1,319
Original-Sunlit Series-British Awarded Artist-Gold Leaf and Sumi Ink on canvas
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Dusk to Dawn is one of Shizico Yi's on-going project- Primary Colour Vs Yellow- Sunlit Series, inspired by Japanese Woodblock Print and the a nod to calligraphy tradition, the work r...
Gold Leaf
Red on Yellow - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1970s, Large Scale
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large-scale contemporary painting by Milly Ristvedt explores colour in abstract form. A masterful, award-winning colourist, Milly Ristvedt’s elegant abstract paintings hang on...
Canvas, Acrylic
$869
Blue Lagoon of Miyako Island // Japan / Abstract Sea Water / good positive vibes
Located in Zofingen, AG
Blue Lagoon of Miyako Island lies 300 km west of Okinawa and is known for its beaches, which are considered the best in Japan. The blue water shines like a polished emerald. The...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Expressionist Beach Scene Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage abstract beach scene oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a wood molding. Excellent condition, ready to han...
Oil, Board
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Subsurface
Located in New York, NY
John Vitale is a young abstract artist to watch with an expressive, intuitive voice. He works on many canvases at once, moving between them, adding brushstrokes in acrylic paint, hou...
House Paint, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Pencil
$4,600Sale Price|20% Off
Large Impressive American Abstract Expressionist Modern Interior Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract interior scene oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed and titled verso, "Bertoia Chair". Handsomely framed in a period molding. Excellent ...
Canvas, Oil
Belond time, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Emily STARCK
Located in Yardley, PA
Large work of abstraction. Worked in several layers with raw emotions expressed by colors and gesture. Edges are painted in the continuity of the work. Dimensions are for stretched...
Acrylic
Lineto I (Abstract Encaustic and Collage Painting on Linen)
Located in Hudson, NY
"Lineto I" made by Hudson Valley artist, Alaina Enslen, in 2025 Encaustic, dyed fabrics, and paper mounted on panel 36 x 48 x 2 inches unframed, sides reveal raw panel and wrapped fa...
Fabric, Encaustic, Linen, Monotype
Ensign No. 3
Located in Columbia, MO
A native of Upstate New York, Matt Ballou was educated at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2001) and Indiana University ( MFA 2005) before coming to The University of ...
Plastic, Mixed Media, Permanent Marker
Original-Primary Blue-Sunlit Series-Gold Leaf-British Awarded Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Primary Colour Series- Blue is Shizico Yi's on going project, inspired by Japanese woodblock Print and the a nod to calligraphy tradition. The series is a continuation of her "Sunli...
Gold Leaf
ABSTRACT New Black White Artwork Geometry Contemporary Artist Carsten Beck
By Carsten Beck
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Linen, Oil
Abstract Oilpainting on canvas for sale - unique by Frank Vaders
By Frank Vaders
Located in Winterswijk, NL
This painting by Frank Vaders is a unique piece from the 1990s, made in oil on canvas with the dimensions 251 × 200 cm. It is in good condition but with 2 paint abrasion within the i...
Canvas, Oil
White Series n2 and n3 Diptych. Abstract Painting
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this series the artist represent the force of white that invades with its free forms, strongly over the structure of black. White is the absolute color, the purest, the most perfe...
Canvas, Lacquer, India Ink, Watercolor, Pigment
$3,737Sale 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
$750
Message of Eternity Abstract Painting, 2010s, New, 77x61 cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Painting with a composition of overlapping planes and figures. The scene presents a space constructed through geometric and organic forms in relationships of crossing and continuity....
Canvas, Oil
Interesting Abstract Painting Original Frame ca' 1950's
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A really interesting Abstract Expressionist painting ca' 1950's. Beautiful colors, the frame is shaped, original.
Oil
Abundance - Uncaged Splendor: Painting, Large Figurative Landscape, New
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Abundance - Uncaged Splendor This striking and breathtakingly beautiful artwork by Karnish, depicts abundance and freedom. The eyes connect to figurative art portraying femininity...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
Vintage American Modernist Signed Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract expressionist painting. Oil on canvas. Framed.
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
$2,025Sale Price|25% Off
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untittle, 140x100 cm, acrylic, canvas
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
Déchiré 03: Mixed Media Painting: Floral Motif & Feminist Discourse
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The work of Gloria Segura Jordá transcends mere aesthetics to constitute a feminist discourse deeply anchored in the pictorial. Her production challenges the passive gaze, inviting a...
Acrylic, Panel, Color Pencil
Original Set of 3-Primary Colour series-Awarded artist-gold leaf with oil
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Shizico Yi's "Primary Series" is a series where she explores the relationship between colours and emotion, particularly the colour yellow ( using gold leaf as the chosen material for...
Gold Leaf
$2,000
Fire in the Belly 2 - Colorful Energetic Abstract Acrylic Textural Drip Painting
By Marc Raphael
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Marc Raphael's abstract expressionism paintings are influenced by New York's abstract expressionist movement. After encountering Jackson Pollock’s work for the fir...
Canvas, Acrylic
#232, 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
Ensign No. 1
Located in Columbia, MO
A native of Upstate New York, Matt Ballou was educated at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2001) and Indiana University ( MFA 2005) before coming to The University of ...
Mixed Media, Plastic, Permanent Marker
Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Flourishing Fields' features whimsical details and vi...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$7,655
Contemplation and Introspection, colourful, Joan Mitchell, expressionism, bold
Located in Jönköping, SE
This piece is part of my new collection titled "Contemplation and Introspection." In this series, I explore the insightful relationship between nature and the human experience, delvi...
Raw Linen, Acrylic
Abstract Geometric Composition with Paper, Fibers, and Acrylic on Canvas (Green)
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Geometric Composition with Handmade Paper, Fibers and Acrylic on Canvas Whimsical abstract composition by an unknown artist (20th Century). Lime green acrylic paint makes u...
Jute, Acrylic, Washi Paper
Antique American Abstract Expressionist Large Colorful Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Measuring 16 by 36 inches.
Canvas, Oil
$700Sale Price|20% Off
Original 20th Century French Abstract Painting Cubist Colorful Shapes 1976
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French 1924-2013) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 8 x 15.75 inches inscribed verso condition: overall very good and pleasing. The ...
Oil
And It Felt Like We Could Fly - Original Abstract Colorful Nature Still Life
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kimberly Blackstock’s “And It Felt Like We Could Fly” opens into a luminous garden-like scene filled with movement, softness, and dimensional texture. The artwork has the feeling of ...
Acrylic, Resin, Mixed Media, Wood Panel
$700Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Oil Painting by Yvette Dubois-Habasque, Signed, 21st Century
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract, by Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016) signed with initials and dated verso oil painting on artists board, unframed painting measures: 9.5 x 13 inches Stunning original ab...
Oil
$533Sale Price|20% Off
Large 20th Century Original French Expressionist Oil Painting
By P Vilette
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Original oil painting by P. Valetti (French, second half 20th century) oil on canvas, unframed size: 19.75 x 28.75 inches condition: very good provenance: from the artists estate, Fr...
Canvas, Oil
Monumental Red Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Signed, 1969
Located in Arp, TX
Monumental Red Abstract Milburn Smith March 1969 Acrylic paint on canvas 65 x 64 x 1.25 Signed and dated lower right in ink Very Good Condition: Consistent with age and history. Fro...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Flor de membrillo"
By Elina Bilous
Located in Edinburgh, GB
My vision of quince blossoming is not about the details. It's about the feeling. About how the first warm rays paint the treetops in golden-green hues, and the air around turns pink ...
Canvas, Oil
Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist New York School Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
American modernist abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed verso.
Canvas, Oil
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
Large Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Expressionist Signed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large vintage American modernist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Handsomely framed. Excellent condition, ready to hang and ...
Oil, Canvas
#204, 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
Dawn at the Grand Canyon, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
"For a few brief moments on the south rim, the morning sun lights up the canyon walls like neon while casting blue shadows into its depths," says artist Cryst...
Oil
Soft Morning in Venice
Located in Zofingen, AG
Soft Morning in Venice from the Inner Landscapes series Abstract impressionist painting inspired by the quiet atmosphere of Venice in the early morning - a moment when the city app...
Canvas, Oil
"How Did It Do That" - pink, abstract, whimsical, pattern, botanical
By Susan Hable
Located in Atlanta, GA
This abstract painting features hues of pink, green and blue. Susan Hable is inspired by the work of David Hockney, Milton Avery, Henri Matisse, Alex Katz, Howard Hodgkins, Hilma af...
Canvas, Oil
$430Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) oil painting on board unframed: 11 x 7.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have for sale ...
Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Easter Lily & Spring Dancers" - Figurative Floral Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Vivid Berkeley school figurative abstract titled "Easter Lily and Spring Dancers" by Patricia Gren Hayes (American, 20th Century), 1976 with wash and varnish added 1983. Signed "Gren Hayes", titled and dated "1976 washes, 1983 washes/demo" on verso. Presented in a new bronze colored frame. Image size: 23.5"H x 29.5"W. Bay Area Figurative / Bay Area Feminist Art Movement artist, Patricia Gren-Hayes, studied at Winnipeg Public Art School in 1950. She received early recognition in Museum and Gallery competitions and exhibitions and was awarded a Special Education in Art recognition by the Winnipeg Museum of Fine Art, and was awarded a scholarship to the Banff College of Fine Art. Further studies were at The University of Manitoba. She was a Member of Winnipeg Free Press Sketch Club and was a Cartoonist and paste-up for a French-English bi-weekly, in Eastern Canada; She studied outdoor impressionism in New York in 1960; in 1962, attended The California College of Arts and Crafts, and in 1976 B.A., U.C. Berkeley where she studied under Elmer Bischoff, David Simpson, Joan Brown, Felix Ruvolo, Yolanda Lopez and Vincent Perez...
Canvas, Oil
$22,000
"Fantastic Life" Large Colorful Textured Oil Impasto Contemporary Abstract Art
Located in Carmel, CA
Sveta Hessler (Russian, born 1973) "Fantastic Life" 2023 Oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars Signed in the bottom right corner and on verso. "Fantastic Life" is an expansive 72” x 7...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
$4,639
Contours of Community by Gaetan de Seguin - Figurative contemporary Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and setting...
Canvas, Acrylic
#144, 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
$578
Original-Night Roses-Rosarian Series 2026 -Awarded Artist-Impasto with Gold Leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Night Roses-Rosarian, 2026 is Shizico Yi's latest work, inspired by her new rose garden with a nod to the visual language of Japanese woodblock print. In this series, Yi further ex...
Gold Leaf
Waits River Church, Vermont, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Waits River is a small village on Highway 25 southeast of Stowe, Vermont. "The church, buildings and barns presented an iconic view of New England...
Oil
$515Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Abstract Cityscape with Towers. Circa 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Cityscape with skyscrapers. Stylized and almost abstract representation of a city with skyscrapers, some of which have the shape of a sail. Oil on canvas. In a 1970´s aluminium / wood period frame. Signed lower right: Raimondo. Landscape appears at first glance as a series of abstract, geometric, very bright objects. Very good condition. Painting comes from a collection in Turin, Italy which had numerous signed works...
Canvas, Oil
Eco Feminist Mixed Media Botanic Painting Mira Lehr Miami Abstract Expressionist
By Mira Lehr
Located in Surfside, FL
Mira Tager Lehr (American, 1936-2023), Acrylic on canvas painting Interrupted Cell Formation series Circa 2008-2009. Mixed media technique incorporating organic forms, floral motifs...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,720Sale Price|20% Off
Still Life of fruits in bowl
Located in Berlin, MD
Jaled Muyaes (Chilean/Mexican, 1921 - 2007). "Abstracted Still-Life". Pastel drawing. 1951. Signed "Kena" and dated, lower right. Triple matted under glass. Greens, Blues, golden toned yellows, and Oranges predominate. Muyaes always signed his work "Kena," "S. Kena," "Silvestre Kena," or "Silvestre;" or, if initialed, "K." or "S.K.". Cream wove paper. Provenance: From the estate of Estela Ogazon...
Paper, Pastel
One Truth - Impasto Inspired Thick Paint Pink 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
$1,391
Partition coloree, Abstract Library, oil paint, Expressionism, Contemporary art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Partition colorée Oil on canvas, 2026 Unframed: 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in) Framed: 47 x 47 cm (18.5 x 18.5 in) Floater frame available in natural wood or oak or black Signed lower ...
Oil
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Framed Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very nicely painted mid century abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on board. Framed. Great colors and bold brush strokes.
Canvas, Oil
Easy On by Murray Duncan, Abstract Mixed Media on Canvas
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Easy On by Murray Duncan is a striking abstract composition that merges bold gestural lines with an earthy, textured surface. Rendered in a muted, organic palette, the piece evokes a...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Cinco Mujeres, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 150 x 100 cm Signed About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultur...
Canvas, Acrylic
Painting of the Winter Sunshine with Mountain Lake by 20th Century Dutch Artist
By Joop Smits
Located in Preston, GB
Oil Painting of the Winter Sunshine with Mountain Lake by 20th Century Dutch Artist, Joop Smits (1938-2014) Art measures 16 x 12 inches Fr...
Oil, Board
$635
Glowing Sunset II - Original Vibrant Warm Tone Textured Abstract Artwork Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The delicate and poetic artworks of painter Frederic Paul reference his Asian roots in expressive and elaborate compositions. Inspired by the bold colors, spices, flora, and landscap...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Rice Paper
$4,291
ABSTRACT Black Bamboo Painting Texture Italian Artist Silvia De Marchi Minimal
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Gesso, Ink, Handmade Paper, Bamboo Paper
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.