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.
$14,150
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
$984Sale Price|20% Off
Modernist Curves on Mauve, Organic Forms Diptych in Cold Tones, Yellow Accent
Located in Barcelona, ES
This abstract diptych features flowing, organic forms layered in blues, soft neutrals, and warm yellow accents. The composition balances movement and structure, with interlocking sha...
Paper, Oil
Among Chaos
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 120×97 cm (overall size with stretching 130×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled In this work, I explore the phenomenon of inner light — that unch...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Other Side of Here. Large Abstract Painting, Blue and Earth Tones
Located in Oslo, NO
Tatiana said following about this artwork. "In this work, I explore the idea that a familiar place can suddenly feel different. The composition developed freely, through layers of c...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Wild White Horses" 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 reds, off-whites, and subtle ac...
Found Objects, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Cardboard
$2,100
Universe is With You - Large Scale Abstract Textural Acrylic Painting on Canvas
By Vè Boisvert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,500
"Where Are We Going, From Here?", Abstract Expressionist, Figures, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "Where Are We Going, From Here?" is a 36 x 36 x 2 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas. Two seated, elongated blue-toned figures with warm red, orange, and...
Canvas, Oil
$7,547Sale Price|20% Off
Emanation Abstract Expressionist Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, XXL Size
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
Snake Skin. 3D astraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
A sculptural artwork made of clay on canvas, inspired by the intricate beauty of snake skin. The textured surface, with its soft folds and organic patterns, evokes the appearance of ...
Clay, Canvas
$2,124Sale Price|25% Off
Original Set of 9 Garden Story-Le Bleu-British Awarded Artist-Gold leaf on Oil
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This rare offer, Set of 9 latest collection of Garden Story in gold leaf and oil on oil paper board are a part of Le Bleu Series by award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She crea...
Gold Leaf
$1,900
The Guardians and the Carnival: Large Abstract Painting, Colorful, Joy, Modern
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: The Guardians and the Carnival Abstract Painting Modern Bold Invest Colorful Large Contemporary Joy Love the detail in this artwork by Karnish. This work is part of a serie...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Stretcher Bars
"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
$3,183
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
Hand Painted #1 Edition-Jardin d'Automne-British Awarded Artist-on Aluminium
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This is a hand painted Limited Edition by the artist Shizico Yi with her own hand-mixed original paint on premium Aluminium board. Only Ten of this edition were made, highly collecta...
Metal
$6,700
12 Dreams - Large Floral Mixed Media Abstract Landscape Painting on Canvas
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...
Enamel
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
$822
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
Abstract 2630 - Colorful Impasto Abstract Painting. Pastel Colors
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions through vibrant acrylics, blending abstract and figurative elements to evoke a dreamlike energy. The cascading colors create a sense of movement a...
Acrylic
$1,317Sale Price|20% Off
The Vanguard Series Nr. XV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions by JG
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by JG (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgotten studios and ...
Oil, Board
$480Sale Price|54% Off
Park XV & XVI - SET (Berlin artist, Postwar, Contemporary, ~54% OFF - MUST GO)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Barbara Keidel Park XV & XVI - SET Mixed media, pastel on handmade, toned laid paper 1997 Size: 29.5 × 21.25 inches (75 × 54 cm) (each) Signed and dated in pencil (each) Addition...
Pastel, Mixed Media, Laid Paper
“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
$439
HandPainted Artist's Proof-Strawberry Moon Field-Awarded British Artist-GoldLeaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This latest hand-painted Artist Proof ( the final Proof, No 2 of Two) is made on a premium metal/aluminium panel. All its gold-leaf parts are hand-painted and gilded by the artist he...
Metal, Gold Leaf
$1,431Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Impasto, oil, goldleaf on Dahlias
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while savouring for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en pl...
Gold Leaf
Rythmes croisés — Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
This oil on canvas by Sophie Dumont presents a structured composition where curved forms and vertical elements intersect in a finely balanced architectural space. Built through succ...
Canvas, Oil
Exotischer Klang Exotic Sound, 1930 Oversize Archival Pigment print
Located in London, GB
Exotischer Klang (Exotic Sound), 1930 (after) Paul Klee (Original work) is Pen and ink, pencil, and watercolour on paper, mounted on card, 47 × 61.3/62.3cm. Dusseldorf, North Rhine-...
Archival Pigment
Held in Stillness, Original Abstract Botanical Painting, pink, blue green, white
Located in Cumming, GA
Held in Stillness – Original Contemporary Abstract Botanical Painting, 36 x 48 inches Every element within Held in Stillness has been intentionally refined to maintain simplicity wi...
Canvas, 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
Original Set-Jardin d'Hiver-le bleu series-British Awarded Artist-work on paper
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Set of 2, work on paper, named Le Bleu are a part of Jardin d'Hiver Series by award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She created the series in her winter studio while longing...
Gold Leaf
avp_1219 - Original Color Drenching Contemporary Abstract 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
la Femme Sur la Plage Abstract colourful painting of a nude on a beach, french
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Framed Size: 34" x 40" Claude Venard’s La Femme sur la Plage is a vibrant and expressive composition that distils the figure into a dynamic arrangement of colour, texture, and form...
Canvas, Oil
$600
"All Fours" (Animalia, Fauna, Contemporary, Original, Nude Figures, Raw, Horses)
Located in Paris, IDF
ALL FOURS 2025 Paris, France The painting shows four men on hands and knees in the foreground, their bodies merging in muted white and black tones against a plain ochre-brown backgr...
Acrylic, Dye, Cotton Canvas, Oil
$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
Solace Clouds Abstract Painting, Acrylic and Ink, Framed, 2010s
By Lynn Sanders
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Lynn Sanders is an artist excited by beauty: architecture, foliage, landscapes, seascapes, interiors. She finds palettes and shapes in her environment and propels them into her work,...
Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic
Structure - Modern Abstract painting, Geometric, Original Oil on Canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Structure Silencieuse is an original oil on canvas by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont. Through a carefully balanced composition of interlocking geometric forms, the painting...
Oil
$471
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting "Inner light"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing exploration of emotional identity, inner truth, and the human s...
Acrylic, Paper
$400
Flower in Bowl - Abstract Cool Tone Botanical Mixed Media Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Krisanne Souter weaves together elements of nature and ancient feminine archetypes, such as the Mother and the Mystic. Botanical themes, playful elements, and unexpected surprises ar...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil
Provence Landscape Oil on Canvas Painting by Jean Navarre
By Jean Navarre
Located in Atlanta, GA
A luminous Provençal landscape by Jean Navarre (1914–2000), this expressive oil on canvas captures the sun‑drenched path known as "Le Chemin du Terme in F...
Canvas, Oil
$4,520
Twilight - Muted Color Atmospheric Abstract 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
White folds 12. 3D abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting, created on canvas with clay, depicts soft, flowing folds that create the impression of draped fabric. The entire piece is rendered in a pure white color, giving it eleg...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
A Large, Dynamic Abstract Expressionist Painting by Lee R. Chesney
Located in Chicago, IL
This painting makes a bold statement! A large, dynamic and colorful Abstract Expressionist painting by notable Post-War artist, Lee R. Chesney (Am. 1920-2016). Executed in a palett...
Masonite, 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
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
$825
Rainy Apartment 2 - Abstract Figurative Cubist Colorful Mixed Media Artwork
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
$23,584
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
$16,000
"Catching the Light" Colorful Mixed Media Abstract Painting, Textured Impasto
Located in Carmel, CA
Sveta Hessler (Russian, born 1973) "Catching the Light" 2026 Oil and mixed media on stretched canvas Signed and dated on verso. "Catching the Light" is a commanding work that reward...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Large Vintage American Cubist Abstract Original New York School Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American cubist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Unsigned. Measuring: 49 by 37 inches overall, and 48 by 36 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready to hang a...
Canvas, Oil
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
$1,533
"Blooming Silence” Contemporary Acrylic Painting on canvas Floral Still life
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Blooming Silence” – Acrylic on Canvas by French Artist Natalya Mougenot Contemporary Floral Still Life (80 × 60 × 1.5 cm / 31.5" × 23.6" × 0.6") "Blooming Silence" captures a mome...
Canvas, Acrylic
$7,000
Triptych Sunset - Large Original Impasto Thick Paint 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
$1,975
Wild Skies 4 - Abstract Gold Leaf and Acrylic Landscape Painting on Wood Panel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adele Webster’s contemporary landscape paintings explore atmosphere, light, and the emotional presence of open space. Working with layered acrylic washes on wood panel, Webster creat...
Gold Leaf
$3,200
Daylight Savings - Original Impasto Acrylic Colorful 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
$1,090
Festival of Joy - Abstract Expressionism Maximalis Delight Joy Texture Statement
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Festival of Joy Abstract Expressionism Colorful Delight Joy Movement Texture Statement Vibrant Festivitas Laetitiae - Festival of Joy This vibrant artwork, set on a deep cr...
Oil, Acrylic
Untitled CIX by Frédérique Domergue - Large abstract painting on metal leaves
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled CIX is a unique painting by French contemporary artist Frédérique Domergue. This painting is made with oxidized zinc and bronze leaves on honeycomb aluminium panel, patina f...
Metal, Bronze
Falling Reef. From the series Polyculture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
These works explore our relationship with the incredible biodiversity of our planet Earth. Visual representations of flowing colours, smells, sounds and the feeling of our life sourc...
Canvas, Acrylic
Diana Ruban Large Surreal Flying Bird Contemporary Figurative Painting
By Diana Ruban
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Complimentary shipping is available when the artwork is carefully rolled and shipped in a protective tube. This is a safe and widely used method for transporting large-format paintin...
Cotton Canvas, 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
$2,300
Atmospheric Balance - Original abstract Abstract Painting, Soft Blue, pink
Located in Cumming, GA
Atmospheric Balance original painting captures a luminous, tranquil moment inspired by light, air, and natural equilibrium. Soft layers of pale blue, warm ivory, and subtle neutral t...
Canvas, Acrylic
#200, 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
Love In Bloom - Color Drenched Figurative Abstract Textured Impasto Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ekaterina Ermilkina’s original, abstract fine art paintings are created using a skillful combination of applying and removing oil paint with a palette knife on canvas. Her inspiratio...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Expressionism Riviera Nocturnal Twilight Modernist Signed
Located in Buffalo, NY
A one of a kind signed original painting . Many facets of chroma and texture and gem like luminosity . Multiple focal points dot the landscape emanating a mysterious glow. Excellen...
Canvas, Paint
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.