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.
Solitude
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition 2/15 Archival pigment print “Water's Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having spent much of her l...
Archival Pigment
Chrysler Building Top , Art Deco Architecture New York City
Located in Miami, FL
It's the epitome of Art Deco Architecture. The top of the Chrysler Building is lit by golden light in this photograph of a classic New York City scene. Photographer Mitchell Funk s...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
Alone Time
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition 2/15 Archival pigment print “Water's Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having spent much of her l...
Archival Pigment
Gaia 58, Black and White Print, Limited Edition of 10
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 58 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 58 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
Untitled #3 & #8 Diptych. From the series There is an ocean in my glass
By Ying Chen
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ying Chen has a recurring dream: scenery consisting of cloud filled Sky, fields of grass, and a body of water. In this foggy but colorful dream, the sky is cloudy, yet everything is ...
Archival Pigment
The Long Night - NYC Skyline Photography, 40"x50", Signed Limited Edition of 5
By Viet Chu
Located in New York, NY
" I took this picture when New York was the epicenter of the Covid pandemic in the U.S., to reflect the idea that the nights are always darkest before they turn bright. As it turned ...
Archival Pigment
Path # 3 gray white yellow floral abstract photo composition
Located in New York, NY
This floral photography has a dramatic sense of composition which recalls the careful arrangements of Dutch and Flemish still life paintings from the 17-18 century. Belgian photog...
Digital Pigment
$418Sale Price|88% Off
Abstract II., Photography, Fine Art Print, Limited
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Photography, printed as fine art print, limited edition of 15, signed by the author.
Archival Pigment
$2,000
Vanilla Sky - large scale photograph of iconic American national park landscape
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vanilla Sky by Frank Schott a series of images capturing the epique infinety of White Sands 27 x 40 inches / 66cm x 102cm edition of 25 signed 48 x ...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Archival Ink, Giclée
Anemorphose Cabo Verde #7
Located in New York City, NY
27 x 44 in Edition of 9 EUR 3.500 35 x 57 in Edition of 9 EUR 5.500 48 x 71 in Edition of 9 EUR 7.100 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 77 in Edition of 9 EUR 9.100 Dye Sublimation...
Dye Transfer
#265 Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Winter Swells
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition 2/15 Archival pigment print “Water's Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having spent much of her l...
Archival Pigment
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Dog Running on Galway Beach
By Sarah Hadley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Water's Edge I grew up spending entire summer days by the ocean. These outings were always a special event and the beach was a place of wonderment, fascination and exploration f...
Archival Pigment
The Donkeys Limited Edition Color Photograph, Abstract Style, 2010-
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...
Archival Pigment, Archival Paper
#146, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#191, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#64, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Midtown Manhattan Skyscrapers
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, unframed. Other sizes available,other sizes available Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper
Photographic Paper
Untitled Triptych
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...
Silver Gelatin
$2,200
I Got Your Back 01. From the series Making Sense. 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...
Archival Pigment
Abstract Dancers Red 2 - Limited Edition Color Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers White 2 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 15 ...
Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment
Dogs Running In Park With Early Morning Light, New York City
Located in Miami, FL
High angle view of dogs in park with long shadows. . Signed dated and numbered 2/15 lower right recto, other sizes available, unframed, printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
Abstract Dancers White 2 - Limited Edition Color Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers White 2 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 15 ...
Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment
$2,200
Hearin Gaia 03, From the series The Journey. Abstract color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The artists computer-generated paintings merge craftsmanship and technology, creating an eclectic and unique style. Through her art, she aims to illuminate the world. Tcherassi's wo...
Archival Pigment
Abstract City
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, 4/15 Printed later, other size available, unframed, printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper Photo-Abstract impressio...
Photographic Paper, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
New York Street Abstract
Located in Miami, FL
New York Street Abstract . This is actually a straight shot. Taken from a high angle looking down, the photographer uses reflective neon street light...
Photographic Paper
#262, 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...
Pigment
The Lions Limited Edition Color Photograph, Abstract Style, 2010-2023
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...
Archival Pigment, Archival Paper
#266 Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$2,273
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
Gaia 21, Black and White Nature Photography Limited Edition Print
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 21 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 21 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital, Color
#269, 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...
Pigment
Pastel Alley In North Beach, San Francisco
Located in Miami, FL
Colorful houses on Fresno Street in the North Beach district of San Francisco. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/1...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Color, Inkjet
Unseen New York. Manhattan sky line in pinks, golds and blues
Located in Miami, FL
Unseen New York conjured up images of secret hideaways, architectural details, or some undiscovered treasure. Mitchell Funk gives a new twist to the term "unseen". His subject matt...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
#267 Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#265, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Lenka Cyanotype Photograph, Abstract Style, 2010+, Signed, 60x80 cm
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The photos from the series Let Me Tell You a Story show, each one individually, certain themes through strongly narrative visual units. Each photograph is dedicated to a specific rep...
Archival Paper
Central Park In Autumn With Billionaires Row Skyscrapers. Surreal City
Located in Miami, FL
Surreal City. It's Vermont in Manhattan? It's Vermont like autumn colors of oranges, amber, auburn, and crimsons of Central Park trees. They juxtaposed against the steely cold mono...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
Disappearance, 2009, From The Series Of While You Are Sleeping
By Arslan Sükan
Located in Miami Beach, FL
‘While you are sleeping’ (Seascape Series) In his seascape works, Sukan manipulates his imagery connected to the constant tensions between the mental grasp of the specificity and rep...
Archival Pigment, Black and White, Archival Paper
#111, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#138, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#137, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#136, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Golf: Archival Pigment Print on Canvas, Abstract, 31.4 in, Ed. of 5
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Eduardo Rezende’s 2024 series Lavori in Corso revisits one of the artist’s most enduring themes: the urban and architectural landscape — this time focused on construction sites, scaf...
Canvas, Archival Pigment
Gaia 107 - Black and White Diptych Print, Limited Edition of 10
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 107 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 107 is a 18cm x 24cm Black and White Photographic print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size from a limited edition of...
Black and White, Digital
Untitled #3. From the series There is an ocean in my glass
By Ying Chen
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ying Chen has a recurring dream: scenery consisting of cloud filled Sky, fields of grass, and a body of water. In this foggy but colorful dream, the sky is cloudy, yet everything is ...
Archival Pigment
Gaia 129 - Black and White Print, Limited Edition of 10, 18cm x 24cm
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia Diptych 129 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia Diptych 129 is is a 18cm x 24cm Black and White Photographic print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a l...
Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper
#241, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Autumn in Venice
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Autumn in Venice Edition 1/15 Archival pigment print “Water's Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having sp...
Archival Pigment
#94, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Gaia 103 - Black and White Diptych, Limited Edition Print, 18cm x 24cm
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 103 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 103 is a 18cm x 24cm Black and White Photographic print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a limited edition of ...
Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper
Plate Invasion - SciFi in Primary Colors - Architecture
Located in Miami, FL
Two plates are placed in the foreground and shot with a 20mm lens again the Manhattan skyline that gives an unearthly quality with common objects. Primary colors of the yellow and r...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Serenity Cyanotype on Archival Paper, Abstract, Signed, 31.49x23.62
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The photos from the series Let Me Tell You a Story show, each one individually, certain themes through strongly narrative visual units. Each photograph is dedicated to a specific rep...
Archival Paper
#240, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Prayer
Located in Fairfield, CT
Christine Matthäi was born in Germany. She lives and works between Shelter Island, New York, Germany and the Bahamas. Her LIGHT and SEA series, and all other water related series, a...
C Print
Fern No. 4 - black and white analogue botanical photograph, E.d. 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Artist: Ugnė Pouwell Title: Fern no.4 Year: 2026 Limited eidtion of 10 Paper: Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta, semi-gloss Presentation or framing: Unframed presentation Signature and Certi...
Photographic Film
Fern No. 3 - black and white analogue botanical photograph, E.d. 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Artist: Ugnė Pouwell Title: Fern no.3 Year: 2026 limited edition of 10 Paper: Hahnemühle FineArt, semi-gloss Presentation or framing: Unframed presentation Signature and Certificate ...
Photographic Film
Fern No. 4 - black and white analogue botanical photograph, E.d. 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Artist: Ugnė Pouwell Title: Fern no.4 Year: 2026 Medium: Black and white analogue photograph Sizes: 40 × 32 cm; 100 × 125 cm Editions: Limited edition of 20 at 40 × 32 cm; limited ed...
Photographic Film
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 4 - Limited Edition Color Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 4 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
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 3 - Limited Edition Color Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 3 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