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.
$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
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
$350
A Conceptually Surreal Alternative Photographic Print, "Thermopolis/Isla Ispiri"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 9" x 12" Conceptually Surreal Alternative Photographic Print executed by artist Annalise Neil. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. The full title of this piece is, "Thermopolis/Isla Ispiritu Santo/San Diego: Algae Mat, Desert Beach, Watercolor...
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
$14,160Sale Price|20% Off
WINNIE DENKER - Light Box - Centre Georges Pompidou
Located in PARIS, FR
LIMITED EDITION OF 15 ON LIGHT BOX. The Eiffel Tower, one of the great symbols of France, is bathed in scarlet red lights for the first time in its history on January 24 evening and has only sparkled red for five days in honor of China. About the artist : Winnie is a fearless explorer. Her animated and judicious views reflect the essence of her subjects in monumental panoramic scenes. Originally from Denmark, Winnie Denker...
LED Light, C Print
$5,961Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Dot, Chemical Works, Abstract Print (Museum Etching) on Fine Art Paper
By Paul Kenny
Located in London, GB
Blue Dot by Paul Kenny, from the Chemical Works series, 2025, Edition of 3 + 2AP Paul Kenny (b. 1951, UK) is a British Artist and Photographer. He has work in some of the worlds gr...
Color, Archival Pigment
$7,451
Iona Sun, Limited Edition Large Abstract Photograph, Framed and Signed, 40x40"
By Paul Kenny
Located in London, GB
Iona Sun, 2010 from a Limited Edition of 3 plus 2AP. Mounted and in bespoke frame. ‘The work, building on themes developed over fifty years, tries to find the awe-inspiring in that ...
Color, Archival Pigment, 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
$4,829
Rose Form Abstract, Warm Tones on Dark Canvas, Limited Edition from Photogram
Located in London, GB
An abstract exploration of light's nuanced play through dynamic curves... Soft hues revolve on a dark canvas, creating an abstract interplay of light and shadow... "I am surrounded b...
Photographic Paper, Color, Photogram, Archival Pigment
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
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
Abstracted Nature Photograph by Susan Wides, 'May 4, 2015'
By Susan Wides
Located in White Plains, NY
'May 4, 2015' 2015 by photographer Susan Wides. Chromogenic print, Ed. of 7. 36 x 30 in. C-print of Park Avenue from the 'Deep Woods' series. Colors in pink, browns, and whites. N...
C Print
Multiple Exposure of the Chrysler Building in Bright Colors
Located in Miami, FL
Bathed in bright, bold colors, "Multiple Exposure of the Chrysler Building, 1971" represents a pioneering use of multiple exposure in color photography. In fact, Mitchell Funk inve...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
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
New York City Abstract with Yellow Cab and Hanging Locks
Located in Miami, FL
Colorful locks hanging from a wire above the Brooklyn Bridge are set against a blurred yellow New York City Taxi Cab. They form an unexpected, ambiguous, abstract image composed of...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Ocean Drive In Miami Beach, by Mitchell Funk, Landscape Photography
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco buildings in the South Beach area of Miami Beach. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/15, lower right recto...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Color, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
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
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
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
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
Combination No.2 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Combination No.2 (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 lif...
C Print
Untitled #59 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled #59 (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 White/Cream (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Combination White/Cream (Abstract Photography) C-print — Unframed. Edition: 4/5 + 2 A/P This early work from Caldicott's acclaimed Tupperware series exemplifies his ability to brea...
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
$3,863Sale Price|29% Off
Full Sail! - An Abstract Colour Print in custom made frame (options available)
Located in London, GB
Mike G Jackson, 'Full Sail!', 2024 Archival Pigment Fine Art Print mounted on aluminium and custom framed finished with antireflective Art Glass, 35 x 23.5 inches (90 x 60 cm approx....
Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Archival Pigment
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
Chrysler Building in New York Skyline Out-of-Focus
Located in Miami, FL
In this deliberately out-of-focus 1979 photograph of the New York skyline from Weehawken, Mitchell Funk captures the dynamic urban energy of Mid-Town Manhattan through the expressive...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Sisters 3
Located in New York, NY
Type-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 Angeles. ...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
Okay
Located in New York, NY
Lambda digital-c print on Ilford Ilfoflex Archival Super Gloss. Signed, titled, dated, and numbered 8/12 on verso. Artist Andrew George is based in Los Angeles. He recently premier...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Lambda
Interior Black and White Photography
By Pat Truax
Located in Houston, TX
Black and white interior photograph developed using the Sabattier process. The photograph is not framed. Artist Biography: Pat Truax is a Texas based fine art photograph best known ...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper
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
Pupil #10, 2022, digitally made abstract print, edition of 3, signed
By Gary Cruz
Located in New York, NY
Pupil #10 blooms outward like a radiant mandala, its six-petaled form evoking both a flower in full opening and the geometric harmony of a stained-glass rose window. This work feels...
Archival Pigment
Bleed # 202391 (Abstract painting)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202391 (Abstract painting) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Backed with extruded polystyrene, concrete, acrylic, enamel and pigments (8 cm / 3...
Plexiglass, C Print
Bleed # 202388 (Abstract painting)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Available on request - 4 week turnaround. Backed with extruded polystyrene, concrete, acrylic, enamel, and pigments (8 ...
Plexiglass, C Print
Bleed # 202318 (Abstract painting)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Available on request - 4 week turnaround. Backed with extruded polystyrene, concrete, acrylic, enamel, and pigments (8 ...
Plexiglass, C Print
Blue Buildings, New York 1970, Archival Pigment Print, Signed, 2/15
Located in Miami, FL
This transcendent image by art photographer Mitchell Funk's "Blue Buildings, New York 1970" is generations ahead of its time. Executed in 1970, it pushed the boundaries of color pho...
Archival Pigment
$7,080
Verushka II, Portrait with Snake - Limited Edition Fine Art Photography
By Michel Comte
Located in Vienna, AT
This black-and-white photograph by Michel Comte features Veruschka in a tightly composed profile portrait set against a deep black background. The image focuses on the interaction be...
Archival Pigment
Bleed # 202393 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202393 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Edition: 1/3. Available with 4-5 week turnaround. Snell creates small productio...
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
Untitled #2 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled #2 (Abstract Photography) C print - Unframed. "Edition of 5 + 2AP, next 3/5 Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used Tupperware containe...
C Print
Untitled #58 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled #58 (Abstract Photography) C print - Unframed. "Edition of 5 + 2AP, next 1/5 Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used Tupperware contain...
C Print
Untitled #89 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled #58 (Abstract Photography) C print - Unframed. "Edition of 5 + 2AP, next 1/5 Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used Tupperware contain...
C Print
Combination Orange (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Combination Orange (Abstract Photography) C print - Unframed. "Edition of 5 + 2AP, next 1/5 Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used Tupperware c...
C Print
Untitled #2 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled #2 (Abstract Photography) C print - Unframed. "Edition of 5 + 2AP, next 3/5 Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used Tupperware containe...
C Print
Red Box (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Red Box (Abstract Photography) C print - Unframed. Edition of 5 + 2AP, next 2/5 Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used T...
C Print
Bleed # 202390 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202390 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Backed with Dibond and C-channel hanging system + keyhole option. Edition: 1/3...
Plexiglass, C Print
Bleed # 202332 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202332 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Backed with Dibond and C-channel hanging system + keyhole option. Edition 1/3...
Plexiglass, C Print
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
No. 48355 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 48355 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
No. 48329 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 48329 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
No. 48325 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 48325 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
No. 48316 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 48316 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
No. 42418 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 42418 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
No. 42417 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 42417 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
No. 42416 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 42416 (Abstract Photography) Photography / Archival pigment print — Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
Untitled 136 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Untitled 136 (Abstract Photography) C print - Unframed. Richard Caldicott is most well known for this earlier work series which used Tupperware containers as the subject for his pho...
C Print
Twin Towers , World Trade Center Abstract
Located in Miami, FL
The image is signed dated lower right signed dated and numbered verso 2 /15, Unframed, Other sizes available, printed later
Photographic Paper
Bleed # 202305 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202305 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Backed with Dibond and C-channel hanging system + keyhole option. Available on...
Plexiglass, C Print
Remedy (Winter)
By Wendy Small
Located in New York, NY
48"x40" photogram Wendy Small’s “Remedy” photograms are made by collecting leaves, weeds, or flowers from a specific place (indicated in the title) and placing those leaves directly ...
Photogram