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.
The Divine Goddess - Warm Soft Jewel Tone Abstract Floral Painting
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
$776Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Multicolour Gouache on Paper
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Multicolour Gouache on Paper by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French Signed with initials bottom right and name stamped verso Gouache and in...
Ink, Gouache
Love (Peonies)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Two delicate peonies on a deep navy-blue background. It feels as if these two flowers have merged into one — this is love! The painting is created with acrylic on canvas: layered br...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,876
Contemporary Minimalist Diptych Blue Abstract Painting Canvas by Tete Alurralde
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The artwork is conceived as a diptych. The total dimensions of the two pieces together are 80 × 180 cm, with each individual work measuring 80 × 90 cm. The overall dimensions are cal...
Acrylic, Cotton Canvas
$786
Hand painted Proof-Summer Bloom in the Night-British Awarded Artist-Goldleaf Oil
Located in London, GB
This is a large hand painted Artist's Proof, (oil and gold leaf on Giclee), it's the only one proof of this image, 90 % of the proof is hand painted by the artist, Shizico Yi; its o...
Gold Leaf
$533
Hand-Painted Artist Proof-Summer Night-British Awarded Artist-One Off large size
Located in London, GB
This stunning Artist's Proof is an one-off, hand-painted by the artist Shizico , signed at front and on the back label too; the proof is 90% hand painted with original oil paint by S...
Gesso, Archival Ink, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée
#207, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$1,162
MIST
Located in Zofingen, AG
"A thin veil of fog hides the world. In this shaky haze dreams are born”
Canvas, Oil
Antique American Impressionist Floral Vase Signed Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American still life painting. Oil on board. Framed in an antique gilt wood frame. Measuring: 30 by 23 inches overall and 26 by 19 inches painting alone. Excellent condition,...
Oil, Board
Golden tulips on a green background
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork is created with acrylic on canvas and enhanced with gold leaf. On a deep emerald-green background, stylized tulips are depicted. Their petals and leaves are rendered in...
Canvas, Acrylic
SAT-NAM
Located in Zofingen, AG
“This work is a visual mantra — an invitation to stillness. With no defined forms, only texture and vibration, the painting dissolves the boundary between the outer and inner world.”
Canvas, Oil
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Large Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 24 by 36 inches overall. Excellent condition, ready to hang ...
Oil, Canvas
$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
$763
Pleasant Memories. Medium abstract painting, floral tones, sage, expressionism
Located in Oslo, NO
In Pleasant Memories, the artist explores a quiet inner emotional state shaped by personal feelings and by observing nature. The painting conveys warmth, love, tenderness, and a sens...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled (hard-edge abstract painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Budd Hopkins (1931-2011). Abstract, 1968. Oil on canvas, 30 x 52 inches; 31 x 53 inches framed. Signed and dated lower margin. Provenance: Timothy Collins (1940-2017), Palo Alto, CA...
Canvas, Oil
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Figural Abstract Painting w/ Gears of an Engine, Ohio Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
James Massena March (American, 1953-2021) Untitled Oil on canvas 30 x 48 inches "My paintings are about space, form and energy. I generally start ...
Oil
$853Sale Price|20% Off
« Autumn trees» Original semi-abstract painting . Home decor
Located in Oslo, NO
This artwork is a vivid, abstract landscape bursting with dynamic colors and flowing forms. The composition is a harmonious blend of earthy tones—rich reds, deep greens, and soft blu...
Paper, Acrylic
Signals - original artwork - abstract art - contemporary painting
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Abraham Walkowitz (1878-1965) Signed Antique Modernist Abstract Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist cityscape painting by Abraham Walkowitz (1878 - 1965). Mixed media on paper. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 20 by...
Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
Abstract 4, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Layers of blue and cream with touches of orange and black create an energetic composition. The blending of colors evokes a strong sense of movement, while the s...
Oil
$1,550
A Chance Encounter. Large abstract painting, violet, ochre, lilac, expressionism
Located in Oslo, NO
A spontaneous meeting of colors and forms — A Chance Encounter captures the fleeting moment when two movements cross and create something unexpected. Layers of ochre, violet, and ind...
Canvas, Acrylic
Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sunchasers Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
Escapades - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This striking acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel is a compelling example of figurative abstraction, where the artist masterfully blends symbolic imagery with a complex, biomorphic stru...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,480
Turquoise and Nocturnal Marina, Modern Seascape Diptych in Blue Tones, Organic
Located in Barcelona, ES
This diptych draws on the visual language of the seascape, using flowing, interlaced lines to evoke the movement of water and shifting currents. Contrasting tones of turquoise and de...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
$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
$4,111
Christina Gschwantner Love Dots Vivid Contemporary Abstract 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, Oil, Acrylic
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist painting. Gouache on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 20 by 15 inches overall. Handsomely framed in an antique Italian frame. Excellent condition, read...
Oil, Gouache, Board
The Peace Within - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel is a captivating exploration of figurative abstraction, defined by its dense, rhythmic arrangement of interlocking biomorphic forms. The composi...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
"Doves for the Dorians I" (pink, green, white, Greek warrior. sword, painting)
Located in Paris, IDF
The Dorians played a significant role in the development of the Greek city-states during the Bronze Age -- and Doves are widely recognized as symbols of peace, primarily in the bibli...
Canvas, Dye, Oil, Acrylic
$1,597Sale Price|20% Off
Round Multicolor Relief Wall Sculpture in Clay Fake Gum Abstract Candy Mosaic
Located in FISTERRA, ES
"Fake Gum" is a captivating circular wall sculpture by Elizabeth Art Candy that explores the seductive tension between softness and artifice. Composed of hundreds of hand-molded clay...
Clay, Spray Paint, Board
$4,384
Christina Gschwantner New Vivid Gestures Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The work reflects the artist’s mastery of gesture and emotion, where each mark becomes a visual language. A striking piece that brings movement, depth, and intensity to any collectio...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Absolute Wealth - Large Contemporary Abstract Maximalism Painting, Ready to Hang
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Absolute Wealth Large Painting Absolute Wealth - Contemporary Abstract Colorful Maximalism Bold Invest Another soulful artwork by Karnish. Symbols and forms unfold in this me...
Gesso, Canvas, Acrylic, Wood, Charcoal, Spray Paint, Color Pencil, Stret...
Contemporary Abstract Diptych Painting in Soft Grey and Neutral Tones, 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...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Pigment
$422Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary impressionist expressive floral painting paper "Roses in light"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This expressive and vibrant floral painting of roses, created by the contemporary French artist Natalya Mougenot, is a dynamic representation of nature’s energy. Born in Kazakhstan i...
Paper, Acrylic
State of Blue
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Encaustic on panel. blue teal aqua white yellow orange navy Red green chartreuse It's simple; I create art because it makes me happy. I try not to overthink the process of what I...
Encaustic
Cintra and Frenetic Diptych. Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
" The work resists framing in concepts, it overflows the contours and borders of the rational. It is through the presence of color, combined with an abstraction at times with express...
Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$6,400
Green Cathedral III - Large Contemporary Abstract Green Tone Geometric 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
Paramount Ranch Oaks
Located in Pasadena, CA
Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist UNFRAMED: 14" x 18" FRAMED: 20.25" x 24.25" x 1.5" Signed "K Dempwolf" on lower right Artist Statement "This is a movie ranch whe...
Canvas, Oil, Board
#49, 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
Helter Skelter - Large Contemporary Cubist Terracotta Orange Oil Painting Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Harrison Gilman graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. In 2018 his artworks were exhibited at the We Rise Art Fair in Los Angeles alongside Shepard Fairey ...
Canvas, Oil
My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving
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...
Wire
Evening over Green, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bold texture and vibrant color convey the drama of Tennessee’s summer evenings. A vast sky of purples and blues reflects the shifting light at dusk, while lay...
Oil
#240, 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
$469Sale Price|20% Off
Fountain of Life // Interior Water Abstract / blue ocean / sea, waves.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Water is a symbol of the fundamental principle of everything, it is the element from which everything on the Earth was born. Using the ThetaHealing technique The painting is fi...
Acrylic
#269, 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
'Trajectory' colorful minimalist work on panel, wood grain, red, triangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This modular work features hues of red and blue. Three separate pieces hang together to create one piece. Nancy is inspired by the works of Carmen Herrera, Deborah Zlotzky and Grazi...
Latex, Wood Panel
$159Sale Price|53% Off
Earth I Painting, Abstract Style, 21st Century, Signed, Framed
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
This is the first part of a triptych. Inspired again by recycling, old frames, golf balls, and paper. The idea behind is to show the vulnerability of our "Mother Earth". Will be signed.
Plastic, Wood, Paper
$2,020
Earth to Sky - Tall Impasto Inspired Colorful Thick Paint 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, Glitter
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Life to the Full LA Blue 2 - Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sarah Johnson infuses passion, heart, and a lifetime of creative experience into each original painting. Her radial series exhibits both uninhibited freedom and methodical technique. Through colors, textures, and movement, Johnson’s acrylic paintings on canvas radiate joy with pleasing repetition and form. This 48-inch high by 30-inch wide one-of-a-kind painting is stretched, wired, and ready to hang. The sides of this original artwork are painted and it does not require framing. It is signed by the artist on the back. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and International shipping are available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the Los Angeles art gallery is included. Johnson says about her work: "I believe things that you bring into your home make a difference in the way you live and feel. My artwork is inspired by joy, purpose, and freedom. I hope my paintings are a source of inspiration for you and everyone who enters your home." Each series has a meaningful message, adding both truth and beauty to your walls. Johnson is based in Dallas, Texas, and has been a professional artist since 2012. Her abstract artworks are collected internationally. REPRESENTATION Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, California, USA EDUCATION 2010 The University of Texas at Austin EXHIBITIONS 2022 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2022 The Collective, Dallas, TX 2022 Mecox Gardens, Houston, TX 2022 The Arbors, Round Top, TX 2022 The Walking Man, Whitefish, MT 2022 BayHill Design Studio, Austin, TX 2022 Septemberfest Art Fair, Midland TX - Honorable Mention 2021 Olive & Home, Tyler TX...
Canvas, Acrylic
Savanna Fragments - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
In "Savanna Fragments," Mario Angel continues his evocative exploration of the Cosmic Conspiracy series, this time anchoring his signature figurative abstraction in the primal rhythm...
Canvas, Acrylic
$11,042
Untitled LX by Ferle - Large abstract painting, vivid tones, spiritual, green
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled LX is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 200 cm × 140 cm (78.7 × 55.1 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and c...
Canvas, Oil
One Way or Another
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This black and white abstract acrylic painting is inspired by the mid-century masters like Franz Kline. Framed in a beautiful wood frame, wired and ready to hang, 17 in. wide x 21 in...
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
Untitled #527 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #527 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
Bridge - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1969, Colorful Ribbons
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large contemporary abstract painting by Milly Ristvedt is one of her colourful ribbons series. In the late 1960s, Canadian artist Milly Ristvedt had fallen in love with using r...
Canvas, Acrylic
Composed In Silence - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This striking acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel masterfully navigates the realm of figurative abstraction. Through a dense network of biomorphic shapes and interlocking lines, the art...
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,743Sale Price|30% Off
Coastal Equilibrium
Located in London, London
All the custom charges are included in the final price agreed. Turquoise, beige, red, lines, blue, fluid, movement. Abstract expressionist painting, large-scale contemporary artw...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance, Abstract Floral Painting on Canvas, Unique
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance and Stillness - In Pink Floral Flowers Abstract Unique Exclusive One-of-a-kind Striking Abundant Meadow Landscape Nature We all need to feel...
Acrylic
$280Sale Price|20% Off
"For Granted I." (quiet, floral, soft, natural, abstract, antique French linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
"For Granted I.", 2024, Paris, France "For Granted I." is a quiet, rich and cerebral abstract painting using a subtle but powerful color palette of brown, magenta, purple, green and...
Oil, Acrylic, Canvas
House with Yellow Windows, Oil Painting, Signed, 1960s NYC Artist
Located in Arp, TX
Martin Rosenthal "House with Yellow Windows" c. 1960s Encaustic & Oil paint on paper 20"x13" unframed Signed and dated in ink lower left Martin Rosenthal 1899-1974 Artist Mart...
Paper, Oil
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.