Abstract Black and White Photography
ABSTRACT STYLE
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.
Style: Abstract
Color: Black
Destiny, 2009, From The Series Of While You Are Sleeping. Black and white photo
By Arslan Sükan
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Destiny, 2009 by Arslan Sükan
From the series of While You Are Sleeping
Inkjet print on fine art paper
Size: 105 cm H x 133 cm W
Edition 1 of 3
Unframed
‘While you are sleeping’ (...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment, Black and White, Archival Paper
Terracotta (I11) 6,
Located in Miami, FL
Gelatin silver print, pencil signed, dated, and titled verso,
Provenance: The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Printed in 1961.
Work is archivally matted by the The Art Insti...
Category
1960s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Gravity - Liquid 21 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity - Liquid 21 (Abstract Photography)
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5.
In his Gravity Liquid series, Janiak creates visual representations of the idea that form cannot exist wi...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure male nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure male nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Arch...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Large format vintage multiple exposure female nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure female nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Ar...
Category
1990s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Magnetic radiation 99 (Large)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5.
In his Magnetic Radiation series, Janiak reveals the hidden world of magnetism by photographing ferrofluids. A ferrofluid is a liquid substance magne...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Gravity - Bulle d'air 04 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity - Bulle d'air 04 (Abstract Photography)
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5.
In his Gravity Bulles d'air series, Janiak creates visual representations of the idea that form can...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Chantal Thomass
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Chantal Thomass", Black and White Screen Print on Harmon Paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century
Hand signed by Lucille Khornak
Available sizes: 14 ...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film
Karl Lagerfeld
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Karl Lagerfeld", Black and White Screen print on Harmon paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century
Hand signed by Lucille Khornak
Available sizes: 14 x...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film
black and white photography of blurred urban landscape with man
By Luis Mallo
Located in New York, NY
Cuban photographer, Luis Mallo roams city streets taking pictures of obstructed urban landscapes, as shown in this evocative work. Leaving much to the imagination, the artist reveals...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Gravity Bulle d'air 05 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity Bulle d'air 05 (Abstract Photography)
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5.
In his Gravity Bulles d'air series, Janiak creates visual representations of the idea that form canno...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Jean-Charles de Castelbajac", Black and White Screen Print on Harmon Paper, 16 x 20, Late 20th Century
Hand signed by Lucille Khornak
Availabl...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film
Arnold Scaasi
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Arnold Scaasi", Black and white screen print on Harmon paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century
Hand signed by Lucille Khornak
Available sizes: 14 x ...
Category
1980s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film
Magnetic radiation 14 (Medium)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5
In his Magnetic Radiation series, Janiak reveals the hidden world of magnetism by photographing ferrofluids. A ferrofluid is a liquid substance magnet...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Magnetic radiation 99 (Medium)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5.
In his Magnetic Radiation series, Janiak reveals the hidden world of magnetism by photographing ferrofluids. A ferrofluid is a liquid substance magne...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Gravity Bulle d'air 01 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity Bulle d'air 01 (Abstract Photography)
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5
In his Gravity Bulles d'air series, Janiak creates visual representations of the idea that form cannot...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Old Cadillac
By Brett Weston
Located in Buffalo, NY
Signed and dated on the front of the mount. Limited edition of 35. Number 14 of 35. From the “Twenty Photographs, 1970-1977” Portfolio.
Category
1970s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Cracked Paint
By Brett Weston
Located in Buffalo, NY
Signed and dated on the front of the mount. Limited edition of 35. Number 17 of 35. From the “Twenty Photographs, 1970-1977” Portfolio.
Category
1970s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Abstract art photography in black and white - framed in custom made wood frame
By MAE Curates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern Art Etc presents new abstract art photography. This series of sultry fluid rings evokes a timeless elegance. The aesthetic patterns evolve from the fluids in motion. Modern Ar...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Matador Smoke series - abstract photography of smoke
By MAE Curates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a series curated and commissioned by Modern Art Etc Los Angeles.
This series presents various fleeting imagery captured by an award winning US photographer depicting the f...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink
Untitled (Signal Box, Basel)
By Roland Fischer
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original Aluminum backed C-print by Roland Richer created in 2001.
The work was acquired from Von Lintel Gallery in May of 2002.
(71 x 49 1/4 inches)
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Aluminum
Photograph - Classical abstract structures n.16
By MAE Curates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern Art Etc presents this series of abstract classical forms in balck and white archival pigment prints.
The photographer was trained at the Centr...
Category
2010s Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Huang Shan C - Yellow Mountains (landscape black and white art) unframed print
By Peter Leung
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Like a poetic storyteller, Modern Art Etc promotes American photographer Peter Leung’s fine art photography captures the natural beauty and landscape in China. With immaculate composition that comes from planning and patience, waiting for the best natural light and objects to fall into place, the resulting images evokes the spirit of the place and its people. Pictorialism and art conjoin to produce something acutely poetic. One wonders when looking at his pictures – is this a photograph or a painting?
ABOUT THIS WORK
“Huangshan C”, China
The famous Huangshan, (literal translation "Yellow Mountains"), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountain range in southern Anhui province in eastern China. The materials comprise of ancient rocks...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper, C Print
Torn Awning, Marketplace, Boston, MA. 1960
Located in Santa Fe, NM
PAUL CAPONIGRO, Torn Awning, Marketplace, Boston, MA. 1960. Vintage Polaroid, Type 53. Unique one-of-a-kind positive print. edition 1/1.
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Polaroid
Tin Wall, Chelsea, MA. 1962
Located in Santa Fe, NM
PAUL CAPONIGRO, Tin Wall,Chelsea, MA. 1962. Vintage Polaroid, Type 53. Unique one-of-a-kind positive print. edition 1/1.
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Polaroid
Bell Pepper Cross Section, Winthrop, MA, 1964
Located in Santa Fe, NM
PAUL CAPONIGRO, Bell Pepper Cross Section, Winthrop, MA. 1964. Vintage Polaroid, Type 53. Unique one-of-a-kind positive print. edition 1/1.
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Polaroid
Dried Sunflower, Winthrop MA. 1965
Located in Santa Fe, NM
PAUL CAPONIGRO, Dried Sunflower, Winthrop MA. 1965. Vintage Polaroid, Type 53. Unique one-of-a-kind positive print. edition 1/1.
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Black and White Photography
Materials
Polaroid
Abstract black and white photography for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract black and white photography available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Seb Janiak, Kimberly Schneider Photography, Hsu Yun Chin, and Osheen Harruthoonyan. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Photographic Paper and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract black and white photography, so small editions measuring 3 inches across are also available. Prices for black and white photography made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $140 and tops out at $28,000, while the average work sells for $1,250.