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.
to
271
346
417
343
322
1,486
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
2
216
2,695
2
2
4
5
16
68
37
65
44,166
17,528
2,993
2,914
1,328
788
589
281
214
128
116
93
45
26
1,196
1,167
509
270
261
241
131
122
91
87
83
77
76
71
69
64
64
61
58
52
51
51
42
1,218
1,210
931
645
606
316
125
112
89
88
239
458
1,653
1,006
Style: Abstract
#166, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#157, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#102, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Wave III, Unique Monotype Cyanotype, Horizontal Diptych of
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wave III, is an exclusive handmade cyanotype horizontal diptych that captures the gentle curl of an organic mid-motion wave. Rendered in deep Prussian blues and ethereal whites, the...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Paper, Monotype
#49, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Urban Curves and Forms, Abstract Photogram Cyanotype in Blue Tones and White
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted unique cyanotype that takes its inspiration from the mid-century modern shapes.
It's made by layering paper cutouts and different exposures using uv-...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Emulsion, Watercolor, Monotype, Paper
#160, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#147, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#172, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Original Print of Layered Looping Lines, White and Blue Monotype, Organic Shapes
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted unique cyanotype that takes its inspiration from the mid-century modern shapes.
It's made by layering paper cutouts and different exposures using uv-...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Photogram, Monotype, Color, C Print, Photographic Pap...
"Conversation" - Charcoal and watercolor abstract expression, Limited editon 15
Located in London, GB
"Conversation" intertwines the raw, emotive qualities of charcoal with the fluidity of watercolor. The juxtaposition of the two mediums and dimentions creates a dynamic interplay of ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Charcoal, Watercolor, Giclée, Film
Infinity Pool Water Reflections, Blue & White Pattern, Handmade Cyanotype Print
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype.
"Infinity Pool" is a sophisticated image that captures the water reflections shimmering over ...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Emulsion, Watercolor, Photographic Paper, C Print, Lithograph, Monotype
Undo - Double Exposure Black and White Photography, Edition 5 of 10
Located in London, GB
'Undo' explores the duality of human emotion through the art of double exposure. Captured using 35mm film, this black and white analogue photograph intertwines two distinct moments i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography
Materials
Giclée
#108, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#253, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Miami Downtown, Black and White Architectural Landscape Photography
By Luca Artioli
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The 'Miami Skin Series' it’s not a traditional collection of photos about the architecture of Miami and Miami Beach. It’s rather a quick journey between its own skin from the Art Dec...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Black and White, Archival Pigment
Twenty cherry Trees, black and white panorama photography, limited edition
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art panorama landscape photography. Archival pigment ink print, limited edition of 9. Cherry Tree avenue at the edge of the cornfield, Weinviertel, Austria. All ...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
'Gaia Diptych #117' by Jaume Llorens - Contemporary Black and White Photography
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia Diptych #117 by Jaume Llorens
24cm x 18cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory
Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's Proofs
Crane Kalman Brighton ga...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography
Materials
Black and White, Digital
Aspen Study II - large scale photograph of Indian summer autumnal color palette
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
Aspen Study II by Frank Schott
a series of images capturing the yellow golden Indian summer foliage palette of aspen trees in California's Sierra Nevada
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Archival Ink, Giclée
Abstract Waterscape, Waterfall, Mountain Stream
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art long exposure waterscape - landscape photography. Archival pigment ink print as part of a limited edition of 7. All Gerald Berghammer prints are made to orde...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Photography
Materials
Digital Pigment
Nineteen Trees, Austria, panorama, art black and white photography, landscape
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art panorama landscape photography. Archival pigment ink print, edition of 9. Signed, titled, dated and numbered by artist. Certificate of authenticity included....
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
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
Antelope Canyon, rock formation, black and white fine art landscape photography
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art landscape photography. Archival pigment ink print as part of a limited edition of 9. All Gerald Berghammer prints are made to order in limited editions on Ha...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Digital Pigment, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
As Above, So Below 02. Abstract color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The artist's computer-generated paintings merge craftsmanship and technology, creating an eclectic and unique style. Through her art, she aims to illuminate the world.
Tcherassi's w...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
#243, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#232, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Deep Quarry, Ancient Gem Shapes in Blue and White, Unique Monotype Cyanotype
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This unique monotype cyanotype, rendered in rich blue tones, draws inspiration from mid-century modern shapes to explore themes of balance and duality. Abstract geometric forms echo...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Paper, Monotype
#162, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Breathe # 202206 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Breathe # 202206 (Abstract Photography)
Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed.
Backed with Dibond and C-channel hanging system + keyhole option.
Available...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Plexiglass, C Print
#115, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Marine Stadium II and I Diptych. Framed. From the Architecture Series
By Jill Peters
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Jill Peters finds her inspiration in the quickly changing architectural landmarks of her youth, like the demolished Miami Herald building, an abandoned roller coaster or a neglected ...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper, Color, Archival Pigment
Oris - abstract black and white butterfly photography, limited edition of 20
Located in London, GB
From June and Oris collection
-
Oris
As he steps inside, the air thickens, pressing in like an unseen weight. The room hums with movement, bodies shifting, voices murmuring, the c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography
Materials
Giclée
Abstract Photograph Post USSR Russian Avant Garde Solarized Photo Non Conformist
By Valentin Samarine
Located in Surfside, FL
Valentin Samarine started doing abstract painting in the 60s, and abstract photography in the 70s. He moved fairly easily from one to the other. It is in a perfectly logical sense: ...
Category
20th Century Abstract Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
#19, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#124, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#238, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#128, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Contemporary sensual, erotic photograph of nude man & woman from historic image
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
"Pipe Tee" by artist Paul Cava is a one-of-a-kind (unique) archival pigment print of a nude man and woman from a historical glass plate on a historic mechani...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment, Ink
#123, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Seascape XIII - large scale abstract photograph of monochrome seascape
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mesmerizing large scale photograph from the artist's Seascape series, a body of works capturing the tactile surfaces and monochromatic nature of oceanic water and cloudscapes
Seasca...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Black and White, Giclée, Archival Pi...
Esplanade, Promenade, France, black and white gelatin silver photography, framed
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Gerald Berghammer - Limited Edition 1/9. Silver Gelatin Prints, Selenium Toned, Printed 2018. Signed, numbered, dated by Artis. Handmade wood frame, dark-brown, natural white archiva...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin, Digital Pigment
#198, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Nature Cyanotype, "Giant Kelp Study 42, Point La Jolla"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an alternative process photographic print cyanotype by California artist, Oriana Poindexter. Its dimensions are 30" x 22". A certificate of a...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Geometric Cloud, White and Blue Handmade Monotype on Watercolor Paper, Cutout
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted unique cyanotype that takes its inspiration from the mid-century modern shapes.
It's made by layering paper cutouts and d...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Photogram, Monotype, Color, C Print, Photographic Pap...
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink dominant contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
#117, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#125, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#246, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#131, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#248, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Blue Knots and Hoops, Blue Tones Monotype on Watercolor Paper of Organic Lines
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted unique cyanotype that takes its inspiration from the mid-century modern shapes.
It's made by layering paper cutouts and different exposures using uv-...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Emulsion, Watercolor, Monotype, Photogram, Paper
#66, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#18, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#251, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Delphinium by Giles Revell - Color Photography, Abstract Photography
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Delphinium by Giles Revell is a dynamic, abstract archival pigment print.
Available in this size of 50cm x 50cm in an edition of 25. Larger prints are available, please contact the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography
Materials
Color, Archival Pigment
#216, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
#252, 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...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Pigment
Bleed # 202390 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202390 (Abstract Photography)
Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed.
Backed with Dibond and C-channel hanging system + keyhole option.
Edition: 1/3...
Category
2010s Abstract Photography
Materials
Plexiglass, 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.