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.
Untitled 25 NY, From The Series Of Public On Paper. Color Photograph
By Arslan Sükan
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Sukan has set out to identify alternative sites of public display and common space within the banal recesses of the everyday world. Collecting and adopting the sketch pads and papers...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Color
$490
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-...
Watercolor, Monotype, Paper
Red Pause, 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 Paper, Archival Pigment
Chrysler Building Blue Zoom, New York Skyline, Abstract Photography
Located in Miami, FL
With an upward zoom and a slow exposure, Photographer Mitchell Funk reimagines one of the world's most iconic landmarks. The photograph is a lyrical evocation of a normally cold stre...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Black and White Abstract Ripples Under Moonlight, Nocturnal Nautical Giclée
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive limited edition black and white giclée print, on 100% cotton Hahnemühle Photo Rag Fine Art matte paper. This series of black and white photographs captures the ...
Archival Pigment, Paper
Untitled 15 Istanbul, From The Series Of Public On Paper. Color Photograph
By Arslan Sükan
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Sukan has set out to identify alternative sites of public display and common space within the banal recesses of the everyday world. Collecting and adopting the sketch pads and papers...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
$4,000
Untitled 29, Paris From The Series Of Public On Paper. Black & White Photograph
By Arslan Sükan
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Sukan has set out to identify alternative sites of public display and common space within the banal recesses of the everyday world. Collecting and adopting the sketch pads and papers...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Black and White
$4,000
Untitled 30 Miami, 2018 From The Series Of Public On Paper. Color Photograph
By Arslan Sükan
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Sukan has set out to identify alternative sites of public display and common space within the banal recesses of the everyday world. Collecting and adopting the sketch pads and papers...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Color
$1,900
Anesthesia - underwater photograph series REFLECTIONS - archival pigment 43x64"
$596Sale Price|65% Off
Rainbow Wall Print, Abstract Color Archival Pigment, Signed Artwork
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Print / photography, signed by the author, limited to 5. Rainbow a symbol taken so often, but I hope that the picture evoke curiosity, hope and well-being and it is really a reflect...
Photographic Paper, Color, Archival Pigment
$5,700
Below 01, 02 and 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
Floating Future Seven: Abstract Photography & Acrylic Prints, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
In my work, I explore the tension and interaction between inner experience and physical form, with notions of depth and spatiality playing a central role. My artworks embody thoughts...
Photographic Film, Acrylic Polymer, Platinum
Untitled (W.O.F 15-16)
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
Brake, unique photograph on silk with sumi ink brushwork
By Chaco Terada
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Brake, unique photograph on silk with sumi ink brushwork Chaco Terada's relationship with photo-eye dates back about 15 years. Over this period I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to ...
Silk, Archival Ink, Sumi Ink
For the Anniversary
By Chaco Terada
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Chaco Terada, originally from Japan, was trained at a young age in the art of calligraphy. When Chaco was in her twenties she had the opportunity to work on her calligraphy in ten co...
Silk, Archival Ink, Sumi Ink
Untitled (W.O.F 04-11-14)
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
Untitled (W.O.F 01-11-14)
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
$272Sale Price|48% Off
Yellow Circle Abstract Photography, Limited Edition of 5, Signed
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Spicy yellow photography, abstract in limited edition of 5, signed by the author. It is up to YOU what you see...
Photographic Paper
Set of 4 Archival Pigment Prints, Abstract Style, 2010+, Edition 2/10
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. Star...
Archival Pigment, Archival Paper
The Wolf, A Raccoon and A Hippopotamus, Abstract Pigment Print, 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. Star...
Archival Pigment, Archival Paper
The Coalas and The Lions. 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...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
A mouse and The Horse and Reptile Eye. 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...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Nishiki 1
By Chaco Terada
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Chaco Terada, originally from Japan, was trained at a young age in the art of calligraphy. When Chaco was in her twenties she had the opportunity to work on her calligraphy in ten co...
Silk, Archival Ink, Sumi Ink
Gerhard Richter, YREO – Signed Photograph
Located in Hamburg, DE
Gerhard Richter (German, b. 1932) YREO, 2021 Medium: Colour photograph on Fujicolor Professional paper Sheet dimensions: 32 x 19.3 cm Framed dimensions: 37.5 x 24.7 x 3.5 cm Edition ...
Photography
Untitled (W.O.F 15-41)
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
$391Sale Price|20% Off
Candy Time Abstract Photography on Paper, Signed, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Photography, signed. Inspiration was a glass candy from around 1932-1930 probably Czech provenience. I liked the contrast between the heavy wooden ornamental frame and the fragility ...
Photographic Paper
Wind Blues 3
By Chaco Terada
Located in Dallas, TX
This is an archival pigment print on 3 layers of silk organza with sumi ink and mineral pigments. In 2019, Valley House Gallery presented our first exhibition of work by Chaco Terad...
Silk, Sumi Ink, Pigment, Archival Pigment
$7,300
Eugene 2- Floral landscape white dominant contemporary abstract color 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 ...
Photographic Paper
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photo of Ibram Lassaw Modernist Sculpture (Photograph)
By John Reed
Located in Surfside, FL
The Photographer is John Reed. An East Hampton Photographer who shot Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Larry Rivers, Philip Guston, Conrad Marca-Relli, Syd Solomon, and James Brooks amon...
Silver Gelatin
$1,907Sale Price|20% Off
Dark Materials II - James Sparshatt - A photograph of youngsters on the beach
Located in Coltishall, GB
There is a something about being a child on the beach where the sheer exuberance of running into the waves transcends the normal social barriers, and the shared exhilarance allows fo...
Metal
Wall Canvas 1
By Chaco Terada
Located in Dallas, TX
Valley House Gallery recently presented "Listening in the Silence" — our first solo exhibition of work by Chaco Terada, a native of Japan who has called Dallas home since 1992. Born ...
Silk, Sumi Ink, Pigment, Archival Pigment
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
$588Sale Price|46% Off
Stride (motion blur, dream image, daily life, muted colors)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Jeffrey Tamblyn Stride Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemuehle Baryta Rag Year: 2021 Size: 9.4x8 inches Edition: 25 Signed, dated and numbered by hand on label COA provided Ref.: 92480...
Archival Pigment
The Scream - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 43"x63"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An abstract composition capturing the dramatic interplay between vibrant crimson and stark white elements. The photograph presents a swirling vortex of deep red textures that dominat...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$2,046Sale Price|25% Off
Cypress Tree Avenue, Panorama, Tuscany, black and white photography, landscape
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art landscape panorama photography. Cypress tree avenue along a path in stormy weather in Tuscany, Italy. Archival pigment ink print, edition of 9. Signed, title...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
Set In Stone/Boss - Ltd Ed of 10
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Ancient Tombstones of The Hamptons Photographed and Layered with images to create abstract narratives. Archival Ink. Produced by Dye Sublimation - whi...
Metal
In the Dream F
By Chaco Terada
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Chaco Terada, originally from Japan, was trained at a young age in the art of calligraphy. When Chaco was in her twenties she had the opportunity to work on her calligraphy in ten co...
Silk, Archival Ink, Sumi Ink
Something Happened
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Archival inks and acrylic on canvas. Gallery wrap continues the images on all the borders. Vibrant colors. About the Artist: Kat is an award-winning photographer, mixed m...
Canvas, Archival Ink, Acrylic
Candida Höfer, Colored Wood
Located in Hamburg, DE
Candida Höfer (German, born 1944) Colored Wood, 2017 Medium: C-Print Dimensions: 56 × 57.7 cm (22 × 22 7/10 in) Edition of 100: Hand-signed and numbered on verso Condtion: Mint
C Print
#14
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
Untitled (W.O.F 15-2)
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
Untitled (W.O.F 17-16)
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
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Pastel Alley in North Beach, San Francisco, Color Print, Signed, 2/15
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
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
Pyramids with Terracotta Magenta Art Deco Head
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
The timelessness of pyramids is puncuated with a dreamy terracotta classcial head. Signed, dated, numbered lower right, recto 4/15, unframed, other sizes available Printed on Hahnem...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet
Statue of liberty with colorful multiple exposures
Located in Miami, FL
Signed, dated, numbered lower right, recto 4/15, unframed, other sizes available, printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper In-camera multiple exposures with red, orange,...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
The Universe of Each Moment 08 5329
By Chaco Terada
Located in Dallas, TX
"My artwork is always in progress. There is not a goal. There is not a category for my work. It is all about enjoying the process of every moment. On a blank sheet of washi calli...
Archival Pigment
Untitled 1994: still life photograph w/ coffee cups & abstract shadow patterns
By Paul Cava
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is an archival pigment print depicting an abstracted still life printed on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308 gsm by artist Paul Cava. It is from the "Table Top" series, which is one of t...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
The Universe of Each Moment 08 5694
By Chaco Terada
Located in Dallas, TX
"My artwork is always in progress. There is not a goal. There is not a category for my work. It is all about enjoying the process of every moment. On a blank sheet of washi calli...
Archival Pigment
The Universe of Each Moment 08 4831
By Chaco Terada
Located in Dallas, TX
"My artwork is always in progress. There is not a goal. There is not a category for my work. It is all about enjoying the process of every moment. On a blank sheet of washi calli...
Archival Pigment
$3,410
Dan 1 -Signed limited edition abstract pigment print, Contemporary square photo
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Dan 1 - Limited edition pigment print of 5 This is an Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ). The inks used are known for their longevi...
Archival Paper, Color, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
$2,842
Bright star 4 - Signed limited edition abstract pigment print, Color square photo
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
' Bright star 4 ' - Limited edition pigment print Limited Editions of 5 Signed + numbered by artist, with certificate of authenticity This is an Archival Pigment print on fiber bas...
Archival Paper, Color, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
Taos Vibes - Mixed Media Art, 36"x48", Signed Limited Edition of 5
By Viet Chu
Located in New York, NY
" I have seen and photographed so many majestic landscapes, clouds and flora and fauna while visiting the Southwest, namely Taos & Sedona. There was certainly a vibe to the area and ...
Archival Pigment
At Rest
Located in Los Angeles, CA
At Rest 2018 Archival Pigment Print Image 30.48 x 35.56 cm Framed 52.51 x 60.01cm Edition 4/6 plus 2 AP Pamela Takiff is a New York based abstract photographer. As an artist, and hu...
Archival Pigment
$2,842
Italia 4 - Signed limited edition print, Gold light, Sculpture, Greek, Mythology
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Italia 4 - Large scale photograph by Michael Banks Limited Editions of 5 Signed + numbered by artist with certificate of authenticity . This print that is being offered is a high-quality Archival Pigment print which has been printed on fiber-based paper. The paper used is Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Baryta 315 gsm which is a premium quality paper that is acid-free and lignin-free. The combination of high-quality paper and inks ensures that the print will remain in pristine condition for many years, making it a great investment for any art collector or enthusiast. It is a popular alternative to analogue baryta paper, which is known for its ability to produce rich, deep blacks and vibrant colors. Archival pigment print available sizes ( Image size , the white margin is not counted): 70 x 105cm / 27,56 x 41,34 in. - Edition of 5 152.4 cm x 101.63 cm / 60 x 39,76 in - Edition of 5 Michael Banks is a British Photo Artist, living and working in Italy. His art is primarily abstract, and he perpetually seeks to push the boundaries of what is artistically possible with a camera. The result is innovative, elegant, aesthetic and inspirational artwork. His photographs have been described as memorable, appealing to the subconscious, and with their fresh and intriguing look, they provoke both thought and emotion, enhancing viewer-experience wherever they are placed. The international Design press has recently defined him as a “Tastemaker and Trendsetter” in the field of contemporary Photographic practice, and his art is purchased by discerning Interior Designers, Art Consultants and Private Collectors across the US, Europe, Middle and Far East. categories : Color Photography, 21st Century, Archival Pigment Print, , lines, shapes, brown, yellow, Italy, Roman...
Archival Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment, Photo...
Alice - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 16 x 23"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
“Alice” 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 masterpiec...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photo of Ibram Lassaw Modernist Sculpture (Photograph)
By John Reed
Located in Surfside, FL
Spaceloom XXIII The Photographer is John Reed. It bears his stamp verso. An East Hampton Photographer who shot Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Larry Rivers, Philip Guston, Conrad Marca...
Silver Gelatin
Foggy Fields
Located in New York, NY
Michael Williams, Untitled Landscape 3, Color Photograph on Paper, 22 x 32, 2010 - Colors: Gold, Yellow, Brown, Gray
Photographic Paper
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
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photo of Ibram Lassaw Modernist Sculpture (Photograph)
Located in Surfside, FL
This is from the photogrpaher John A. Ferrari he shot work for Eva Hesse, Robert Mangold, Ronald Bladen and Sol Lewitt. It bears his stamp and label from Zabriskie Gallery. This is ...
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photo of Ibram Lassaw Modernist Sculpture (Photograph)
Located in Surfside, FL
Space Densities This is for the original vintage photograph. I believe the inscription is in the hand of Ibram Lassaw some also bear the photographers stamp. Lassaw was born in Alex...
Silver Gelatin