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.
#33, 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
#263, 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
#267, 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
$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
Montauk Reflections #8 Ltd Ed 2/10
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Commercial Fishing boat reflections. Ltd Ed 2/10. The art can be inside or outside with no visible loss of resolution. Gallery wrap finis...
Metal
Stilbon (Six)
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Stilbon Stilbon in the ancient Greek religion, is the sky god of Hermaon, the planet Mercury, and one of the Astra Planeta. The word, Stilbon, means shining. All works are contact p...
Silver Gelatin
Montauk Reflections #39 Ltd Ed of 10
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Commercial Fishing boat reflections. Ltd Ed of 10. The art can be inside or outside with no visible loss of resolution. Gallery wrap fini...
Metal
Green Swirl - Ltd Ed
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Archival Ink. Photograph. Seascape. Green. White. Can be hung horizontally as well. Produced by Dye Sublimation - which means archival inks infused into aluminum. Ltd Ed of 10. ...
Metal
Almost At Rest - Ltd Ed of 10
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Abstract feeling shot of rock in the water. Shot in Montauk. Exposure creates painterly feel. Ltd Ed of 10. The art can be inside or outside with no visible loss of resolution. ...
Metal
$292Sale Price|79% Off
Look at me! Photography Fine Art Print Limited Edition Signed
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Photographed by Sandra Salamonova, limited edition of 10, signed by the author, fine art print.
Photographic Paper, Color, Digital
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
$2,235
Into the Ocean, contemporary black and white photography, landscape, limited
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art long exposure panorama waterscape - landscape photography. Railway tracks in the Atlantic Ocean in France. Archival pigment ink print, edition of 9. Signed, ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
$2,265Sale Price|20% Off
Bridge Panorama, Zeeland, Netherlands, black and white art landscape photography
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 9. All Gerald Berghammer prints are made to orde...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
Montauk Reflections 1 - Ltd Ed - 2/10
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Archival Ink. Photograph. Commercial fishing boat reflection. Shot in Montauk. Can be hung horizontally as well. Produced by Dye Sublimat...
Metal
Four Lines, Monochrome Print, Minimalist Photograph, Limited Edition Landscape
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and white fine art panorama photography. Row of breakwaters in the sea in front of the beach of Sylt island, Germany. Archival pigment ink print, edition of 9. Signed, titled, ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
$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 Paper, Archival Ink, Inkjet, Color
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
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
#270, 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
#269, 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
#268, 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
#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
#263, 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
#262, 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
$7,300
Changing Moods pink 2- Floral landscape pink color 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 ...
Photographic Paper
Planet Aberlour 5, limited edition color photograph, signed and numbered.
By Ernie Button
Located in Sante Fe, NM
Planet Aberlour 5, limited edition color photograph, signed and numbered. For much of my adult life, photography has provided me a forum to communicate my past & present, my humor ...
Archival Pigment
Beautiful Flower Woman on Fifth Avenue Easter Parade, Fine Art Photography
Located in Miami, FL
The merger of human and plant forms is complete with a lovely young woman dressed in an elaborate flower hat. The beauty and warmth of her floral outfit are matched by her smile. Si...
Archival Pigment, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
Song for Dead Heroes #5 bright floral abstract landscape photo
Located in New York, NY
This abstract floral landscape photography has a dramatic sense of composition which recalls the careful arrangements of Dutch and Flemish still life paintings from the 17-18 century...
Digital Pigment
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
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 1 - Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 1 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
Eroded Rock, Point Lobos Silver Gelatin Print, Abstract, 1929
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Eroded Rock, Point Lobos Gelatin silver print, 1929 Unsigned Signed with the estate stamp verso (see photo) A lifetime printing by Brett Weston, supervised by his father Edward Editi...
Silver Gelatin
1977 "Boat, Barn, Truck" Still Life Black & White Photograph
Located in Arp, TX
Tricia Sample Boat, Barn, Truck 1977 Matte black and white photo 12.5" x9.5" Frame measures 16.25"x19.25" Gallery label on reverse from the Friends of Photography Gallery Friends of Photography was a nonprofit organization started by Ansel Adams and others in 1967 to promote photography as a fine art. During its existence the organization held at least 330 photography exhibitions at its galleries in Carmel and San Francisco, California, and it published a lengthy series of monographs under the name Untitled. Among those who were featured in their exhibitions and publications were well-known photographers Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, Ruth Bernhard, Harry Callahan, Roy DeCarava, Lee Friedlander, Emmet Gowin, Mary Ellen Mark, Barbara Morgan, Aaron Siskind, Paul Strand, Brett Weston, Edward Weston and Minor White, as well as then newly starting photographers such as Marsha Burns, William Garnett, Richard Misrach...
Photographic Paper
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
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
Unfold - black and white abstract flower photograph, limited edition of 15
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Unfold is a black-and-white abstract botanical photograph by Ugnė Pouwell, exploring form, shadow, and layered texture. A sculptural floral presence emerges from soft, drifting silho...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper
$254Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Abstract Photography Print, Limited Edition of 5, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Abstract photography, signed by the author, limited 5.
Color
$302Sale Price|78% Off
Abstract Stripe Color Print, Signed Limited Edition of 5, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
I like minimalism, this orange stripe I found occasionally, the picture is limited edition of 5 in the size. Signed by the author.
Color, Digital, Archival Pigment
"Butterfly 1" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/24 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Butterfly 1" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/24 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Butterfly B1 Year: 2018 Print size: 24" x 24" Inch Edition: 1/24 Artist proof: 2 Medium: Archival fin...
Archival Pigment
Game of light 2 series
Located in Vienna, AT
Game of Light is a photographic series that explores the ever-changing relationship between light, shadow, and form. Rather than documenting reality, each image captures fleeting mom...
Paper, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Moon Over (After Ansel Adams), Abstract Black & White Photo by Bill Clark
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
"Moon Over", an abstract black & white photograph after Ansel Adams by Bill Clark (American, 20th Century). Signed "Bill Clark" and dated "1996" lower right. Titled "Moon Over" lower...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Doll No. 3 (Edition 1/25)
Located in New York, NY
Doll No. 3 (Edition 1/25), Lucille Khornak, Color Photograph on Board with Acrylic Finish, 40 x 26, Late 20th Century Colors: Black, Blue, White,...
Photographic Film
ID No. 17, 10, 12 and 2. 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...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 11, 5, 1 and 15. 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...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No.9, 13 and 8. 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...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
ID No. 4, 3 and 7. 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...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$559Sale Price|20% Off
Haight Ashbury Erratics
By Bill Clark
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderful photograph of Haight Ashbury Page Remnants of Music Playbills on a telephone pole in San Francisco, California by Bill Clark (American, 20th ...
Photographic Paper
$5,300
Eugene 4- 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
$433Sale Price|88% Off
Abstract I Fine Art Print, Color Print, Signed, Limited Edition of 15
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Photography, printed as fine art print, limited edition of 15, signed by the author.
Color
$254Sale Price|20% Off
Wood 1 / Abstract / photography / art print / signed / limited
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Wood 1. is photography, signed in limited edition of 5. I admire the old craftsmanship and the result, even a fragment is preserved.
Photographic Paper
Revere Beach, MA
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This large silver gelatin photograph with untrimmed margins is signed and titled in pencil in the margin under the image. Likely printed in the 1990s.
Silver Gelatin
Issey Miyake
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Issey Miyake", Black and white screen print on Harmon paper, 16 x 20, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 11 x 1...
Photographic Film
Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Donna Karan", Black and White Screen Print on Harmon paper, 16 x 20, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 11 x 14...
Photographic Film
Angelo Tarlazzi
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Angelo Tarlazzi", Black and white screen print on Harmon paper, 20 x 16. Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 14 ...
Photographic Film
Geoffrey Beene
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Geoffrey Beene", Black and White screen print on Harmon paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 14 x...
Photographic Paper
Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Lucille Khornak (American), "Paco Rabanne", Black and White Screen Print on Harmon Paper, 20 x 16, Late 20th Century Hand signed by Lucille Khornak Available sizes: 14 x 1...
Photographic Film
Ears of Wheat
Located in New York, NY
Michael Williams, Untitled Landscape 5, Colored Photograph on Paper, 22 x 32, 2010 - Colors: Blue, White, Gold, Brown
Photographic Paper
$9,400
Eugene 7 - 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
#236, 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
#229, 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