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.
$1,371Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Landscape – Original Abstract Oil Painting on Cotton Canvas, 40x40 cm
Located in Agrigento, AG
Blue Landscape is a unique original artwork by Italian contemporary artist Marilina Marchica. Created with oil on cotton canvas, this atmospheric composition evokes the meeting of se...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Untitled
By Luigi Boille
Located in Roma, RM
Luigi Boille (Pordenone 1926 - Rome 2015), Untitled (1965) Oil painting on canvas, 116.5 x 89 cm, signed "Boille 65" lower right; on the back, signature and date "Boille March 1965....
Canvas, Oil
Damien Hirst, Sitting Across from Somebody (The Currency)
By Damien Hirst
Located in Hamburg, DE
Damien Hirst (British, born 1965) Sitting Across from Somebody (The Currency), 2016 Medium: Enamel paint on handmade paper Dimensions: 20 x 30 cm (7.8 x 11.8 in) Series: Unique varia...
Enamel
"Palm Pair" Abstract Painting 14" x 20" inch by Salah Boutros
Located in Culver City, CA
"Palm Pair" Abstract Painting 14" x 20" inch by Salah Boutros Salah Boutros was born in 1964 in Cairo where he still lives and works. He gained a BA degree from the Faculty of Fine ...
Paper, Acrylic
Beacon Within the Storm
Located in Zofingen, AG
This piece doesn't depict a place the artist ever knew growing up — there was no sea where she came from. Instead, it captures a memory built from emotion rather than geography: her ...
Canvas, Oil, Spray Paint
Best Moments - Viktoria Ganhao Abstract Contemporary Painting
Located in DE
This artwork is an exemplary manifestation of abstract expressionism, captivating audiences with its vigorous and spontaneous composition. Dominated by a harmonious blend of pastel h...
Linen, Acrylic
Grid of Memories
Located in New York, NY
Grid of Memories is a densely orchestrated meditation on the architecture of remembrance, exile, and urban imagination. In this series, Cuban American artist Bernardo Navarro transfo...
Mixed Media
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
I AM Power - Modern Abstract Painting, Bold Colorful Rhino Painting, Cubism
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: I AM Power Rhino Modern Bold Colorful Striking Nature Africa Investment Beauty Cubism Geometric Artwork depicting strength, power in a modern and colorful way. This work...
Gesso, Canvas, Acrylic
Small Geometric Abstract Painting in Yellow, Green and Blue, Acrylic on Canvas
By Chanivet
Located in FISTERRA, ES
ST I is a unique acrylic painting on canvas created by Chanivet in 2024. The composition is structured around a repeated grid of large yellow geometric modules, outlined and crossed ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,319
Abstract 2108 - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed, 120x100cm, Ready to hang
Located in Zofingen, AG
Abstract 2108 - is original, authentic, and personally signed by the artist. Created using acrylic on canvas, a clear, gloss coating protects your cherished fine art investment from ...
Acrylic
Realistic Images: Figurative Abstract Acrylic on Canvas, Crimson, 36 x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
Realistic Images is a figurative abstraction by Colombian-born, Canadian-based painter Mario Angel. For Mario, the painting is about recognizing the truths and intentions of those we...
Canvas, Acrylic
$818Sale Price|25% Off
Original-Dahlias Field-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Gold leaf + Impasto
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while longing for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en plein...
Gold Leaf
Untitled # 2, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This artwork is an abstract, textured painting that evokes a sense of organic or geological forms. The painting primarily features earthy tones—grays, browns, and muted beige shade...
Acrylic
Large American School Modernist Abstract Landscape Framed Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 37 by 45 inches overall, and 30.25 by 38.25 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready to hang and...
Oil, Canvas
Paths 19 - abstract geometric blue, green, white painting on linen
Located in New York, NY
Marie Laforey is a self-taught artist based in New York, US who maintains a sustainable art practice using primarily organic material. Laforey enjoys the tactility of working with or...
Linen, Acrylic
"Eternity, " Abstract Painting
By Sofie Swann
Located in Westport, CT
This large-scale original painting by Sofie Swann is predominantly a deep, near-black color with long, thin triangles that emerge into the composition from every side. The dark shape...
Canvas, Acrylic
$7,800
Set Adrift - Large Moody 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
$2,619Sale Price|20% Off
British Expressionist Oil Painting, Abstract Style, 21st Century
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by the British contemporary artist, Sally Bradshaw. The work displays an abundance of rich and warm colours - a diverse range of palette all blended to create this wonderful work of art. A wonderful fusion of Expressionism and abstraction. The work is signed by the artist verso and is a stunning example of her work. A regular exhibitor here at the Stag Gallery...
Oil
$7,150
Elemental Drift (Grey, Blue, & White Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting)
Located in Hudson, NY
Elemental Drift Grey, White , Blue Abstract Expressionist Painting Made by Ragellah Rourke in 2025 oil on canvas 36 x 48 inches, unframed The sides are cleanly painted light grey so ...
Canvas, Oil
avp_1534 - Expressive Blue and Green Abstract 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
Sparks of Light, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Flowing lines and vibrant colors evoke a cosmic landscape. Swirling blues and purples suggest a vast, cold space while glowing orange orbs add warmth to the s...
Acrylic
$5,752Sale Price|20% Off
Mosaico de Ajedrez, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 210 x 215 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naci...
Canvas, Acrylic
Spanish skies - Warm, dramatic abstract landscape sunset painting
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Spanish skies" is a dramatic, warm abstract sunset and landscape painting. It is inspired by the majestic skies over a small Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean, a place of space a...
Oil
Smouldering Sunset, Original painting, expressionist landscape painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Smouldering Sunset by Mary Burtenshaw [2019] original Acrylic on canvas Image size: H:50 cm x W:61 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:50 cm x W:61...
Acrylic
$1,155Sale Price|30% Off
A Case of the Blues: Abstract Expressionism in Acrylic on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
A Case of the Blues - Abstract Expressionism An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant hues of blue swimming in multiple layers and colors, creating a work that is defined by d...
Paper, Acrylic, Gouache, Latex
$14,500
Figurative Hawaii Scene by Ethelinda Signed Oil on Canvas, Early Work, 30x30"
Located in Loveland, CO
Untitled (Hawaiians at Table Eating) by Ethelinda 30" x 30" images size (36" x 36" including the linen fillet and gallery frame) Original Oil on Canvas, Signed and Dated lower right ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,200Sale Price|29% Off
Clarity Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2010s, Unframed, Unique
Located in Yuba City, CA
ONE -of -a KIND ,original and unique artwork . Inspired by natural textures and colors . My artwork is all about passion to paint and create perfect texture . Multiple layers of acry...
Acrylic
$7,100
av_965 Colorful Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Natural Linen Canvas
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...
Linen, Acrylic
Ariadne, Abstract Acrylic Painting on Cardboard by Dorothy Zilka
By Dorothy Zilka
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Dorothy Zilka, American Title: Ariadne Year: 1984 Medium: Acrylic on Cardboard, signed l.r. Size: 12 x 48 inches (30.48 x 121.92 cm) Frame Size: 19 x 54.5 inches
Acrylic, Cardboard
Fruity Ramen Alchemy: BUTTER - Meditative Abstract Yellow Painting on Canvas
By Jason DeMeo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"Fruity Ramen Alchemy: BUTTER" is a one-of-a-kind 36 x 48 inch abstract painting by Jason DeMeo, layering soft pastel buttery yellow acrylic with gold leaf on canvas for a soft, lumi...
Gold Leaf
avp_1454 - Expressive Color Drenched Abstract 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
Floating No2, Impressionistic abstract blue Sky and cloud original painting
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Floating NO2. An impressionistic abstract view of a bright wind-swept cloudy sky. Soft, white fluffy clouds painted in white and light blue, with thick, detailed brush strokes making...
Canvas, Acrylic
Structural Imprint, Construction Series, Abstract Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Structural Imprint” reads like an architectural memory pressed into the surface. Stark black and white forms create a bold, high-contrast composition that feels both constructed and...
Canvas, Acrylic
$750Sale Price|31% Off
Tandem Lives In a Parallel Existence (Radial Perspective Lines, ~31% OFF)
By Susan Kiefer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Susan Kiefer Tandem Lives In a Parallel Existence Oil on Canvas 2020 Size: 20 x 20 x 1.5 inches (50.8 x 50.8 x 3.81 cm) Signed and dated on label to be attached verso COA provided *...
Canvas, Paint, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Spring in California Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2002, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Dynamic, heavy impasto abstract expressionist scene by unknown artist Joy W. (American, 20th Century). Titled, signed and dated on verso "Joy Wxxx" Spring 2002. Presented in a custom...
Canvas, Oil
Geo #2, Original Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Geo #2 36 x 36 x 1.38, 4.0 lbs Acrylic on canvas Hand signed by the artist Artist's Commentary: "This abstract expressionist painting signifies the quiet nights in the Southwest high desert. It is painted with a brush using a wash technique...
Acrylic
$3,999
Sepia Library, Textured Abstract Bookshelf, Contemporary Oil Painting, warm tone
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Framing included: the painting is shown in a natural wood floater frame. The collector may also choose a black floater frame. The artwork is delivered ready to hang. Unframed dimens...
Oil
$108Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) gouache painting on paper/ card unframed: 8.5 x 5.75inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we hav...
Oil
German Abstract Expressionist Work on Paper by Anja Decker, Art Informel, c. 1955
By Anja Decker
Located in Firenze, IT
German Abstract Expressionist Works on Paper by Anja Decker, Art Informel, c. 1950–1965 Anja Decker (Berlin, 1908 – Munich, 1995) was part of the generation of German artists who he...
Tempera
"Monk" 2019 Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, 52x42
By Luke Jackson
Located in New York, NY
Luke Jackson "Monk" 2019 Oil on Canvas 52” x 42” inches About the Artist: Luke Jackson is a visual artist who has been based in Brooklyn, NY for the last 20 years. Raised in Ital...
Canvas, Oil
$10,675
The Climb - Original Atmospheric Abstract Landscape 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
#150, 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
Pastel Reverie
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork is a vibrant abstract painting that captivates with its dynamic blend of colors and textures. Broad, expressive brushstrokes sweep across the canvas, weaving together pa...
Oil, Acrylic
Floating Away small framed abstract impressionist landscape lilac blue pink
Located in COOMERA, QLD
'Floating Away' a small square painting, quality custom framed, minimalist abstract paintings on timber plywood. Lighten up the room with bright, summer colours of pastels and aqua's...
Acrylic, Plywood
$5,040Sale Price|20% Off
Retrato, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 220 x 210 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naci...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,255
Good Vibrations - Figurative Abstract Ocean Surfers Still Life Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,410
Flying Dutchman -Original modern abstract-texture painting-Contemporary artwork
By Roman Goss
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs...
Canvas, Oil
Rising Angel Abstract Expressionist Painting, Signed, 80x80 cm, Italy
Located in Silverthorne, CO
The answer to my Fallen Angel. The Rising Angel, against all odds, becoming light. Made in a beautiful palette of lilac, chromatic grays, celestial blue, and bright white. And abstr...
Canvas, Oil
$3,205Sale Price|60% Off
Abstract Turquoise & Red Flowers on Pink Background by British Landscape Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Painting of Abstract Turquoise & Red Flowers on a Pink Background by British Landscape Artist, Angela Wakefield. This original is from th...
Gesso, Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$1,828
“Tulips of Love" Large-format Fauvist /Matisse inspired still life painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Tulips of Love” — Large-format contemporary Fauvist-inspired, Matisse-influenced floral still life created in a modern expressive / metamodern figurative style, executed in acrylic ...
Paper, Acrylic
$4,200
Whispers of the Canopy 2, Original abstract painting in earth tones, 60x48”
Located in Cumming, GA
This abstract painting evokes a tender quietude, as if nature-inspired calm itself paused to exhale. Soft, interwoven shapes in muted earth tones drift across the canvas like memorie...
Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary abstract figurative expressive human figure portrait "Inner being"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Inner Being” is a contemporary portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing exploration of the human presence beyond appearance — a direction closely connected to...
Paper, Acrylic
Abstraction in Yellows
Located in Germantown, NY
Stuart Bigley is an artist based in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley. He has been making and showing his artwork for over 40 years. During this time he also co-founded and ran the ...
Canvas, Oil
$680
Untitled #535 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #535 by Murray Duncan – Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper Size: 32" x 40" Unframed, signed on the back A striking exploration of form and movement, Untitled #527 by Murray ...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
Distracted Portrait - Acrylic on Canvas by Lillo Sauto - 2022
By Lillo Sauto
Located in Roma, IT
Ritratto Distratto (Distracted Portrait) is an acrylic painting on canvas realized in 2022 by the Artist Lillo Sauto. Excellent condition.
Acrylic
"Untitled" Angelo Ippolito, Abstract Composition, Red and Black, New York School
Located in New York, NY
Angelo Ippolito Untitled, 1961 Signed and dated lower right Oil on canvas 40 1/4 x 48 1/4 inches Angelo Ippolito was an internationally exhibited painter, renowned member of the Ne...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled 01 - 21st Century, Abstract, Black, Contemporary Art
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
Untitled 01, 2015 - 2016 Mixed technique: oil paint, adhesive on OSB (Signed on reverse) 8 15/32 H x 5.9 W in 21 H x 15 W cm Zsolt Berszán’s work speaks of repulsion and fascination...
Adhesive, Oil, Wood Panel
Feel Art II, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Emily STARCK
Located in Yardley, PA
Large work of abstraction exhibited in France at Feel Art fair in 2024. Free and intuitive gesture in a colorful palette. I took so much pleasure in this piece. Professional and h...
Acrylic
White & Green Pattern Triptych Painting by George McClancy
Located in Washington, DC
George McClancy (1930-2014) abstract pattern triptych painting. Acrylic on canvas 75W" x 48H" George McClancy received a MA in painting from Catholic University in Washington DC, ...
Canvas, 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.