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.
$1,924Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary large figurative painting inspired by Frida Kahlo "Floral Muse"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Floral Muse” is a vibrant and emotive large painting (70 x 100 cm / 27.5 x 39.5 in) that blends figurative and abstract styles from Natalya Mougenot’s ongoing series dedicated to Wo...
Acrylic, Paper
$1,800
The Sight: photograph by Black African American artist, girl w/ gold & cotton
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is the first print (#1) in a limited edition of 10 signed, titled, and numbered photographs titled "The Sight," by artist Tokie Rome-Taylor. The photograph itself measures 24" x...
Archival Pigment
Submerge I
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
30 x 45 inches ($5200) and 40 x 60 inches ($7200) limited editions of 10, printed on Archival Watercolor Fine Art Paper, 335 gram weight, signed by the artist. Cheryl Maeder was b...
Photographic Film
$1,924Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary large figurative painting of women on paper "Bound in grace"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Bound in Grace” is a contemporary figurative–abstract painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to women, solidarity, emotional connection, an...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,924Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary large figurative painting of women on paper "Invisible thread"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Invisible Thread” is a contemporary figurative–abstract painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to women, emotional connection, and the unse...
Paper, Acrylic
"Waterfall Galleria" Black and White Figurative Photography
By Pat Truax
Located in Houston, TX
Photograph of the iconic waterfall in the Houston Galleria area. This photograph showcases the Sabbttier process or the results of solarization. The photograph is not framed. Artist...
Photographic Film
$1,924Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary large figurative painting of women on paper "The Bonded Three"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“The Bonded Three” is a vibrant contemporary figurative painting depicting three women by French artist Natalya Mougenot, blending expressive color, bold abstraction, and emotional d...
Paper, Acrylic
"Butterfly 1" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/24 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Butterfly 1" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/24 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Butterfly B1 Year: 2018 Print size: 24" x 24" Inch Edition: 1/24 Artist proof: 2 Medium: Archival fin...
Archival Pigment
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Butterfly 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Butterfly 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Butterfly B13 Year: 2018 Print size: 40" x 40" Inch Framed size: 42" x 42" Inch Edition: 1/8 A...
Plexiglass, Photographic Film, Archival Pigment
$24,960
"TIME TA25" (FRAMED) Photography 72" x 48" inch Edition 2/4 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"TIME TA25" (FRAMED) Photography 72" x 48" inch Edition 2/4 by Giuliano Bekor Original fine art photography by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist Title: Time TA25 Year: 2018 Print size: 72" x 48" Inches Artwork finished size: 73" x 49" Inches Limited edition 2 of 4 Artist proof: 2 Medium: The artwork is printed on the highest resolution museum-quality polished aluminum with a high-gloss finish. Infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets The waterproof scratch-resistant surface hygienic and durable medium. Comes in a custom gallery-style floater frame in a semi-gloss silver-face finish. Comes with a heavy-duty wooden liner float mount hanger. This artwork comes with two customizable time zone clocks...
Metal
$907
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 1 - London Royal Ballet Dancers in Motion Abstract
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 1 by Giles Revell Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 Giles Revell creates imagery that is driven by analytica...
Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper, Pigment, Color
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 4 - Royal Ballet Dancers Sapphire Jewels Ballet
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 4 by Giles Revell Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 Giles Revell creates imagery that is driven by analytica...
Archival Pigment, Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 5 by - Royal Ballet London Dancers Abstract Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 5 - Royal Ballet London Dancers Abstract Print by Giles Revell Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 Giles Revel...
Archival Pigment, Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment
1/THE MAGICIAN, From The Tarot of The Golden Scissors Series
By Emma Anna
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Emma Anna is an Australian-born visual artist, curator, and creative writer who currently lives and works between the Colombian Caribbean and the East Coast of Australia. A former ...
Color, Archival Pigment
Carts (motion blur, dream image, daily life, vivid colors)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jeffrey Tamblyn Carts Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Year: 2021 Size: 16x20 inches Edition: 50 Signed, dated and numbered by hand on label COA provided Ref.: 924802...
Archival Pigment
Legs 2000 by Chris Marlow Color Phothography on Paper
Located in Brescia, IT
This human figure becomes abstract through the eyes of artist Chris Marlowe. The woman is seen only from one part of her body: the legs. No sexual references but a close look at the ...
Paper
$14,500
"Emulsion 8" Portrait Photography 40'x40' inch Edition of 10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Emulsion 8" Portrait Photography 40'x40' inch Edition of 10 by Giuliano Bekor Printed on fujiflex mounted on aluminum laminated and framed with a costume floater frame. EMULSION ...
Laminate, Digital
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...
Silver Gelatin
"Red for Love 1" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 1" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko "The Red One - That Is Love" "The Red One - That Is Love" is a thought-provoking art series by Tetian...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
$15,000
"Emulsion 1" Abstract Photography 48'x48' inch Edition of 10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Emulsion 1" Abstract Photography 48'x48' inch Edition of 10 by Giuliano Bekor Emulsion series. Title of artwork: EM1 Year: 2010 Print size: 48x48 Inches trim bleed Rarity: Limited ...
Archival Pigment
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Tokyo - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2019
Located in Roma, IT
Tokyo is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2019. It represents a street in a rainy evening in the center of Tokyo. This is a giclée print on Ca...
Acrylic
$487Sale Price|25% Off
Sardinia - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2018
Located in Roma, IT
Sardinia is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2018. It represents a tranquil wave by the shore in Sardinia, which delicate colors. This is a gi...
Acrylic
$912
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 3 - Royal London Ballet Abstract Gems Jewels Ballet
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 3, 2019 by Giles revell Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 Giles Revell creates imagery that is driven by ana...
Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper, Pigment, Color
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 6 - London Royal Ballet Dancers Performance Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers, Dark Blue 6 - London Royal Ballet Dancers Performance Print by Giles Revell Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 Giles Re...
Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 1, Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 1 by Giles Revell is a Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of...
Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment
$15,000
"Emulsion 27" Abstract Photography 48'x48' inch Edition of 10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Emulsion 27" Abstract Photography 48'x48' inch Edition of 10 by Giuliano Bekor Emulsion series. Title of artwork: EM27 Year: 2010 Print size: 48x48 Inches trim bleed Rarity: Limite...
Archival Pigment
' Orange Woman On Lexington ' signed Archival Pigment Print
Located in London, GB
oversize archival pigment print. 12x16 inches / 31 x 41 cm paper size unframed. Signed & Numbered on front. Supplied with certificate of authenticity. We ship regularly using Fede...
Archival Pigment
$3,006
Golden Girl 2 - Signed limited edition still life contemporary print, Abstract
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Golden Girl 2 Large scale photograph by Michael Banks - Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ) Limited Editi...
Archival Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigme...
$940
At Play in the Fields (lacrosse, female athletes, sports, night, motion blur)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jeffrey Tamblyn At Play in the Fields Medium: Digital Photography Year: 2021 Size: 17x22 in Edition: 25 Signed, dated and numbered by hand on label COA provided Ref.: 924802-939 Mot...
Archival Pigment
Glory (abstract photo, muted colors, street scene)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jeffrey Tamblyn Glory Medium: Digital Photography Year: 2021 Size: 20x16 in Edition: 25 Signed, dated and numbered by hand on label COA provided Ref.: 924802-936 Bright abstract motion-blur image of a street crowd. Archival pigment print on lightly textured cotton rag paper. abstract photo...
Archival Pigment
$3,006
Golden Girl 1 - Signed limited edition still life print, Oversize, Model, Yellow
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Golden Girl 1 Large scale photograph by Michael Banks - Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ) Limited Editions of 5 , signed + numbere...
Archival Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigme...
$588Sale Price|46% Off
Stride (motion blur, dream image, daily life, muted colors)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jeffrey Tamblyn Stride Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Year: 2021 Size: 9.4x8 inches Edition: 25 Signed, dated and numbered by hand on label COA provided Ref.: 92480...
Archival Pigment
$588
Hell on Wheels (colorful, abstract, everyday scene, bright colors, motion blur)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jeffrey Tamblyn Hell on Wheels Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Year: 2021 Size: 10x8 inches Edition: 25 Signed, dated and numbered by hand on label COA provided Ref....
Archival Pigment
"Red for Love 3" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 3" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko "The Red One - That Is Love" "The Red One - That Is Love" is a thought-provoking art series by Tetian...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Colors of Africa Abstracted Zebras
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstracted limited edition photograph of zebras with vivid colors by Ken Dorr (American, 20th Century), c. 2000. #10/250. Signed and numbered lower edge of mat. Presented in black me...
Ink, Photographic Paper
Topolino - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2018
Located in Roma, IT
Topolino is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2018. It represents the car Fiat Topolino in an elegant boulevard. This is a giclée print on Cans...
Acrylic
Winter - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2021
Located in Roma, IT
Winter is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2021. It represents some dry flowers emerging from the snow as an attempt to live. This is a giclée...
Photographic Paper
Morocco - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2018
Located in Roma, IT
Morocco is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2018. It represents an outstanding landscape within the Moroccan mountains. This is a giclée print...
Acrylic
Bamboo - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2019
Located in Roma, IT
Bamboo is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2019. It represents a steep view from the bottom of the bamboo forest in Japan. This is a giclée pr...
Photographic Paper
$432Sale Price|20% Off
Life Scenes - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2019
Located in Roma, IT
Life Scenes is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2019. It represents an everyday life scene at the Terme di Saturnia, warm springs in Tuscany, con...
Photographic Paper
$384Sale Price|20% Off
Greek Market - Photograph by Amanda Ludovisi - 2018
Located in Roma, IT
Greek Market is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2018. It represents a colorful narrow street inside the Greek market in Naxos, emblematic of the Greek culture. This is a gi...
Photographic Paper
Synchronous Pedestrians - Three Figures Crosswalk
Located in Miami, FL
Three synchronous figures cross a Manhattan street just after a snow fall. The normally black pavement is turned light grey due to the salting of the street. Mitchell Funk is a "Colo...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet
Golden Girl 2 - Signed limited edition pigment print, Gold light, Ambiance
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Golden Girl 2- Large scale photograph by Michael Banks Limited Editions of 5 , signed + numbered by artist, with certificate of authenticity This print that is being offered is a...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pi...
$3,006
the Girl 3 - Signed limited edition contemporary art print, Oversize, dark brown
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
The Girl 3 - Large scale photograph by Michael Banks Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ) Limited Editions of 5 , signed + numbered ...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pi...
$3,006
Figurative photo, Signed limited edition contemporary print - Golden Girl 3
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Golden Girl 3 Large scale photograph by Michael Banks - Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ) Limited Editions of 5 , signed + numbered...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pi...
$26,000
"WB2" Abstract Photography (FRAMED) 48" x 90" inch Edition 3/6 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"WB2" Abstract Photography (FRAMED) 48" x 90" inch Edition 3/6 by Giuliano Bekor Print size 90x48 Inches trim bleed Artwork finished size 94x52 Inches Limited edition 3 of 6 Artis...
Archival Pigment, Plexiglass
$6,253
Golden Girl 1 - Signed limited edition pigment print , Large scale photo, model
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Golden Girl 1 Large scale photograph by Michael Banks - Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ) Limited Editions of 5 , signed + numbere...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pi...
Echo: abstract photograph with leg & heels on black from hand-etched photogram
By Jenny Lynn
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
"Echo" is a black & white framed archival pigment print (photograph) from a hand-etched photogram from artist Jenny Lynn's "Personal Myths" series Includes image of legs and heels.. ...
Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment
Mohamed Yakub Abstract Oculus Architecture White Gray Photograph, Kenyan
Located in Nantucket, MA
Printed on Hahnemuhle paper, 310gsm 100% cellulose. This paper gives you a velvet like finish to the photograph. Printed on Epson Ultrachrome ProInk. Available in larger sizes. Unframed image is 24"h x 41"w. priced at $5200 plus shipping in a tube. This photograph is part of a Book of images he created with his photography of the Oculus Transportation Building in NYC designed by Calatrava. Mohamad does not use titles for his photographs. Such naming or framing can constrain or shape a viewer’s engagement with an image. Without such titles, his imagery conjures imaginative spaces, movement and flow, worlds without the constraints of gravity, a visionary place of the mind or an otherworldly cosmos. In this way, his earlier fascination with streams of light...
Archival Paper
Black and White Photography, Limited Edition Figurative Photograph
By Alain Pino
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Black and White Photography, Limited Edition Figurative Photograph Alain Pino’s new works continue his exploration on the intersection between identity and industrial design. In a h...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper, Inkjet
Aluminum Siding
Located in New York, NY
40"x 60" unframed photograph, edition of 5 This photograph is from Stephen Mallon's series, "American Reclamation" and depicts a painterly composition of bailed ...
Photographic Paper, C Print
"Red for Love 11" Photography 24" x 37" inch Edition of 11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 11" Photography 24" x 37" inch Edition of 11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist "The Red One - That Is Love" ...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
"Red for Love 5" Photography 24" x 37" inch Edition of 11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 5" Photography 24" x 37" inch Edition of 11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko "The Red One - That Is Love" "The Red One - That Is Love" is a thought-provoking art series by Tetian...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
Chic Fashion Model with Fireworks Explosion of Color - Monochromatic
Located in Miami, FL
A chic, high-fashion model clad in high heels and a chic hat holds a refreshing drink as she sits on a pedestal. She is depicted in silhouette as a burst of zoomed fireworks explode...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Street Fashionista in Pink Ensemble on New York City Rainy Day
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photography meets Fashion Photography in this boldly graphic image of a stylish woman with an umbrella crossing the street. The composition is minimal as its color scheme is b...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Green Swirl - Ltd Ed
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Archival Ink. Photograph. Seascape. Green. White. Can be hung horizontally as well. Produced by Dye Sublimation - which means archival inks infused into aluminum. Ltd Ed of 10. ...
Metal
$6,500
Frenzied Pedestrians at Crosswalk Times Square - Street Photography Literally
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photographer Mitchell Funk nabs the frenetic energy of Times Square, where the streets are as over-stuffed as the billboards. They are one and the same and powered by an ele...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
"Red for Love 10" Photography 24" x 37" inch Edition of 11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 10" Photography 24" x 37" inch Edition of 11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko "The Red One - That Is Love" "The Red One - That Is Love" is a thought-provoking art series by Tetia...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
"Red for Love 11" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 11" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko "The Red One - That Is Love" "The Red One - That Is Love" is a thought-provoking art series by Tetia...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
"Red for Love 2" Figurative Photography 24 x 37 in Ed 1/11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 2" Figurative Photography 24 x 37 in Ed 1/11 by Tetiana Kalivoshko "The Red One - That Is Love" "The Red One - That Is Love" is a thought-provoking art series by Tetia...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment