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Abstract 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.

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Style: Abstract
Eclipsed in Time - black and white abstract portrait, limited edition of 20

Ugne PouwellEclipsed in Time - black and white abstract portrait, limited edition of 20, 2021

$241Sale Price|20% Off

Eclipsed in Time - black and white abstract portrait, limited edition of 20

By Ugne Pouwell

Located in London, GB

"Eclipsed in Time" suggests a moment of transition, obscurity, or transformation—much like an eclipse where something is temporarily veiled yet still present. The title reflects the ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Giclée

Caribbean Sandy Shore Triptych, Blue Tones Seascape, Sunny Waves Cyanotype Print
Caribbean Sandy Shore Triptych, Blue Tones Seascape, Sunny Waves Cyanotype Print

Kind of CyanCaribbean Sandy Shore Triptych, Blue Tones Seascape, Sunny Waves Cyanotype Print, 2022

$880

Caribbean Sandy Shore Triptych, Blue Tones Seascape, Sunny Waves Cyanotype Print

By Kind of Cyan

Located in Barcelona, ES

This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These triptychs are large pieces that feature lush blues, making them an impressive addition to any beautifully designed space. Each triptych is printed by hand and carefully crafted to capture the unique essence of these natural environments, with a focus on the interplay of light and shadows, and the subtle nuances of tone and texture. The beach and ocean scenes depict the dynamic beauty of waves crashing against the shore, with the cyanotype process lending a dreamy, ethereal quality to the images. Similarly, the forest and wood scenes offer a glimpse into the hidden depths of nature, with the cyanotype process lending a sense of mystery and wonder to the images, while the lush blues of cyanotypes imitate the sky and clouds perfectly. These triptychs are perfect for anyone who loves to surround themselves with the beauty of nature, and they make an excellent centerpiece for any beautifully designed space. Details: + Title: Pleasant Waters in Tulum Beach...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Monotype, Paper, Lithograph

Delphinium, 2018 - Abstract Geometric Floral Print Wall Decoration Interior

Giles RevellDelphinium, 2018 - Abstract Geometric Floral Print Wall Decoration Interior, 2018

$1,227

Delphinium, 2018 - Abstract Geometric Floral Print Wall Decoration Interior

By Giles Revell

Located in Brighton, GB

Delphinium by Giles Revell This is an Archival Pigment Print available in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 25 prints In Cartographic Colour, Giles Revell reduces th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper, Pigment

GREEN, Photography, signed

Sandra SalamonováGREEN, Photography, signed, 2021

$197Sale Price|84% Off

GREEN, Photography, signed

By Sandra Salamonová

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

Print, limited edition of 15. Signed by the author.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Color, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment

Some Other Time, Minimalist Abstract Geometric, Photography Art Print
Some Other Time, Minimalist Abstract Geometric, Photography Art Print

Gleici RufattoSome Other Time, Minimalist Abstract Geometric, Photography Art Print, 2024

$400

Some Other Time, Minimalist Abstract Geometric, Photography Art Print

By Gleici Rufatto

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Some Other Time Minimalist Abstract Geometric Photography Print Signed Fine Art This award winning minimalist photograph presents a refined intersection of pastel color fields und...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Cotton, Inkjet, Giclée, Archival Pigment

Green Abstracted Ikat Photograph
Green Abstracted Ikat Photograph

Janet Van ArsdaleGreen Abstracted Ikat Photograph, c.1990s

$460Sale Price|20% Off

Green Abstracted Ikat Photograph

By Janet Van Arsdale

Located in Soquel, CA

Stunning green abstract photograph reminiscent of Ikat fabric by Janet Van Arsdale (American, 20th Century). Signed in pencil lower left corner. Presented in black frame with double ...

Category

1990s Abstract Photography

Materials

Ink, Photographic Paper, Giclée

Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)
Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)

Birgit BlythGrid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone), 2009

$1,800Sale Price|50% Off

Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)

By Birgit Blyth

Located in Hudson, NY

Grid No.6, 2009 (Contemporary Framed Abstract Grid in Neutral Shades Black & Coffee) by Birgit Blyth 40" X 25" paper vertical chromoskedesic monoprint 44 x 29 inches framed, custom frame with black wood molding and anti-reflective glass This contemporary, abstract style chromoskedasic monoprint was created by experimental photographer, Birgit Blyth. Without the use of a camera, the artist produced this chromoskedasic image by applying the photographic chemicals to black and white photo pager and exposing it to light. The variety of caramel, toffee, brown and black tones is determined by the different chemicals used and the amount of time they are exposed to light. Here, the artist paints with the photographic materials in a gestural, linear motion. Beautiful hues of coffee, caramel, brown, grey, and black intersect to create unique abstract, intersecting grid patterns that resembles a basket weave motif. The photograph is complimented with a black metal frame with non-glare glass. It is equipped with sturdy wire on the back for instant and professional quality hanging. About the artist and work: Birgit Blyth is one of our most innovative and prolific photographers who works in a darkroom yet uses no camera! Blyth has been experimenting with a technique known as Chromoskedasic painting since the early ‘90s and variations on this concept have been shown at the gallery for the last 20 years. The unusual process involves the use of silver particles in black and white photographic paper to scatter light at different wavelengths when exposed. A chemist of sorts, Blyth demonstrates a thorough knowledge of how the various photographic chemicals will react when applied to paper and exposed. Each work is unique with palettes that resonate brilliant tonalities of brown, green, black, and purple. Using this technique, Blyth creates abstract crosshatching grids and most recently has developed a more gestural series of 20 x 16 inch chromoskedasic paintings that explores the ethereal qualities made possible by the unconventional material. Birgit Blyth succeeds at keeping her work fresh and cutting-edge using analog methods that are being quickly replaced elsewhere with digital technology. Though Birgit Blyth began her photographic career using conventional photographic methods, she quickly became more interested in alternative processes. In the mid 1990’s a colleague showed her an article in Scientific American and it was here that she first discovered the technique called “chromoskedasic” painting, which would eventually lead her to fully finding her voice as a photographer. Blyth had always aligned herself with and been moved by abstract expressionist painting. The series of veil paintings by post-abstract expressionist, Morris Louis, was especially inspiring to her and caused her to ask herself how she could do similar interpretations photographically. In “chromoskedasic” painting, she found the answers and would begin on a new path in her artwork. The term “chromoskedasic” is derived from Greek roots meaning color by light scattering. Developed by a photographer named Dr. Dominic Man-Kit Lam, this process exploits the capability of silver particles in black and white photographic paper to “scatter” light at different wavelengths when exposed to light and chemicals. In her mastery of this photochemical drawing process, Blyth has painted lush washes of color into her own “Veil Series;” she has envisioned landscapes, both rural and urban, with melting swirls and marbled colors into rich palettes of toffee and lead. She has used this essentially experimental process to help her “see” the world around her. Blyth says she continues to be fascinated by the process because it requires “a combination of discipline, experimentation, and imagination, making possible a wonderful balance between control and surprise.” Because the chromoskedasic work is all analog, Blyth spends much of her studio time in the darkroom, which has become a rarity in the current world of digital photography. She does however, continue her preference for experimentation in numerous directions, even employing aspects of the digital age – this exhibit will also feature a new series of pieces created with the now defunct but much loved SX-70 polaroid camera, scanned and archivally printed on 24” x 24” fine cotton rag paper. Whatever the process, Blyth’s work is, as the painter and poet, Peter Sacks noted, a blend of “precision and mystery, of articulation and atmosphere.” Her images leave us with the feeling of ongoing action despite the apparent stillness; of qualities both dreamy and stark as light hits a stand of birch trees in a valley or a group of buildings in New York City. As Morris Louis evolved a style of painting that produced a complete integration of paint and canvas, so too has Blyth, with photo paper and chemicals, created a perfect integration of method and content. Artist CV: Born: Kousted, Denmark Resident in U.S.A. since 1963 Education: Denmark and U.S.A. Project, Inc., Cambridge MA (Photography) DeCordova Museum School, Lincoln MA (Printmaking) Maine Photography...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Monoprint

Exquisite Ghost - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 24x35"
Exquisite Ghost - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 24x35"

Alex SherExquisite Ghost - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 24x35", 2023

$720Sale Price|20% Off

Exquisite Ghost - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 24x35"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

“Exquisite Ghost” is a part of Alex Sher’s popular series Reflections - underwater photographs that could be almost mistaken for abstract paintings as they bring up recollections of ...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Untitled XII. From LenkPlay Series. Limited edition color photograph
Untitled XII. From LenkPlay Series. Limited edition color photograph

Dubravka LazicUntitled XII. From LenkPlay Series. Limited edition color photograph, 2018

$2,100

Untitled XII. From LenkPlay Series. Limited edition color photograph

Located in Miami Beach, FL

The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Dark Forest, Giclée Print Diptych Landscape, Blue Tones Impressionist Leaves
Dark Forest, Giclée Print Diptych Landscape, Blue Tones Impressionist Leaves

Cyd FontaineDark Forest, Giclée Print Diptych Landscape, Blue Tones Impressionist Leaves, 2024

$580

Dark Forest, Giclée Print Diptych Landscape, Blue Tones Impressionist Leaves

Located in Barcelona, ES

Cyd Fontaine (Lausanne, 1992) is a contemporary artist renowned for her captivating use of dreamy atmospheric gradients, which has helped her carve a distinctive niche in the world o...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Giclée, Archival Pigment

Untitled (W.O.F 2-16)

Christopher ColvilleUntitled (W.O.F 2-16), 2016

$1,500

Untitled (W.O.F 2-16)

By Christopher Colville

Located in Sante Fe, NM

Works of Fire When I look into the night sky I am awestruck by the darkness that is the universe. As the sparse light of the stars descends, I am entangled in a state of wonder, sea...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Drunken Oak: original watercolor painting on archival pigment photograph of tree
Drunken Oak: original watercolor painting on archival pigment photograph of tree

Ava BlitzDrunken Oak: original watercolor painting on archival pigment photograph of tree, 2025

$1,900

Drunken Oak: original watercolor painting on archival pigment photograph of tree

By Ava Blitz

Located in Bryn Mawr, PA

"Drunken Oak" is an original abstract watercolor painting layered over an original archival pigment print of an oak tree using alternative process photography on 100% rag paper. Imag...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Rag Paper, Archival Pigment, Watercolor

Untitled (W.O.F 09-07-13)

Christopher ColvilleUntitled (W.O.F 09-07-13), 2013

$1,250

Untitled (W.O.F 09-07-13)

By Christopher Colville

Located in Sante Fe, NM

Works of Fire When I look into the night sky I am awestruck by the darkness that is the universe. As the sparse light of the stars descends, I am entangled in a state of wonder, sea...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Multilayer 270 - unique abstract collage of layered torn sculpture photographs
Multilayer 270 - unique abstract collage of layered torn sculpture photographs

Felix SchrammMultilayer 270 - unique abstract collage of layered torn sculpture photographs, 2020

$14,000

Multilayer 270 - unique abstract collage of layered torn sculpture photographs

By Felix Schramm

Located in San Francisco, CA

Multilayer 270 unique abstract photo paper collage (1 of 1) signed 39" x 31.5" / 100cm x 80cm About the artist Felix Schramm was born in Hamburg, German...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Giclée, Silver Gelatin, Archival Paper, Inkjet

Untitled (W.O.F 15-2)

Christopher ColvilleUntitled (W.O.F 15-2), 2011

$800

Untitled (W.O.F 15-2)

By Christopher Colville

Located in Sante Fe, NM

Works of Fire When I look into the night sky I am awestruck by the darkness that is the universe. As the sparse light of the stars descends, I am entangled in a state of wonder, sea...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Large format vintage multiple exposure male nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Large format vintage multiple exposure male nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

Jack MitchellLarge format vintage multiple exposure male nude, signed by Jack Mitchell, 1990

$900Sale Price|40% Off

Large format vintage multiple exposure male nude, signed by Jack Mitchell

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 Archives with a certificate of authenticity. Jack Mitchell's artist’s statement on this project: For five decades in New York City I photographed established and emerging creative and performing artists for major publications. The Numbered Nudes photographs are a development, and expansion, of my dance photography...

Category

1990s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Untitled (W.O.F 15-41)

Christopher ColvilleUntitled (W.O.F 15-41)

$1,450

Untitled (W.O.F 15-41)

By Christopher Colville

Located in Sante Fe, NM

Works of Fire When I look into the night sky I am awestruck by the darkness that is the universe. As the sparse light of the stars descends, I am entangled in a state of wonder, sea...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Untitled (W.O.F 17-16)

Christopher ColvilleUntitled (W.O.F 17-16), 2016

$1,650

Untitled (W.O.F 17-16)

By Christopher Colville

Located in Sante Fe, NM

Works of Fire When I look into the night sky I am awestruck by the darkness that is the universe. As the sparse light of the stars descends, I am entangled in a state of wonder, sea...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Untitled 110/3
Untitled 110/3

Richard CaldicottUntitled 110/3, 1999

$1,363

Untitled 110/3

By Richard Caldicott

Located in London, GB

C Print. Unframed. Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used Tupperware containers as the subject for his photographs. This work is edition 7/15. ...

Category

1990s Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

Abstract photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract 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. If you’re looking to add photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, red, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Mitchell Funk, Paul Snell, Michael Banks, and Seb Janiak. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Pigment Print 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 photography, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available. Prices for 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 $50 and tops out at $36,000, while the average work sells for $3,359.

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