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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
Gaia 23 - Jasmine in Springtime in Catalonia Spanish Natural Landscape Diptych

Jaume LlorensGaia 23 - Jasmine in Springtime in Catalonia Spanish Natural Landscape Diptych

$575

Gaia 23 - Jasmine in Springtime in Catalonia Spanish Natural Landscape Diptych

Located in Brighton, GB

Gaia 23 - Jasmine in Springtime in Catalonia Spanish Natural Landscape Diptych by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 23 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital

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

Burst II - large scale abstract photograph of caleidoscopic color explosions
Burst II - large scale abstract photograph of caleidoscopic color explosions

Christian StollBurst II - large scale abstract photograph of caleidoscopic color explosions, 2015

$1,800

Burst II - large scale abstract photograph of caleidoscopic color explosions

By Christian Stoll

Located in San Francisco, CA

From Christian Stoll's body of works BURST (2015), an abstract exploration of high speed photographs capturing mesmerizing explosions of caleidoscopic color 27 x 40 inches (68 x 102...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée

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

$244Sale 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

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

Sea Cliffs Diptych II ( Pair abstract cyanotypes each framed to 25 x 15)
Sea Cliffs Diptych II ( Pair abstract cyanotypes each framed to 25 x 15)

Christine SoSea Cliffs Diptych II ( Pair abstract cyanotypes each framed to 25 x 15), 2023

$1,100

Sea Cliffs Diptych II ( Pair abstract cyanotypes each framed to 25 x 15)

Located in Oakland, CA

Though it resembles a giant abstract watercolor painting owing to its soft gradations and luminous quality, this is a form of photography called a cyanotype, photogram or sun print. ...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Paper, Archival Paper, Rag Paper, Monotype, Photogram

Delphinium, 2018 - Abstract Geometric Floral Print Wall Decoration Interior

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

$1,247

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

Gaia 6 - Monochrome Spanish Landscape Catalonian Nature Photographic Diptych

Jaume LlorensGaia 6 - Monochrome Spanish Landscape Catalonian Nature Photographic Diptych

$575

Gaia 6 - Monochrome Spanish Landscape Catalonian Nature Photographic Diptych

Located in Brighton, GB

Gaia 6 - Monochrome Spanish Landscape Catalonian Nature Photographic Diptych by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 6 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital

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

The Sun, Golden Colors, Warm Tones Diptych, Space Age, Abstract Geometry Hue
The Sun, Golden Colors, Warm Tones Diptych, Space Age, Abstract Geometry Hue

Ryan RivadeneyraThe Sun, Golden Colors, Warm Tones Diptych, Space Age, Abstract Geometry Hue, 2023

$580

The Sun, Golden Colors, Warm Tones Diptych, Space Age, Abstract Geometry Hue

By Ryan Rivadeneyra

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

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

Gaia 1 - Black and White Diptych of Waves on Shoreline with Sand and Flowers

Jaume LlorensGaia 1 - Black and White Diptych of Waves on Shoreline with Sand and Flowers

$575

Gaia 1 - Black and White Diptych of Waves on Shoreline with Sand and Flowers

Located in Brighton, GB

Gaia 1 - Black and White Diptych of Waves on Shoreline with Sand and Flowers by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 1 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper

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

Light 3- l Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020

Sofia MattioliLight 3- l Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020, 2020

$388

Light 3- l Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020

Located in Roma, IT

This beautiful photograph Light 3 was shot by the Italian photographer Sofia Mattioli. From the series The lights I see since you are gone, limited edition of 50 copies in Arab numb...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

ID No. 14 The Furious. Limited edition photograph
ID No. 14 The Furious. Limited edition photograph

Dubravka LazicID No. 14 The Furious. Limited edition photograph, 2005

$2,100

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Gaia 8 - Diptych Monochrome Photograph Catalonian Nature Grass Imagery

Jaume LlorensGaia 8 - Diptych Monochrome Photograph Catalonian Nature Grass Imagery

$575

Gaia 8 - Diptych Monochrome Photograph Catalonian Nature Grass Imagery

Located in Brighton, GB

Gaia 8 - Diptych Monochrome Photograph Catalonian Nature Grass Imagery by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 8 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awaga...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital

Photographs 1960–2024. Book & signed Gelatin silver print ‘Untitled, Elba, 1980'
Photographs 1960–2024. Book & signed Gelatin silver print ‘Untitled, Elba, 1980'

Ralph GibsonPhotographs 1960–2024. Book & signed Gelatin silver print ‘Untitled, Elba, 1980', 2025

$1,500

Photographs 1960–2024. Book & signed Gelatin silver print ‘Untitled, Elba, 1980'

By Ralph Gibson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Limited Art Edition (No. 1–100), with the gelatin silver print Untitled (Elba, 1980), numbered and signed by Ralph Gibson. Edition of 100. Gelatin silver print, 11 x 14 in., in portf...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

'Lily in Charcoal No.2' abstract expressionism photography edition of 2/20
'Lily in Charcoal No.2' abstract expressionism photography edition of 2/20

Ugne Pouwell'Lily in Charcoal No.2' abstract expressionism photography edition of 2/20, 2023

$526

'Lily in Charcoal No.2' abstract expressionism photography edition of 2/20

By Ugne Pouwell

Located in London, GB

'Lily in Charcoal no.2' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal No.2' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper

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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