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.
Untitled
Located in PARIS, FR
Julien Airault (B.1979) Untitled Oil on canvas 73 x 60 cm / 28.74 x 23.62 inches With frame : 79 x 66 cm / 31.10 x 25.98 inches 2024 Born in 1979, Julien Airault is a French painter...
Oil
Post Metro, Ziggurat Series, Abstract Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Robert Petrick's "Post Metro" is a fusion of meticulous geometry and bold abstract expression. From the artist's Ziggurat series, this piece is both timeless and contemporary, offeri...
Canvas, Acrylic, Board
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
$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
Untitled 3 Collage with Vintage Wallpaper, Abstract Mixed Media, 2000s
By Peter Opheim
Located in New York, NY
Mixed media on paper by New York artist Peter Opheim, titled "Untitled 3," created in 2008. This signed original work measures 30 x 23 inches and represents an important period in Op...
Gesso, Acrylic
Dance of Life
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Dance of Life” From the series “Metamorphoses of the Spirit” This work explores life as continuous movement — fragile, sensual, yet filled with inner strength. Through organic forms...
Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$10,700
Turning Tide - Original Atmospheric Beach Oceanscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Phoebe Brunner’s original oil paintings transform the American West and the California coast into luminous landscapes shaped by memory, atmosphere, and imagination. Her works draw fr...
Oil, Canvas
colorful contemporary abstract oil painting expressionist busy signed
By Alayna Rose
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Heart Stop Happy III" is an original mixed media piece on watercolor paper. Alayna Rose, the artist, signed the piece on the back. This piece features abstract marks in white over v...
Mixed Media
$208Sale Price|20% Off
River Ren Cen Watercolor Painting, Abstract Geometric, Framed, Signed
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Detroit, Michigan's skyline is represented in this original watercolor by Detroit artist Aris Nichols. Featured is the Renaissance Center, which was built by Ford, later occupied by...
Watercolor
$3,500
Peace - Colorful Organic Shapes Meditative Abstract Mixed Media Art on Canvas
By Jason DeMeo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo presents a collection of artworks designed to engage viewers in a meditative experience, drawing them closer to the enduring ideals of truth, b...
Gold Leaf
$420Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract expressive floral roses acrylic painting on paper "Pink blooms"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This vibrant floral abstract artwork titled "Pink Blooms," created by French artist born in Kazakhstan, beautifully captures the essence of blooming roses through bold and expressive...
Paper, Acrylic
Be Mindful - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This compelling acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel, titled "Be Mindful," serves as a poignant exploration of figurative abstraction, where the artist deftly intertwines themes of aware...
Canvas, Acrylic
Renaissance - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1970s, New
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Elegant form and a delightful pastel palette. This is ‘Renaissance’ , an abstract painting by Milly Ristvedt. The master colourist is playing with soft colours here—against a sky-blu...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,500
"Like Being in Love" (2015) by Jennifer Bobola, Mixed Media Abstract Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Like Being in Love" is an original, handmade mixed media abstract painting by Jennifer Bobola, that depicts an abstract painting with colorful shapes in black, orange, blue and more...
Mixed Media
$10,000
Falling Fire - Muted Color Atmospheric Abstract Alluring 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
$662
"Deepened years" Contemporary figurative woman portrait acrylic painting paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Deepened years” is an original contemporary woman’s portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created in an expressive figurative style with acrylic on heavyweight acid-free Canso...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Closer" Oil Painting 27.5" x 24" inch by Anastasiia Danilenko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Closer" Oil Painting 27.5" x 24" inch by Anastasiia Danilenko Ships rolled in a tube Anastasiia Danilenko is an artist and graphic designer. But the area of her occupation is pa...
Canvas, Oil
Layers by Ron Piller - Contemporary colorful Abstract painting on wood
Located in DE
Thirty pigeon holes Ron Piller is a beautiful, contemporary painting with a mix of mediums: Acrylic, Gloss Medium Varnish on Canvas. It's strong colors and geometry with white, red a...
Paper, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Graphite
Resolve, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This warm, contemporary abstract piece showcases a richly textured surface that captures the vibrant colors of spring. In her signature style, artist Janet Hami...
Oil
$262
Contemporary abstract impressionist seascape seaside acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork "When the blue sky meets the blue sea" is a captivating example of abstract expressionism, where vibrant color and dynamic brushwork coalesce to evoke an emotive landsc...
Paper, Oil
$6,500
Interconnections - colorful, contemporary, geometric abstract, paper collage
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This bold contemporary composition by Yvonne Lammerich is an intriguing exploration of colour and form. Origami-like folded shapes inter-connected by fine lines dance across this col...
Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Gouache, Color Pencil
Finding your Embrace - Contemporary geometric abstraction - Oil Painting
By Lilly Muth
Located in DE
Lilly Muth's geometric abstractions are colourful works full figures that of space such as the distance, shape, size, and relative position of figures. Her use of colour is bold yet ...
Canvas, Oil
Candy Peonies
Located in Zofingen, AG
picture with 3d effect, changes color depending on the lighting, the work is done in the style of antique wall fresco. This artwork presents a st...
Canvas, Varnish, Acrylic
Between shadow and birth
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll Between shadow and birth This work captures a state of transition — the space between not yet and already. Between shadow, where form is just beginning to take shape...
Canvas, Acrylic
Enormous Purple Shades Square Mid 20th Century Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Purple Abstract British, 20th century (cira 1960's) oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 38.5 x 51.5 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition with signs of pr...
Oil
Untitled XXVII by Ferle - Abstract painting, dark blue and red
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled XXVII, Abstract series (medium size) is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 100 cm x 70 cm (39.4 × 27.6 in). The artwo...
Canvas, Oil
By the Beach II, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Jenn painted this piece using Golden Open Acrylics, which take longer to dry and therefore allow for more blending time. Jenn uses this technique to give the painting a dreamy and hopeful essence. "I am more passionate than ever about painting peaceful, reflective art...
Acrylic
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Komorebi -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expression, Friendship, Art Deco
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
There are days I find myself looking back at moments that live quietly in memory, days filled with laughter, noise, and the warmth of people I once stood beside. I painted this from ...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Henriette "Yetti" Stolz Abstract Bird Mid-Century Modern Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
A striking and highly collectible mid-century modern oil painting by Henriette “Yetti” Stolz, this expressive abstract composition presents a dynamic interpretation of a bird in flig...
Oil
The Seven Oceans/Haft Qulzum #1 - Abstract Mixed Media on Canvas, 2010+
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This mixed media contemporary abstract composition is rendered in earthy colours. The dramatic and elegant artwork of Shireen Kamran is rooted in and inspired by her rich Pakistani...
Canvas, Acrylic
Views of Nature 77, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Views of Nature 77 is an original painting, created with acrylic paint on gallery-wrapped canvas. It has a width of 8 inches and a height of 8 inches with a depth of 1.5 inches (8x8x...
Acrylic
Bo Zhang Abstract Original Oil Painting "Weightless World"
By Bo Zhang
Located in New York, NY
Title: Weightless World Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 12 x 14 inches Frame: Framing options available! Condition: The painting appears to be in excellent condition. Note: This painting...
Canvas, Oil
$799
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on paper "A moment to dream"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary expressive female portrait inspired by Matisse, bold Fauvist color modern art painting celebrating feminine strength, authenticity, and inner transformation. "A Moment ...
Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Waves, Abstract Acrylic Painting by Ted Lownik
By Ted Lownik
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ted Lownik, American - Abstract Waves, Year: circa 1980, Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed bottom, Size: 30 in. x 30 in. (76.2 cm x 76.2 cm), Frame Size: 36.5 inch diameter
Acrylic
Island Hours
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Island Hours” captures a suspended moment when time softens and the world feels gently out of focus. The work carries a quiet tropical mood, shaped by warm sunset light and a relaxe...
Canvas, Acrylic
American Contemporary Art by Harry James Moody - Abstract n°405
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Harry James Moody is a German artist born in 1952 who lives and works in Los Angeles, United States. He received his training as artist at the Frankfurt Stadel Fine Ar...
Canvas, Oil
$525
Golden Hour Landscape 3 - 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
$1,200
"Girl with Golden Balloons" Figure in Chanel Oil Painting on Canvas with Dog
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
“Girl with Balloons” was created from a vision aritst Cindy Shaoul had during the height of the pandemic. She wanted to create a piece with a light heart but also translate a message...
Canvas, Oil
Vibrant New York City Times Square, Figural Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
By Simon Gaon
Located in Surfside, FL
Simon Gaon (born 1943) is an American painter, Expressionist, and action painter. This is a thick impasto oil painting. with a lot of texture and color. Times Square with 42nd st in...
Canvas, Oil
abstraction '70s - oil paint, 60x73 cm.
Located in Nice, FR
Oilon canvas by Jean paul Van Lith, painter and ceramist. He received the price "Chevalier des arts et des lettres"
Oil
#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
$742
Contemporary figurative expressive still-life painting "Quiet Observation"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Quiet Observation" is a contemporary still life painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, depicting a serene interior scene with a yellow table, a striped lamp, a blue vase of red...
Paper, Acrylic
No Sé Leer El Presente, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
No sé leer el presente, pero lo intento con el agua, 2024 Contemporary Mexican Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 120x80cm Signed and dated Yumnia's artistic journey is deepl...
Canvas, Acrylic
Generosity: Abstract Painting in Figurative Maximalism, 51x51 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Generosity Painting Figurative Maximalism Contemporary Floral Hope Dream Invest In this one-of-a-kind abstract impressionism piece, I poured my heart into blending abstract ...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Woodcut, Stretcher Bars
$575Sale Price|28% Off
“Untitled”
By Anne Raymond
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil on fiber board painting by the American artist, Anne Raymond. Circa 2010. Condition is excellent. Signed verso. Presently unframed. Provenance: A Long Island collector...
Oil, Fiberboard
Gabriele Meunie Contemporary Abstract in Blue Large Painting
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...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Pigment
Landscape Large Abstract Expressionist Painting, Acrylic On canvas
By Jerzy Kubina
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Landscape Abstract 2020, Artist signed and titled verso. Jerzy Kubina Polish/American Artist: Jerzy was born in Zamosc, Poland, 1956. Studied at the Academy Of Fine Arts in Krakow 19...
Canvas, Acrylic
$850
Comradery - Painting Figurative Maximalism Contemporary Floral Hope Dream Invest
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Comradery Painting Figurative Maximalism Contemporary Floral Hope Dream Invest In this one-of-a-kind abstract impressionism artwork by Karnish, the delight of closeness, con...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Woodcut, Stretcher Bars
Rachmaninov: Letter to Sergei, Abstract Impressionist Diptych
Located in Burlingame, CA
Inspired by cello music, diptych, oil canvas in two parts. Contemplative, warm cream, bronze abstract Impressionist diptych painting created in homage to the composer Rachmaninov, S...
Canvas, Linen, Oil, Panel
$6,793
Knowing Of The Future - Original Minimalist Abstract Textured Painting on Canvas
Located in Manchester, GB
Henry Woolway, Knowing Of The Future, 2021 Acrylic on Canvas 122 x 92 cm (13.4 x 17.3 in) Artwork is set in a stained red wood frame with a 5mm shadow gap Hand-signed by the arti...
Canvas, Acrylic
Introspection, Original painting, Abstract art, Calming, Acrylic on canvas, Blue
Located in Deddington, GB
A soothing abstracted painting of the horizon. Gaze across the brush strokes and blending of colours. A captivating horizon asking for a moment of reflection. Oil on board measuring ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Between Two Shores
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll This work speaks about a meeting – a moment in which trust begins to emerge. It can be a meeting with another person or a meeting with oneself. It is a subtle state...
Canvas, Acrylic
Even if it doesn’t look like it (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Even if it doesn’t look like it (Abstract painting) Acrylic, oil, pastels, spraypaint on canvas - Unframed. This artwork is exclusive to IdeelArt. Knaut builds her compositions sl...
Canvas, Pastel, Oil, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$799
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
$5,828
"Verdant" extra large painting on linen canvas, forest, dark green, flowers
Located in Zofingen, AG
Verdant is painted entirely in green - not by accident, and not for decoration. Green sits at the exact centre of the visible spectrum: the point of balance between warm and cold, be...
Canvas, Linen, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Saltwater 9, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Saltwater 9 is an original painting, created with acrylic paint on gallery-wrapped canvas. It has a width of 24 inches and a height of 18 inches with a depth of 1.5 inches (18x24x1.5...
Acrylic
$1,065
avp_1618 - Original Abstract Deep Magenta Tone Contemporary 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
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Impasto , oil, gesso on paper
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...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Contemporary abstract Impressionist floral bouquet of roses painting "Red bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Red Bloom " is a vivid contemporary floral painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing still-life series devoted to flowers. For her, roses embody beauty, love, ...
Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Expression - Mixed Media 2017 by Giorgio Lo Fermo
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Expression is an original artwork realized by Giorgio Lo Fermo in 2017. Original colored oil and acrylic painting on canvas. Hand-signed by the artist on lower right. Thi...
Mixed Media
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.