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.
Devorah's Wing, Close Up Abstract Photograph, Color Print, 8 x 10
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Devorah, an insect-like character from Mortal Kombat, is photographed here in the artist's studio, in color portrait mode using stage light. This is focused on Devorah's delicate wing.
Photographic Paper
"Seen and Unseen #3979" - Contemporary Still Life Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Seen and Unseen #3979" features hues of bright blue and yellow. This photograph is edition 2/7 +2 AP. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer from Shanghai, China. Formally trained a...
Archival Pigment
Adult Booths Books and Video Store, Color Photography, Signed, 4/15
Located in Miami, FL
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 Hahnemühle Fine Art paper. Mi...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
"Out of Siege #1829" - Figurative Black and White Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Out of Siege #1829" is a black and white photograph and is edition 1/12 + 3 AP. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer from Shanghai, China. Formally trained as an oil painter, Peng...
Archival Pigment
$4,500
Classic Art Deco Marlin Hotel Miami Beach, South Beach, Fine Art Photography
Located in Miami, FL
Puffy clouds over Marlin Hotel on Collins Avenue in South Beach, Miami Beach. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/1...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
Abstract photograph, Susan Wides, The Bubble (Madison Avenue)
By Susan Wides
Located in White Plains, NY
Digital c-print of an abstracted Madison Avenue, in New York City, in red, blue, black by Susan Wides. Signed verso. NY photographer, Susan Wides, is ...
C Print
$100
Driftwood or a Dream, abstract 8 x 10 print, 2025, framing options available
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Lake Michigan beaches are often filled with driftwood along the shore, as in this one on my daily walk in North Muskegon, Michigan. Using the portrait mode and stage light, I was ab...
Photographic Paper
Cherry Blossoms, Champs de Mars, Paris, France
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Cherry Blossoms, Champs de Mars, Paris, France, 2017 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 50 x 50 inches E...
Archival Pigment
One World Trade Center Warm Clouds, Fine Art Color Print Ed: 3/15
Located in Miami, FL
Upward View Of One World Trade Center With Warm Clouds The work is signed, dated, and numbered 3/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It is unframed and pr...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$1,742
Kachchery
By Gina Parr
Located in Deddington, GB
Kachchery – Limited Edition Contemporary Abstract Landscape Photograph by Gina Parr [2019] limited_edition Photograph printed on 310gsm Hahnemuhele German Etching paper with archiva...
Paper, Photogram
$2,500
Neptune, Abstract Photography, Portraits, Giclee Print, Numbered Editions 1/5
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2025 Dimension: 20 x 34.7" External Dimension( with white border) : Height:35.5 inch Weight: 20.8 inch In Edition of 1/5 + 2AP Certified Conditi...
Giclée
Untitled Photograph Collage
By Peter Marks
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Photograph Collage Collage with 5 photographic elements, 2007 Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the Artist Condition: Excellent Image Size: 5 7/8 x 10 7/8 inches Support Sheet:...
Photographic Paper
Untitled (Subway Turnstiles)
By Peter Marks
Located in Fairlawn, OH
untitled (Subway Turnstiles) Collage with 6 photograph elements Unsigned Provenance: Estate of the Artist Condition: Excellent Image Size: 5 7/8 x 8 inches Support Sheet: 14 x 17 inc...
Photographic Paper
$15,000
"Echoes No.11" Abstract Photography 40" x 40" in Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes No.11" Abstract Photography 40" x 40" in Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist. Comes with COA issues by the artist. Printed on fujiflex mounted...
Metal
Marie Sulac 07
Located in New York, NY
In this artwork by renowned Belgian photographer Eric Ceccarini, he invited painter Marie Sulac to transpose a colorful universe on the body of the model. With bright yellow stripes,...
Photographic Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment, Pigment
Celebration6, Original Abstract Photograph, 2016
By Dan Derosato
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: From a collection of stills taken from Celebration, 2015. This video compilation celebrates gesture. Unlike “Goodbye Friend” where DeRosato slowly glitches the l...
Photographic Paper
Exocet, North American B25 Mitchell, Oshkosh, USA
Located in New York City, NY
27 x 44 in Edition of 9 EUR 3.200 35 x 57 in Edition of 9 EUR 5.200 48 x 71 in Edition of 9 EUR 6.800 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 77 in Edition of 9 EUR 8.800 Dye Sublimation...
Dye Transfer
Row of Buildings in Lower Manhattan, Color Photography, Signed, 4/15
Located in Miami, FL
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 Hahnemühle Fine Art paper. Mi...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$8,000
Seastar, Lockheed T-33 Silverstar, Chino, USA, 2015 - Aero series (Air)
Located in New York City, NY
Manolo Chretien, France Seastar, Lockheed T-33 Silverstar, Chino, USA, 2015 27 x 43 in Edition of 9 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 35 x 57 in Edition of...
Dye Transfer
Blanket8, Abstract Photograph, 2015
By Dan Derosato
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: Your purchase through TurningArt can be displayed as either a high quality print, or it's true original form as a woven blanket. Please contact TurningArt for more...
Fabric
Chrysler Building In Cool Blue, Grey and Silver Palette
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photographer Mithcell Funk captures the Chrysler Building as it stands between two neighbors. Compositional exactitude adds to the overall visual appeal of Funk's formal compo...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Strata # 202506 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Unique. Paul Snell is an Australian artist who blurs the boundaries between photography and painting, creating contemplative works that replace constant image saturation with moment...
Concrete, Enamel
Mesh, South China Sea, Traverse, 2011
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Mesh, South China Sea, Traverse, 2011 44 x 44 inches - Edition of 10 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for frami...
Archival Pigment
Katie Hallam, Cactus, Digital Art, Contemporary Affordable Art, Still Life Print
By Katie Hallam
Located in Deddington, GB
Katie Hallam Cactus Limited Edition Digital Photograph Edition of 75 Image Size: H 50cm x W 62cm x D 1cm Sold Unframed Ready to Hang Please note that in situ images are purely an ind...
Metal
Katie Hallam, Erosion, Limited Edition Photography, Contemporary Digital Art
By Katie Hallam
Located in Deddington, GB
Katie Hallam Erosion Limited Edition Digital Photograph Edition of 75 Size of Work: H 80cm x W 40cm x D 1cm Sold Unframed Ready to Hang – Please note that insitu images are purely an...
Metal
Gears, Katie Hallam, Abstract Art, Cycling Art, Sports Art, Photography
By Katie Hallam
Located in Deddington, GB
Katie Hallam Gears Digital photograph Limited Edition Photograph on Alluminium Size: H 60cm x W 95cm x D 1cm Sold Unframed For all the sport enthusiasts out there, this high-en...
Digital
Breaking Surf, Hookipa, Hawaii
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Breaking Surf, Hookipa, Hawaii, 2011 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 50 x 50 inches Edition of 3
Archival Pigment
Golden Edge, North American B25 Mitchell, Oshkosh, USA, 2012 - Aero series (Air)
Located in New York City, NY
27 x 43 in Edition of 9 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 35 x 57 in Edition of 9 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 44 x 71 in Edition of 9 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 78 in Edition of 9...
Dye Transfer
Cieux, Sky 1
Located in New York City, NY
27.5 x 27.5 in 70 x 70 cm Edition of 9 USD 6.000 40 x 40 in 100 x 100 cm Edition of 9 USD 8.000 51 x 51 in 130 x 130 cm Edition of 9 EUR 11.500 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 77...
Dye Transfer
$5,500
View From Car Roof Man On Road Monument Valley, Fine Art Print Hahnemuhle Paper
Located in Miami, FL
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 Hahnemühle Fine Art paper. M...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Apogee, Huangshan, China
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Apogee, Huangshan, China, 2017 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options.
Archival Pigment
Estuary, Shark Bay, Western Australia
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Estuary, Shark Bay, Western Australia, 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also avail...
Archival Pigment
Combo Abstract Photography on Archival Paper, Framed, Circa 2010
By Julie Beugin
Located in Vancouver, CA
Julie Beugin: Urban Abstraction and Contemplative Landscapes Julie Beugin's art vividly captures the essence of urban landscapes, focusing on the subtle details and quiet corners oft...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper
Two Billionaires Row Skyscrapers at Sunrise, Fine Art Print, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
Two Billionaires Row Skyscrapers At Sunrise. The work is signed, dated, and numbered 4/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It is unframed and printed lat...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$3,200
"Empire in Blue, Lights of New York" Giclee, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Empire in Blue / from the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Certificated Dimension: 36 x 24" External Dimension( with white border...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$3,600
"Union Square" New York, Giclee Print, Abstract, Photography, Large, Limited Ed
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Union Square / From the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2022 Dimension: 24 x 36" External Dimension: Height:40.8 .( 103.63 cm) Width...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
$412Sale Price|20% Off
Eden. 2004, photography, 44x29 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Eden. 2004, photography, ice/sun/water, 44x29 cm
Photographic Paper
$412Sale Price|20% Off
Spring. 2004, photography, 44x29 сm
Located in Riga, LV
Spring. 2004, photography, 44x29 сm
Photographic Paper
$9,000
"No Focus, No Object" L1, Large Giclee Print, Abstract, Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“No Focus, No Object” L1 Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Dimension: 40 x 40” External Dimension( with white border) : 40.8 x 40.8” Condition: New Certified In Edition of ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Red Band in the Universe
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Red Band in the Universe, 2018 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 in Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qualit...
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
Event Horizon #209, abstract aerial landscape photograph
Located in New York, NY
Kacper Kowalski began his career as a landscape photographer, far before the preeminence of drones or Google Earth, strapping himself into a gyrocopter and exploring his native Poland through the lens of a film camera. This repeated, almost ritualistic exploration of home became the foundation of his work. Kowalski observes the macro-evolution of the Polish landscape...
Archival Pigment
Depth of Winter #54
Located in New York, NY
Kacper Kowalski began his career as a landscape photographer, far before the preeminence of drones or Google Earth, strapping himself into a gyrocopter and exploring his native Pola...
Archival Pigment
Depth of Winter #171, abstract aerial landscape photograph
Located in New York, NY
Kacper Kowalski began his career as a landscape photographer, far before the preeminence of drones or Google Earth, strapping himself into a gyrocopter and exploring his native Poland through the lens of a film camera. This repeated, almost ritualistic exploration of home became the foundation of his work. Kowalski observes the macro-evolution of the Polish landscape...
Archival Pigment
$2,900
Side Effects, Depth of Winter, Skiers 04, abstract aerial landscape photograph
Located in New York, NY
Kacper Kowalski began his career as a landscape photographer, far before the preeminence of drones or Google Earth, strapping himself into a gyrocopter and exploring his native Pola...
Archival Pigment
Depth of Winter #55, abstract aerial landscape photograph
Located in New York, NY
Kacper Kowalski began his career as a landscape photographer, far before the preeminence of drones or Google Earth, strapping himself into a gyrocopter and exploring his native Poland through the lens of a film camera. This repeated, almost ritualistic exploration of home became the foundation of his work. Kowalski observes the macro-evolution of the Polish landscape...
Archival Pigment
Daniela, Original Abstract Photograph, 2016
By Dan Derosato
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: glitched each RGB channel, resulting in the image pulling apart in different locations. Thank you Daniela. Keywords: glitch, digital, digital art, print, abstract...
Photographic Paper
Jet Ski Water Sport Action Wave Race in Blue Water
Located in Miami, FL
A Jet Ski - Wave Runner race is documented from an elevated position to be as abstract as it is representational. Diagonal white trails of waves extend behind each colorful Jet Ski l...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Porthole #4
By Jami Goldman
Located in New York, NY
Ed. of 15 Dye infused aluminum photograph Series: Portholes, abstract realism Jami Goldman is an American fine art photographer, with over 30 years experience behind the lens. She...
Metal
$1,600
"Barbed Wire" The Frequency, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Barbed Wire" The Frequency, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed. Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2018 Dimension: 16 x 24” External Dimension( with white border) : H...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$4,500
"On the Edge of Nothingness, n5" Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
On the edge of nothingness / n°5 / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2024 Dimension: 40 x 60” External Dimension( with white border) Height:40.8 in.( 103.63 cm) Width:...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Japanese 1
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital-c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss, 2003. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 5/6 on verso. In the series ‘Weights & Measures’ (2003) Andrew George turns...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Color, Digital, Lambda
$4,500
"Chinatown" Light of New York, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
China Town / From the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Dimension: 48 x 32" External Dimension( with white border) Height: 48.8 in...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Flux # 202517 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Edition: 1/3 Paul Snell is an Australian artist who blurs the boundaries between photography and painting, creating contemplative works that replace constant image saturation with m...
Concrete, Enamel
$4,400
"Washington Square" New York, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Washington Square / From the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2022 Dimension: 40 x 50" External Dimension( with white border) : Height...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Archival Ink, Giclée
Photographic Print, "Feather Boa Study 15"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a Silver Gelatin Lumen toned photographic print by California artist, Oriana Poindexter. Its framed dimensions are 16" x 13 x 1"". A certificate of authenticity will follow ...
Photographic Paper
$4,500
"On the edge of nothingness, n3" Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
On the edge of nothingness / n°3 / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2024 Dimension: 40 x 60” External Dimension( with white border) Height:40.8 in.( 103.63 cm) Width ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
"Empire in Green" New York, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Empire in Green / From the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Dimension: 48 x 32" External Dimension( with white border) Height: 48....
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Nothing Has Changed (framed)
Located in New York, NY
40"x 60" framed photograph, edition of 5 This photograph is from Stephen Mallon's series, "American Reclamation" and depicts bails of recycled metal. It is presented framed and m...
C Print
Blanket6, Abstract Photograph, 2015
By Dan Derosato
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: Your purchase through TurningArt can be displayed as either a high quality print, or it's true original form as a woven blanket. Please contact TurningArt for more...
Fabric