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.
$413
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait "She who sees tomorrow"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman’s portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and forms part of her ongoing Women series—a deeply personal body of work dedi...
Paper, Acrylic
ID No. 3 The Ambitious. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
The Peacock of Coconut Grove, Animal Photography
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Peacocks roam freely in the streets around Coconut Grove in Miami. Arguably, they are one of nature's most exquisite works of art. They are adorned wit...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
"Rain" The Frequency, Abstract Photography, Giclee Print, Limited Edition
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Rain” The Frequency, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Edition Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2019 Dimension: 20 x 30” External Dimension( with white border) : Heig...
Giclée, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 11, 5, 1 and 15. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$14,100Sale Price|40% Off
"Emulsion 12" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" inch Edition 2/20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Emulsion 12" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" inch Edition 2/20 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Emulsion EM12 Year: 2018 Print size: 40" x 40" Inch Artwork finished size: 42" x 42" Inch E...
Laminate, Archival Paper, Digital
ID No. 17 The Refined. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 14 The Furious. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 15 The Elegant. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 16 The Watchful. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 11 The Confused. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 10 The Visionary. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 13 The Startled. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 12 The Goodhearted. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 8 The Melancholic. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 7 The Melancholic. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 9 The Melancholic. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 4 The Confident. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 5 The Naive. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
3497
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'3497' London, United Kingdom 2022 It is a black and white film photograph. Giclée print on Hahnemühle photo rag Baryta 308 Gsm fine art paper, limited edition of 20. Photograph...
Film, Photographic Film, Giclée
ID No. 17, 10, 12 and 2. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 14, 11, 6 and 16. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the for...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No.9, 13 and 8. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 4, 3 and 7. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait "Through her eyes "
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and is part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women. This series holds deep ...
Paper, Acrylic
$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
3496
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'3496' '3497' London, United Kingdom 2022 It is a black and white film photograph. Giclée print on Hahnemühle photo rag Baryta 308 Gsm fine art paper, limited edition of 20. P...
Film, Photographic Film, Giclée
ID No. 6 The Melancholic. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 1 The Optimist. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 2 The Pensive. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$14,500
"M20A" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"M20A" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor Metamorphosis series. Title of artwork M20A Year: 2011 Medium: Photography Print size: 48x48 Inches trim bl...
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
Silence, Abstract Expressionism Photograph, Giclee Print, 3/5, 2022
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Silence / From the series of Portraits of Hidden Wounds / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2022 Dimension: 18 x 24" External Dimension( with white border) : Height:2...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Blue eyes
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Blue eyes London, United Kingdom 2015 Limited edition of 20.
Photographic Paper, Giclée
3498 - Abstract portrait photography, Limited edition 3 of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'3498' London, United Kingdom 2022 From limited edition of 20. The photograph is signed front bottom right corner and comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed date of prin...
Film, Photographic Film, Giclée
Hole. Mixed media fashion portrait on metallic paper photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This artwork was created by the artistic duo Hunter & Gatti (2010–2023). These works are part of the archive managed and exhibited by Cristian Hunter. The artist's technique consists of the use of two prints, the first print is the original photography, and the second print is a blurry version of the image printed on glass. The glass version of the picture is shattered with an iron tool to be able to control the rupture. The artists glued the glass parts on top of the original picture, creating a blurred effect. The artists explore even further the infinite possibilities of transformation by turning something as temporary as a fashion editorial, into something completely different and original; a unique piece of art. The “visible” spectrum, is probably the most well-known of human sensory limitations, as the human #eye is only capable of perceiving light at wavelengths between 390 and 750 nanometers. Of course, calling it the “visible” spectrum is a bit of a misnomer, as plenty of animals are capable of perceiving light with frequencies outside this relatively narrow band of electromagnetic radiation. Using infrared black and white...
Metal
$3,200
"Longing" Portraits of Hidden Wounds, Abstract Photography, Giclee Print, 3/5
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Longing / From the series of Portraits of Hidden Wounds / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2023 Dimension: 24 x 36" External Dimension( with white border) : Height:2...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Three nudes in masks
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Three nudes", Black and White print on Harmon paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: Paper Size 11 x 14, Im...
Photographic Paper
$2,942
The Girl 2 -Signed limited edition contemporary print, Large format, Abstract
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
The Girl 2 - Large scale photograph by Michael Banks This print that is being offered is a high-quality Archival Pigment print which has been printed on fiber based paper, Hahnemüh...
Archival Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigme...
Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Donna Karan", Black and White Screen Print on Harmon paper, 16 x 20, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 11 x 14...
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 ...
Photographic Film
Geoffrey Beene
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Geoffrey Beene", Black and White screen print on Harmon paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 14 x...
Photographic Paper
Issey Miyake
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Issey Miyake", Black and white screen print on Harmon paper, 16 x 20, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 11 x 1...
Photographic Film
Angelo Tarlazzi
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Angelo Tarlazzi", Black and white screen print on Harmon paper, 20 x 16. Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 14 ...
Photographic Film
Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Paco Rabanne", Black and White Screen Print on Harmon Paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 14 x 1...
Photographic Film
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...
Photographic Film
André Courrèges
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak ( American ), "André Courrèges", Black and White Screen Print on Harmon Paper, 16 x 20, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 1...
Photographic Film
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 ...
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 11, 24 x ...
Photographic Film
Kate #7 #6
By Ant Pearce
Located in Brecon, Powys
New technique from the artist emulsion + cotton sewn on cotton paper Based on a single image of Kate Moss
Cotton, Emulsion, Ink, Paper, Thread
Flying Swimsuit
By Art Kane
Located in Austin, TX
Limited edition print, Flying Swimsuit by Art Kane, taken in 1970 for Harper’s Bizaar Magazine Art Kane fine art print details Limited edition, fine art prints of Art Kane photogra...
C Print
$4,014
Little Evil - Portrait Study - Geometric Abstract - Unique Luminogram Print
Located in London, GB
"The portrait was chosen because it is fascinating to me - that underlaying interests is essential to get a good running start at an idea - as well the fact that the human head has b...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Black and White, Photogram, Silver G...
$14,500
"M21A" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"M21A" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor Metamorphosis series. Title of artwork M21A Year: 2011 Medium: Photography Print size: 48x48 Inches trim bl...
Archival Pigment
$7,250
Songs For Dead Heroes #8 blue yellow floral abstract landscape photo composition
Located in New York, NY
This floral landscape photography has a dramatic sense of composition which recalls the careful arrangements of Dutch and Flemish still life paintings from the 17-18 century. Belg...
Digital Pigment
$2,500
Neptune, Abstract Photography, Portraits, Giclee Print, Numbered Editions 1/5
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2025 Dimension: 20 x 34.7" External Dimension( with white border) : Height:35.5 inch Weight: 20.8 inch In Edition of 1/5 + 2AP Certified Conditi...
Giclée
Fashion Red Hat in Paris
Located in Miami, FL
Fashion Hat in Paris. Style above it all. A graphic statement in red, black and green Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, Edition 2 of 15, Printed later. Unframe...
Photographic Paper
Urban Sunbather, New York City - Smaller Print Size
Located in Miami, FL
Elevated view of women sunbathing on basketball court in New York City with unexpected color relationships. The actual color will vary from monitor to monitor. The work is Signed dat...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
$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
Blond Rainbow Girl - Semi - Nude
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be around $100. Signed, dated , numbered 3/15 lower right recto, unframed, other sizes available, printed later Funk did this for a magazine assignment during the ps...
Inkjet
$15,000
"Emulsion 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Emulsion 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Emulsion EM13 Year: 2018 Print size: 40" x 40" Inch Artwork finished size: 42" x 42" Inch Ed...
Laminate, Digital