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.
$4,325
Thomas Ruff, PHG.S.01 - Chromogenic Print, Abstract Photography, Signed Print
By Thomas Ruff
Located in Hamburg, DE
Thomas Ruff (German, b. 1958) PHG.S.01, 2020 Medium: Chromogenic print Dimensions: 11 4/5 × 9 2/5 in (30 × 24 cm) Edition of 100: Hand signed and numbered, verso Condition: Mint (sol...
C Print
$2,731
Thomas Struth, Wall Detail, James Simon Galerie, Signed Photograph, Architecture
Located in Hamburg, DE
Thomas Struth (German, born 1954) Wall Detail, James Simon Galerie, Berlin, 2019 Medium: Inkjet print back-mounted on Alu-Dibond, set in archival cardboard (as issued) Print dimensio...
Cardboard, Inkjet
Abstract Mixed Media Artwork, "Geo Mural #98 - Panel 27"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a mixed media artwork by Monty Montgomery. Its dimensions are 48 x 71 x 2.5 and it is Aerosol on Custom Panel with UV Gloss Varnish. A certificat...
Varnish, Spray Paint, Wood Panel
$4,500
"Manhattan Bridge" New York, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Manhattan Bridge / 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: 4...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Celebration 11, Mixed Media Digital Print, 2016
By Dan Derosato
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: collection of stills taken from Celebration, 2015. This video compilation celebrates gesture. Unlike “Goodbye Friend” where DeRosato slowly glitches the likeness...
Photographic Paper
Guggenheim Museum Abstract. Fine Art Print Hahnemuhle Paper Baryta
Located in Miami, FL
Guggenheim Museum 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 Ha...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$3,200
"On the edge of nothingness, n7" Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
On the edge of nothingness / n°7 / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2024 Dimension: 28 x 50 / External Dimension( with white border) : Height: 28.8 in. Width : 50.7 ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
$8,500
"Absent" Portraits of Hidden Wounds, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Absent / From the series of Portraits of Hidden Wounds / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2023 Dimension: 48 x 36 External Dimension( with white border) : Height: 48....
Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Abstract Geometric Florist Pigment Print, 30x30 Inches, unframed
Located in London, GB
Intricate floral designs radiate from a central point, creating a cosmic mandala of blooms... A captivating composition of flowers spiraling like a galaxy against a dark backdrop... ...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Color, Archival Pigment
A Surreal Watercolor and Cyanotype, "Saltwater Gradient, var 6"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 5x7 Surreal Watercolor and Cyanotype on Hahnemuhle Platinum Rag Paper, Mounted on Wood Panel by artist Annalise Neil. A certificate of authenticity will be provided u...
Photographic Paper, Photographic Film
A Surreal Watercolor and Cyanotype, "Saltwater Gradient, var 7"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 6" x 6" Surreal Watercolor and Cyanotype on Hahnemuhle Platinum Rag Paper, Mounted on Wood Panel by artist Annalise Neil. Neil’s cyanotype and watercolor works are ...
Photographic Paper, Photographic Film
$9,500
"I Had a Dream" Dance in Color, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dance in Color / From the series of I had a Dream / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2017 Dimension: 39 x 39” External Dimension( with white border) : Height: 40.6. i...
Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Faces2 - Part Of Un·I·Den·Ti·Fi·A·Ble Series, Abstract Photograph, 2015
By Dan Derosato
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: part of un·i·den·ti·fi·a·ble series – inspiration was to work with a portrait and distort the image until the face became invisible. "removing identities until the...
Photographic Paper
Climbing the Columns
By Harold Davis
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: This composite photograph originated with rays of sunlight through a glass bottle. Words that describe this piece: color, light, bright, sunlight, red, light bea...
Photographic Paper
Abstract Color Conceptual Photographic Print, "Pink Ballerina" 2020
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original photographic print from Southern California artist Michal Greenboim. It is an abstract color print that is 13" x 19" x 0.5" (HxLxD) and is edition 5 of 10. It is ...
Color
Las Vegas Neon, Fine Art Photography by Mitchell Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Las Vegas neon signs beckon. Sensuous pinks, hot magentas, and diaphanous blues make love to your eyeballs in this Las Vegas sunset photo. Signed and dated and numbered lower right,...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
"Divided" Contemporary Abstract Landscape Photograph
Located in New York, NY
40"x60" limited edition of 5, signed and editioned by the artist. This photograph by Zoe Wetherall is an impressively composed to capture a view of composed geometry in nature. Hori...
Archival Pigment
Breathe #202101 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Breathe #202101 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar supplied) or the...
Plexiglass, C Print
$3,500
"Abstract Composition II" in Green Orange Yellow and Black Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition II" by James Chadwick is from his series that takes from vintage patterning, zooming in to see the abstraction of the detail which...
Plexiglass, Photographic Paper
Temporal Perception 92 (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 92 (Diptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a diptych. Each element size is: 45 x 30"...
C Print
Temporal Perception 206A (Triptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 206A (Triptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a triptych. Each element size is: 45 x...
C Print
Temporal Perception 125A (Triptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 125A (Triptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a triptych. Each element size is: 45 x...
C Print
Temporal Perception 361 (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 361 (Diptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a diptych. Each element size is: 45 x 30...
C Print
Temporal Perception 112 (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 112 (Diptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a diptych. Each element size is: 45 x 30...
C Print
Temporal Perception 111 (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 111 (Diptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a diptych. Each element size is: 45 x 30...
C Print
Temporal Perception 36 (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 36 (Diptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a diptych. Each element size is: 45 x 30"...
C Print
Family
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss, 2003. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 1/1 on verso. This is a unique print. Artist Andrew George is based in Los ...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
White Building, Red Sun
Located in Miami, FL
Cover. Photomethods Magazine, March, 1982, Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, 2/15 Printed later, other size available, unframe
Photographic Paper
$3,000
Mohamed Yakub Color Long Exposure Photograph Teal Abstract Horizontal Kenyan
Located in Nantucket, MA
Mohamad does not use titles for his photographs. Such naming or framing can constrain or shape a viewer’s engagement with an image. Without such titles, his imagery conjures imagi...
Photographic Paper
Reynaud
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss, 2003. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 2/2 on verso. Artist Andrew George is based in Los Angeles. He recently pr...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
$3,500
"Abstract Composition IX" in Mustard Orange Green Cream Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition IX" by James Chadwick is from his series that takes from vintage patterning, zooming in to see the abstraction of the detail which largely goes unnoticed. Inspi...
Plexiglass, Photographic Paper
Bleed # 202416 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202416 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar supplied) or the ...
Plexiglass, C Print
The Peacock of Coconut Grove, Animal Photography
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Peacocks roam freely in the streets around Coconut Grove in Miami. Arguably, they are one of nature's most exquisite works of art. They are adorned wit...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Red Eye #3, 2022, digitally made abstract print, edition of 3, signed
By Gary Cruz
Located in New York, NY
Red Eye #3 from At the Center of Seeing carries an especially charged and enigmatic energy. At its core, a glowing orb hovers in a dark void, as if suspended between emergence and e...
Archival Pigment
$3,500
"Abstract Composition III" in Turquoise Blue Green Orange Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition III" by James Chadwick is from his series that takes from vintage patterning, zooming in to see the abstraction of the detail whic...
Plexiglass, Photographic Paper
Bleed # 202481 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202481 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar supplied) or the ...
Plexiglass, C Print
Ellsworth
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital-c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 3/3 on verso. Artist Andrew George is based in Los Angeles. He recently premiere...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
Pupil #2, 2022, digitally made abstract print, edition of 3, signed
By Gary Cruz
Located in New York, NY
Pupil #2 suggests a rose window, a star chart, or a rotating mandala. The faint, glowing greenish points orbiting the darkened center also carry the implication of a clock face, with...
Archival Pigment
Vintage Red Ferrari in Florence, Italy - Race Cars, Red Sports Cars
Located in Miami, FL
A cluster of vintage red Ferraris lounge on displayed in a square in Florence, Italy. Street Photographer Mitchell Funk was struck by the unexpected site and documented the scene em...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Piet 1
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital-c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 1/2 on verso. Artist Andrew George is based in Los Angeles. He recently premiere...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
Shingles (red)
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss, 2003. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 3/3 on verso. Artist Andrew George is based in Los Angeles. He recently pr...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
Alden 2
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss, 2003. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 2/2 on verso. Artist Andrew George is based in Los Angeles. He recently pr...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
Diptych No. 57812 / No. 57813 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Diptych No. 57812 / No. 57813 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. So...
Ink, Archival Pigment
Diptych No. 57805 / No. 57806 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Diptych No. 57805 / No. 57806 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. So...
Ink, Archival Pigment
No. 57851 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 57851 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. The photographic artwor...
Ink, Archival Pigment
$14,500
"Emulsion 8" Portrait Photograph 40'x40' in Limited Ed. of 10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Emulsion 8" Portrait Photograph 40'x40' in Limited Ed. of 10 by Giuliano Bekor Printed on fujiflex mounted on aluminum laminated and framed with a costume floater frame. EMULSION...
Laminate, Digital
$14,500
"Echoes 11" Abstract Photograph 48" x 48" in Limited Ed. of 10 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes 11" Abstract Photograph 48" x 48" in Limited Ed. of 10 by Giuliano Bekor Echoes series. Title of artwork: EC17 Year: 2011 Medium: Photography Print size: 48x48 Inches trim b...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Bleed # 202173 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202173 (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
Untitled #63 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled #63 (Abstract Photography) C-print — Unframed. Edition: 2/5 + 2 A/P This early work from Caldicott's acclaimed Tupperware series exemplifies his ability to breathe life in...
C Print
Combination Red (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Combination Red (Abstract Photography) C-print — Unframed. Edition of 5 + 2 AP, next 1/2 AP This early work from Caldicott's acclaimed Tupperware series exemplifies his ability to ...
C Print
Combination Blue No.1 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Combination Blue No.1 (Abstract Photography) C-print — Unframed. Edition: 5/5 + 2 A/P This early work from Caldicott's acclaimed Tupperware series exemplifies his ability to breath...
C Print
Orange Flask (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Orange Flask (Abstract Photography) C-print — Unframed. Edition: 4/5 + 2 A/P This early work from Caldicott's acclaimed Tupperware series exemplifies his ability to breathe life in...
C Print
Mohamed Yakub White Gray Abstract Flower Oculus Architectural Figurative
Located in Nantucket, MA
Printed on Hahnemuhle paper. 310gsm 100% cellulose. This paper gives the illusion of velvet- gorgeous texture to image. Epson Ultrachrome ProInk printer. Unframed image is 35.5"h x 33"w. Available unframed plus shipping in a tube. Photograph can be printed larger sizes. This photograph is part of the Oculus Series. Mohamed roamed the Oculus Transportation building designed by Calatrava in NYC. Formal, elegant and other worldly. Mohamad does not use titles for his photographs. Such naming or framing can constrain or shape a viewer’s engagement with an image. Without such titles, his imagery conjures imaginative spaces, movement and flow, worlds without the constraints of gravity, a visionary place of the mind or an otherworldly cosmos. In this way, his earlier fascination with streams of...
Archival Paper
Mohamed Yakub Abstract Oculus Architecture White Gray Photograph, Kenyan
Located in Nantucket, MA
Printed on Hahnemuhle paper, 310gsm 100% cellulose. This paper gives you a velvet like finish to the photograph. Printed on Epson Ultrachrome ProInk. Available in larger sizes. Unframed image is 24"h x 41"w. priced at $5200 plus shipping in a tube. This photograph is part of a Book of images he created with his photography of the Oculus Transportation Building in NYC designed by Calatrava. Mohamad does not use titles for his photographs. Such naming or framing can constrain or shape a viewer’s engagement with an image. Without such titles, his imagery conjures imaginative spaces, movement and flow, worlds without the constraints of gravity, a visionary place of the mind or an otherworldly cosmos. In this way, his earlier fascination with streams of light...
Archival Paper
Eric's Window
Located in New York, NY
From the series "Light Leaks" (2008) Type-c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss, 2008. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 2/2 on verso. Artist Andrew George is based in L...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
Orange Skies
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital-c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss, 2003. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered 1/1 on verso. This is a unique print. In the series ‘Weights & Measures’ (2...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Color, Digital, Lambda
Bleed # 202337 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202337 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Edition: 1/3. Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar supp...
Plexiglass, C Print
Young girl in an Couture Pink Dress, Fashion Photography
Located in Miami, FL
The interplay of light and shadow, greys and magenta transform a portrait of a flamboyantly dressed young girl into an optically engaging abstraction composed of alternating patterns...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment
Close Up Flower Sabattier Photograph
By Pat Truax
Located in Houston, TX
Black and white close up photograph of a flower. This photograph showcases the Sabbttier process or the results of solarization. The photograph is not framed. Artist Biography: Pat ...
Photographic Paper
Retina #7, 2022, digitally made abstract print, edition of 3, signed
By Gary Cruz
Located in New York, NY
Retina #7, an edition of 3, is part of the artist's "At The Center of Seeing" Series. In the image, the golden center blossoms outward in six luminous points, like petals or rays ...
Archival Pigment