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.
$635
River Stones - Original Grey Tone Textured Abstract Mixed Media 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
avp_1453 - 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
Magenta Glow: Essence of Bloom series
Located in Zofingen, AG
An original intuitive abstraction featuring a vibrant palette of magenta and rose. This 30x30 cm canvas is a study of light and movement. The artist employs a specialized "watercolor...
Canvas, Acrylic
Oil on Canvas Painting Titled “AbEx Whitewash IV” 48 x 48
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Born in Havana, Cuba, in the late 70s during a well-documented time of religious and political oppression, abstract expressionist artist Mirtha Moreno, immigrated to the United State...
Oil, Acrylic
$4,680Sale Price|20% Off
Gray and Green with Red Accents, Contemporary Large-Scale Abstract Expressionist
Located in Soquel, CA
Large-scale contemporary abstract with red and pink accents on a textured grey and pale green background by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). There is a small "12" a...
Canvas, Oil
Tiffany, abstraction.
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artwork, created on a canvas made of clay, captivates with its unique texture and a serene palette in Tiffany hues. The upper part of the composition features soft, flowing folds...
Canvas, Clay, Acrylic
"Imagine", Abstract Expressionist, Red, Yellow, White, Blue, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "Imagine" is a 50 x 38 inch oil painting on canvas. It's an expressive, abstract painting of a seated figure rendered in bold, almost glowing blocks of color. The person...
Canvas, Oil
$714Sale Price|20% Off
MUTED GREEN SHAPES AND FORMS IN COLOR - FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT PAINTING
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Abstract Composition" original Oil Painting on board by Yvette Dubois Habasque (1929-2016) signed and inscribed verso Dated: 2010 board: 10.75 x 13.75 inches Fine original abstrac...
Oil
$1,561Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Shapes and Forms
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed initials by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed stamped verso canvas: 36 x 28.75 inches condition: the work is in overa...
Canvas, 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: 10.75 x 8.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we h...
Oil
Abstract P30 Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Minimalist, Signed, 2010+
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
This abstract painting is inspired by minimalism, modern art and hard edge. This work is signed, dated and tilted by Artist on the back. Signed certificate of authenticity. This work...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled 4. From Ritmos abstractos (Abstract Rhythms) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"Ritmos Abstratos" invites us to explore the visual universe of the artist Juan Carlos Amador, who, through his unique perspective, translates the pulsations of space and the invisi...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$27,000
Tingari Abstract Geometric Painting, Acrylic on Cotton Canvas, 2010+
By Ronnie Tjampitjinpa
Located in Miami, FL
Ronnie Tjampitjinpa was born around 1943 at Tjiturrunya, about 100km west of the Kintore ranges in Western Australia. Following an extended drought in the 1950s, Ronnie's family move...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Ruz Interior Landscapes - Abstract Acrylic on paper Painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work on paper by the Spanish artist Rafael RUZ. Perfect state While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the same sense t...
Acrylic, Cardboard
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Luminous - 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, Miniature, Emotions, Art Brut
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
I don’t want my relationship with anyone to be defined just by my decline. I wanna do more than just living, and maybe I wanna be Luminous, always radiating my inner light and warmth...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$1,130
Boundless Spring. Medium size abstract painting, floral, soft colors, dyptich
Located in Oslo, NO
Boundless Spring is a diptych built on expansion — of color, of gesture, of spatial breath. The two canvases function as a continuous field, where forms emerge and dissolve without f...
Canvas, Acrylic
$795
Stormy Clouds - Modern Original Framed Moody Abstract Landscape Mixed Media Art
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring focuses his contemporary paintings on vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday momen...
Paper, Mixed Media
Velvet Horizon: 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
Grotto
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Blue white beige teal green khaki orange brown aqua Martha Rea Baker’s technique of choice is driven by her selection of mediums. She has successfully moved between the unique pro...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,993
Large French Mid Century Abstract Oil Painting Black Purple Pink Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Large French Mid Century Abstract Oil Painting Black Purple Pink Gestural Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French, born 1924) signed and dated 1997 French abstract expressionist oil...
Oil
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage American "Dancing Flames" Framed Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas laid down on board. Measuring: 14 by 17 inches overall and 10 x 13 inches painting alone. Framed in a an antique molding. Exce...
Canvas, Oil, Board
Abstract Landscape - Field of Green, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sage green stretches across the foreground, evoking a lively abstract field. Blue, rust, and black tones shape the horizon in the distance. Expressive strokes a...
Oil
$389Sale Price|34% Off
Black Brushstrokes Gestures on Green Lime, Abstract Painting on Paper, Palette
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Lime and Black Line Work" is an abstract painting by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful series of rhythmic brushstrokes combined with subtle tones and unique shapes tha...
Acrylic, Rag Paper
$1,044
Original-Summer Green-British Awarded Artist-Foxgloves and Lilies-en plein air
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Painted entirely en plein air in the early hours of summer, this work captures a fleeting moment of calm and light as the garden stirred awake under the soft glow of sunrise. Shizico...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$525
The Cyan Dress 2 - Minimalist Feminine Figurative Original Ink Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses vitality and sensuality in her abstract and figurative paintings. “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, dancers and people ...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media, Graphite
Untitled Geometric Abstraction Minimalist painting unique signed renowned artist
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite work of geometric abstraction by this celebrated artist Winston Roeth Untitled, ca. 1996 Pastel on handmade paper Hand signed on the front Frame included: Floated and fr...
Oil Pastel, Pastel, Handmade Paper
TN 653 by Hachiro Kanno - Calligraphy-based abstract painting, black and white
Located in Paris, FR
TN 653 is a unique ink and acrylic on canvas painting by Japanese contemporary artist Hachiro Kanno. The painting is made with acrylic on paper, dimensions are 73 × 100 cm (28.7 × 39...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
Line of Silence No. 7
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Line of silence” is an ongoing painting cycle that explores the fragile boundary between presence and dissolution. Through a restrained color palette, layered surfaces, and a soften...
Canvas, Mixed Media
0312E, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By Luis Medina
Located in Yardley, PA
This original acrylic on paper artwork, "0312E", is a captivating dance of color and form. The artist's hand is evident in the expressive application of acrylic paint, creating a dyn...
Acrylic
Unforgettable Love, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Emily STARCK
Located in Yardley, PA
Large scale painting in a colorful palette. Worked in several layers with professional and high quality painting with anti UV protection and velvet rendering. Edges are painted in ...
Acrylic
Untitled (Vibration) Gouache on Card, Abstract, Circa 1970s, Framed
Located in Vancouver, CA
Rita Letendre (Canadian, 1928–2021) Untitled (Vibration) c. 1972–1978 Gouache on card Canvas: 40 × 15.25 in. (101.6 × 38.7 cm) Framed: 41.75 × 16.75 in. (106.0 × 42.5 cm) Signed vers...
Gouache, Board
Pink Theory, Contemporary Abstract Painting, original painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Rebecca's work is inspired by a lifelong love of nature, colour, and pattern. Growing up in Kew, she was deeply influenced by the beauty of Kew Gardens and its rich abundance of bota...
Canvas, Acrylic
Flying Gulls on the Surf
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
James Floyd Clymer (1893-1982), ca.1930. Watercolor and pencil on paper measures 14 x 20 inches. Signed lower margin. James Floyd Clymer ( 1893-1982 ) known for his Regionalist st...
Watercolor, Rag Paper, Pencil
#78, 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
Space 27e, Painting, Acrylic on Paper
By Luis Medina
Located in Yardley, PA
Inspired by geometric abstraction, this piece evokes a sense of modern design and invites contemplation of spatial relationships. The carefully chosen palette unifies the work's v...
Acrylic
"City Static" (2022) by Jennifer Bobola, Mixed Media Abstract Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"City Static" is an original, handmade mixed media painting, by Jennifer Bobola, that depicts a dark and abstract cityscape. Artist Statement: Let’s be honest, understanding abstrac...
Mixed Media
Natural Flow Series n7 and n6 Diptych. Abstract Painting
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Flow is the ability of liquids to continually move from one place to another. Also, It means accepting each situation as it is. The movement of the liquid comes from life, it is natu...
Canvas, Lacquer, India Ink, Watercolor, Pigment
$882
"Table in bloom" Contemporary abstract figurative still life painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“A Table in Bloom”: A Vibrant Original Floral Still Life in a Contemporary Expressionist, Metamodern Style by French Artist Natalya Mougenot This original mixed media painting (50 ×...
Paper, Acrylic
A365 - Original Blue Painting Abstract Contemporary on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss born artist Marco Schmidli creates minimalist paintings with a contemporary edge. Placing emphasis on process, he lets the mediums naturally manifest within his artwork. “An important aspect of my artwork is the removal of my own artistic hand. Instead of controlling and demanding the paint move and act a certain way, I let the paint naturally manifest and express its pure form/ true colors/ most natural movement.” Schmidli's work is known for its sensitive surfaces and subtle textures. He has developed specialized techniques for applying and layering color, giving depth to his paintings. This 35 inch high by 28 inch wide, and 1.75-inch deep original artwork is an abstract composition in acrylic paint on wood. This artwork is wired and ready to hang. Schmidli uses acrylic paint to create the deep tonality of his colorful works. It is signed and dated on the back. Free local Los Angeles delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and worldwide shipping available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. Schmidli studied photography and fine art in Switzerland and Rome. He worked as a photographer and painter in Zurich and then in 1989 he moved to California. Schmidli has been creating large scale artworks since. He has developed specialized techniques for applying and layering color. His artworks have been featured in the film and entertainment industry, such as fashion photography, celebrity portraits, music videos, films, editorials, and at red carpet events. Schmidli has set a new standard for large scale contemporary abstract works in Los Angeles. His original paintings have appeared in highly respected magazine publications, such as Vogue, Flaunt, and Harper’s Bazaar. His work has also been featured in fashion spreads of iconic international brands such as Nike and Balenciaga. REPRESENTATION Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, USA CLIENT LIST ADVERTISING Acura, Aveda, Bath & Body Works, Bloomingdales, Cost Plus, Covergirl, Heather Levine, JC Penny, Loehmann's, Lord and Taylor, Macy's, Mazda, MGM Resorts International, Neiman Marcus, Noah's Bagels, Nordstrom, O.P.I., Oakley, Porsche, QVC, Saks Fifth Avenue, Silverman Group, Sketchers, Smashbox Beauty, Sprint, Stila. EDITORIAL Architectural Digest, Cosmo Girl, Cosmopolitan, Details, Elle Décor, Elle, Empire Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, ESPN, Esquire, Essence, Forbes Life, Giant, Glamour, Golf Digest, Good Housekeeping, GQ, Hearst Magazine, House Beautiful, Instyle, Ladies Home Journal, Latina Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Lucky, Martha Stewart Living, Maxim, Men’s Vogue, New York Magazine, New York Times Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Parade, Parents, People, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Seventeen, Shape, Spin, Sports Illustrated, Teen People, The Hollywood Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, US Magazine, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Wonderland, Women’s Wear Daily FASHION Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, BCBG, BEBE, Bluefly, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Chrome Hearts, David Yurman, Delia’s, Eileen Fisher, INC, FIDM, Fredricks of...
Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Abstract Mouse" OARK44, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, Germany (1968) Master student of Kurt Schönburg, HWK Halle, Germany. Art measures 59 x 59 inches Frame measures 66.92 x 66.92 x 2.76 inches Framed ...
Clay, Acrylic
Celia Lees — Large Atmospheric Abstract Painting in Coral, Blush and Burgundy
By Celia Lees
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...
Ink, Oil, Acrylic
$1,950
“So Plant, So Animal” (Animalia, Fuana, Bold Graphic, Abstract, Neutral, Framed)
Located in Paris, IDF
Bold yet delicately portrayed, "So Plant, So Animal I" is an abstract piece framed to perfection, offering a timeless neutral color palette. The central theme captures the essence of...
Acrylic, Linen, Wood, India Ink
Contemporary Art In Motion , In Motion.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
Oil on canvas, artist Koko signed lower right on the canvas.
Oil
$12,500
Departing, Large Figurative Expressionist Painting by George Marshal Cohen
By George Marshal Cohen
Located in Long Island City, NY
An oil painting by George Marshal Cohen from 1960. An abstract expressionist style painting with dark blue tones and bright yellow accents. Figurative representations of female legs ...
Canvas, Oil
British Abstraction oil on paperboard Alec Cumming, Vase, Blue Orange Black
Located in Norfolk, GB
Artist: Alec Cumming Title: Forms Inside the Moment Medium: oil on paper Size: 69cm x 99cm (27” x 38”) Year: 2016 Alec Cumming Exhibited at Alec Cumming...
Oil, Rag Paper
$24,000
Mystery of Light Composition - contemporary, cubist, abstract, acrylic on canvas
By Otto Rogers
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary cubist painting is by the highly regarded Canadian artist Otto Rogers. A prominent Canadian artist celebrated for his own distinctive brand of contemporary artwork...
Canvas, Acrylic
Blue Interwoven Seascapes, Geometric Oil Painting on Wood, Signed Original
By Raúl Álvarez
Located in FISTERRA, ES
This blue geometric seascape is an original oil painting on wood that combines two marine views through sweeping curves, fragmented planes and shifting horizons. Created by Spanish ...
Oil, Wood Panel
What's Seldom Is Wonderful-Revisited, contemporary abstract, large abstract
By Lloyd Tabing
Located in Jönköping, SE
"What's Seldom Is Wonderful REVISITED" holds a distinct course in my studio practice. Initially considered complete months ago, I lived with the surface until its underlying architec...
Acrylic
$2,966Sale Price|20% Off
Words Of A Story
By Lloyd Tabing
Located in Jönköping, SE
Keeping with my passion of nature, this collection focusses on the movement and structure of nature. Primarily that from trees. I am fascinated by trees and their amazing beauty. Co...
Acrylic
$16,952
Permanescence TN694-T by Hachiro Kanno - Calligraphy-based abstract painting
Located in Paris, FR
Permanescence TN694-T is a unique triptych painting by Japanese contemporary artist Hachiro Kanno. The painting is made with ink and acrylic on canvas. It is composed by 3 panels, to...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$353
Contemporary abstract colorful expressive acrylic painting on paper "Fusion"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
French artist Natalya Mougenot presents "Fusion," a captivating piece from her latest series dedicated to the essence of summer. This vibrant abstract floral painting is executed in ...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,275Sale Price|25% Off
Night wormwood , 70x60 cm, oil on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Night wormwood , 70x60 cm, oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
Khloris 001 and Khloris 004 Diptych. Abstract Painting. From The Khloris Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The central concept of Larios painting series KHLORIS is based on the idea of the garden as a metaphorical space. Larios seeks to find a certain romantic beauty in the details of n...
Canvas, Lacquer, Pastel, Automotive Paint, Acrylic
“The Flower That Nourishes” Series: Flowers That Feed Us
Located in Zofingen, AG
The Flower That Nourishes” explores the connection between beauty and usefulness — the wisdom of nature we often forget. Nasturtium is a plant that nourishes and heals, yet remains a...
Canvas, Oil
Celia Lees — Large Atmospheric Abstract Painting in Blush, Plum and Ochre
By Celia Lees
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...
Ink, Oil, Acrylic
Abstract Painting Black Texture Gestural Expressionism Linen Matthew Vanliessum
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Matthew van Liessum (b. 1989, The Netherlands) is an abstract painter based in Antwerp. His practice is rooted in gestural abstraction, where energetic mark-making meets a strong sen...
Linen, Ink, Oil, Acrylic
Abstract expressive floral painting on canvas "Floral symphony in color""
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Floral Symphony in Color" is a vivid, expressive contemporary painting created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, and it forms part of her Floral series. In this series, Natalya ble...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,601Sale Price|20% Off
"Northern legends.In a dream world" Abstract expressionist works
Located in Oslo, NO
Abstract ,symbolic and decorative painting . Shape , movement and colour that creates one fantasy world.Working on abstraction is often very intuitive and sometimes the artist has ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Mato de onça, Abstract painting. From the series Matas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
For Jose Ignacio Suarez an abyss of time and space distances him from those who were the first inhabitants of the Brazilian coasts and of this vast American continent. His initial la...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Awakening" - Abstract Contemporary Painting
Located in New Orleans, LA
Emerging artist Leroy Miranda took off like a rocket a few years back in 2015 when he was discovered in New Orleans. A painting of this self-taught artist with what he describes as "...
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.