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 16 and 17, Diptych. From The While You Are Surfing Series
By Arslan Sükan
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The physical gestures that make up our interactions with touch-screen personal devices are intensely intimate, yet abstract signatures of our everyday browsing and messaging patterns...
Inkjet, Archival Pigment
$1,200
Untitled 0607: abstract montage photograph w/ legs, feet, black & white patterns
By Paul Cava
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is an archival pigment print (photographic montage) includes abstract references to the human figure, enlivened with gestural energy from artist Paul Cava’s experiments with lig...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
#223, 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
#226, 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
#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...
Pigment
#109, 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
Light 10 - Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful photograph Light 10 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 num...
Photographic Paper
$7,300
Changing Moods 5- Floral landscape cyan blue 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
Bleed # 202122 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202122 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Edition: 1/3. Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar sup...
Plexiglass, C Print
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Night Sky
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Night Sky, 2018 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 in Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qualities of Oaxaca C...
Archival Pigment
Blue Sea and Sky
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Blue Sea and Sky, 2021 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 in Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qualities of Oaxaca City, Mexico for over twen...
Archival Pigment
Vintage Pink Cadillac In The Tenderloin, San Francisco
Located in Miami, FL
Turk and Taylor street in the historic Tenderloin neighborhood know for its grit and beautiful architecture in San Francisco. The work is signed, dated, and numbered 3/15 in the lo...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$364Sale Price|20% Off
Agave - monochrome abstraction, from limited edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Black and white fine art photograph capturing the sculptural elegance of an agave plant. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the organic geometry of the plant’s serrated edg...
Giclée
$7,250
Songs For Dead Heroes # 6 soft color floral abstract landscape photo composition
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
When the Two Continents Met
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg When the Two Continents Met, 2018 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 in Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qualities of Oaxaca City, Mexico fo...
Archival Pigment
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Lightning
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Lightning, 2019 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 in Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qualities of Oaxaca C...
Archival Pigment
$15,000
Red Pause and Artificial Blast, Diptych. From The While You Are Sleeping Series
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, Color
$14,500
"M21A" Abstract Photograph 48" x 48" in Limited Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"M21A" Abstract Photograph 48" x 48" in Limited Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor Metamorphosis series. Title of artwork M21A Year: 2011 Medium: Photography Print size: 48x48 Inches tr...
Archival Pigment
$13,000
"FS24" Abstract Photograph 40" x 40" in Limited Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"FS24" Abstract Photograph 40" x 40" in Limited Edition 1/10 by Giuliano Bekor Facescape Series Title of artwork: FS24 Year: 2014 Printed on a high-quality museum-grade archival pho...
Archival Pigment
$3,800
Singularity 02 and It All Moves 03, Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
$3,800
Singularity 03 and It All Moves 02, Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
Gem Facet 2 - Large Scale Abstract Photography, Signed Edition Print
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Gem facet 2 - Large scale photograph by Michael Banks Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ) Limited Editions of 5 , signed + numbered...
Archival Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment, Photo...
Visible and Disappearance, Diptych From The While You Are Sleeping Series
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, Black and White, Archival Pigment
$10,200
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
$10,200
Eugene 5 - 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
Framed Brassai Black and White Heliogravure Photography, circa 1949
By Brassaï
Located in Barcelona, ES
With its quiet graphic strength and unusual subject matter, this framed black and white heliogravure by Brassaï is a compelling example of the photographer’s ability to turn overlook...
Paper
$1,575
Abstract Color Photography by Geoffrey Baris, Expressionist, Contemporary, Water
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Color Photography by Geoffrey Baris Archival pigment print on museum fine art paper Edition of 7 Includes certificate of authenticity. Signed and numbered by artist. Custom...
Color, Archival Pigment
42nd Street Color Door Storefront NYC, Signed Print, 3/15 Edition
Located in Miami, FL
Refurbishing of 42nd Street in mid '90s. The work is signed, dated, and numbered 3/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It is unframed and printed later. ...
Archival Tape, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Old Cadillac
By Brett Weston
Located in Buffalo, NY
Signed and dated on the front of the mount. Limited edition of 35. Number 14 of 35. From the “Twenty Photographs, 1970-1977” Portfolio.
Silver Gelatin
Into The Void 02 and Be The Eye In the Storm 01, Diptych.
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
$3,800
I Got Your Back 01 and Healing 01. Abstract color photographs, Diptych.
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
$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
$7,300
Eugene 1 - 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
Breathe # 202501 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Edition: 1/3 Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar supplied) or the screw-eye system if it needs support from wire or above. Paul Snell is an Australian ar...
Plexiglass, C Print
California landscapes - Northern California Bodega Bay - CA 3 -Large photography
By MAE Curates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a series of photography of California, USA, from various photographers. We highlight the various aspects of California: its raw, natural beauty, with its vast expanse of land, clear blue sky and natural light. It is also a metropolis, given to a sense of freedom – to love and re-invent yourself as you please. It is also ancient land – land where dinosaurs roamed, Native Americans called home, Spanish explorers charted its land for more discovery of this gem. In modern times, environmentalists and residents fought to protect the land, setting landmarks in environmental and consumer protection. California leads the nation in many ways- the first to lend itself to causes: the freedom to love whomever and be whomever we want, welcome new peoples with warmth and entrepreneurship, be at the forefront of clean energy, invent new technology that changes the way the world lives and work, and the protection of our Earth. It is La La Land...
Metal
Look Up 03 and Manifest 03. Abstract color photographs, Diptych.
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 High Angle View of Person Walking in Snow, Signed Print, 3/15
Located in Miami, FL
Snow in the abstract. The work is signed, dated, and numbered 4/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It is unframed and printed later. Printed on Hahnemüh...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Look Up 01 and Manifest 02. Abstract color photographs, Diptych.
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 ...
Archival Pigment
The Block 01 and The Mask 02. Abstract color photographs Diptych.
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
Untitled #61 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled #61 (Abstract Photography) C-print — Unframed. Edition: 3/5 + 2 A/P This early work from Caldicott's acclaimed Tupperware series exemplifies his ability to breathe life in...
C Print
$4,750
Changing Moods 5- Floral landscape cyan blue 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
Look Up 02 and Manifest 01, Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
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
$711Sale Price|40% Off
Game of light 2 series
Located in Schärding Vorstadt, Oberösterreich
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
Follow U 02 and Gateway 01, Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
Hearing Gaia 03 and Gaze Into The Lake 01, Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
Into The Void 01 and Be The Eye In the Storm 03, Diptych.
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
Follow U 03 and Gateway 02, Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
$9,400
Eugene 8 - 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
Follow U 01, and Gateway 03 Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
$3,800
A New Life 03 and Below 03, Diptych. Abstract Liminited Edition photographs
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
$3,800
He Said 03 and She Said 02, Diptych. Abstract Liminited Edition photographs
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
Brassaï Photogravure of Picasso Sculpture, Editions du Chêne, France, 1948
By Brassaï
Located in Barcelona, ES
An evocative photogravure by Brassaï depicting one of Pablo Picasso’s sculptures, published in France in 1948. This work comes from the celebrated first edition of The Sculptures of ...
Paper
$7,300
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
$4,900
Eugene 6 - 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
Blender 03 and CoCreate 03, Diptych. Abstract color photographs
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
"Mystic Sunset" Explosion of Shapes & Colors, Mixed Media Photography
Located in Detroit, MI
"Mystic Sunset" belies the title of sunset, which usually conjures images of the quiet settling of the day. This abstract explodes with action and flashing colors of white and yello...
Mixed Media, Photographic Film
$3,800
He Said 01 and She Said 03, Diptych. Abstract Liminited Edition photographs
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
Gerhard Richter, Zaun: Hand-signed Color Photograph, in Artist's Frame
Located in Hamburg, DE
Gerhard Richter (German, b. 1932) Zaun, 2010 Medium: Colour photograph, mounted on white cardboard, in artist’s frame Print dimensions: 15 x 20 cm Frame dimensions: 23.5 x 28.5 cm Ed...
Photographic Film
Be The Eye in the Storm 01, From the series Portal. 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