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Abstract Photography

ABSTRACT STYLE

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.

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Style: Abstract
Psychedelic Forrest

Psychedelic Forrest

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

Mitchell Funk. He was Color when Color wasn't Cool. Conceptualized and executed in 1971, when color photography was not recognized as fine art, this group of abstract, negative colo...

Category

1970s Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Chrysler Building Looking Up in Light and Shadow
Chrysler Building Looking Up in Light and Shadow

Chrysler Building Looking Up in Light and Shadow

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

The play of light and shadow is on full display in this photograph by Mitchell Funk. His upward view of the Chrysler Building from an unexpected angle departs from traditional color ...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Chrysler Building in New York Skyline Out-of-Focus
Chrysler Building in New York Skyline Out-of-Focus

Chrysler Building in New York Skyline Out-of-Focus

By Mitchell Funk

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...

Category

1970s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Industrial Romance M1, Abstract Digital Photography on Aluminum, 2010-

Industrial Romance M1, Abstract Digital Photography on Aluminum, 2010-

By Tom White 1

Located in New York, NY

Composite photographs digital imaging Dye sublimation on aluminum panels Edition of 5 **Please not it takes about 6 weeks for delivery from purchase date**

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Panel

Liquid Gold Diptych

Liquid Gold Diptych

By Christine Matthai

Located in Fairfield, CT

German-born Christine Matthäi’s fascination with photography and film began during her early teenage years. She studied and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Ber...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print, Plexiglass

Shivering Crabapple

Shivering Crabapple

By Jeri Eisenberg

Located in Westport, CT

Jeri Eisenberg creates nature inspired works in single panels, diptychs and triptychs. Her soft colored photographic pieces are created using non-traditional and alternative photo-ba...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Encaustic, Handmade Paper

Manhattan Art Deco  Chrysler Building in Blue and White
Manhattan Art Deco  Chrysler Building in Blue and White

Manhattan Art Deco Chrysler Building in Blue and White

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

The majestic Art Deco Chrysler Building soars in between Manhattan's skyscrapers. The cropping is radical and exudes a sense of urban exactitude, seamlessly woven into the light-fi...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Urban Sunbather,  New York City
Urban Sunbather,  New York City

Urban Sunbather, New York City

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

Elevated view of women sunbathing on the basketball court in New York City. Signed, dated and numbered 2/15 lower right recto, other sizes available, unframed, printed later, Printed...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Inkjet, Archival Ink, Archival Paper

Nautilus
Nautilus

Nautilus

By Harold Town

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Harold Town (1924-1990) remains one of the most accomplished and fascinating characters from the "Painters Eleven" group. While Town coined the group's name (based on the number of artists who simply attended their first meeting) his output was diverse, ever-changing and not restricted to painting. Somewhat ironically, Town's first significant body of work, which established his reputation, was a group of monotype - which he called "Single Autographic Prints" Town was introduced to lithography by fellow Painters Eleven member Oscar Cahen...

Category

1950s Abstract Photography

Materials

Monotype

Calliandra Californica - n. 2 (2016) - Cyanotype - abstract contemporary art
Calliandra Californica - n. 2 (2016) - Cyanotype - abstract contemporary art

Calliandra Californica - n. 2 (2016) - Cyanotype - abstract contemporary art

By Christine Nguyen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a cyanotype on unprocessed paper. Singular piece. Signed en verso. Framing upon request - art exclusively at gallery. Inquire to view series, collection. Inquire to commission projects. Christine Nguyen is a Los Angeles based artist. She received her B.F.A from California State University, Long Beach and M.F.A from University of California, Irvine. As an artist, she is inspired by literature, science, nature, astronomy, geology, marine biology. The layering of works, creating depth, process and nature are important elements of her work . For example, salt crystallization has been used on found objects and encrusted on photo based works on paper. The salt crystallization process is similar to preserving some objects, while disintegrating others with time. By incorporating salt crystals onto the photo based paintings, the image presents a mystical otherworldly feel, capturing and refracting light and the slippage of time. Using photography’s processes as a point of departure, Christine Nguyen’s pioneering spirit led her to begin manipulating negatives and onward–creating her own by cutting, layering, and adding on. Nguyen’s subsequent explorations embrace drawing...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Mixed Media, Photographic Paper

"JM Basquiat-GB2" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Ed. 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor
"JM Basquiat-GB2" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Ed. 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor

"JM Basquiat-GB2" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Ed. 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor

By Giuliano Bekor

Located in Culver City, CA

"JM Basquiat-GB2" Abstract Photography 48" x 48" inch Ed. 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Basquiat series - JMB-GB2 Year: 2020 Medium: Printed on high-quality museum-grade archival pho...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 009
30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 009

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 009

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series of photography of land art depicting Earth and its land forms taken from the air. This series of aerial photography captures Earth's beauty taken in remote lands...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 03
30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 03

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 03

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series of photography of land art depicting Earth and its land forms taken from the air. This series of aerial photography captures Earth's beauty taken in remote lands...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 013
30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 013

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - BT 013

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series of photography of land art depicting Earth and its land forms taken from the air. This series of aerial photography captures Earth's beauty taken in remote lands...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea -  large photo BT 015
30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea -  large photo BT 015

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - large photo BT 015

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series of photography of land art depicting Earth and its land forms taken from the air. This series of aerial photography captures Earth's beauty taken in remote lands...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea -SB 04
30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea -SB 04

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea -SB 04

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series of photography of land art depicting Earth and its land forms taken from the air. This series of aerial photography captures Earth's beauty taken in remote lands...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea
30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea

30x30in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series of photography of land art depicting Earth and its land forms taken from the air. This series of aerial photography captures Earth's beauty taken in remote lands...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

16x20” River Landscape - 16x20in. print unframed
16x20” River Landscape - 16x20in. print unframed

16x20” River Landscape - 16x20in. print unframed

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series available exclusively through gallery. This series is largely influenced by the abstract expressionist field paintings of the 40’s and 50’s with a nod to Gerhar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Vibrant - acrylic mounted - LARGE
Vibrant - acrylic mounted - LARGE

Vibrant - acrylic mounted - LARGE

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series available exclusively through gallery. This series is largely influenced by the abstract expressionist field paintings of the 40’s and 50’s with a nod to Gerhar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

30x40” River Landscape - acrylic mounted 30x40
30x40” River Landscape - acrylic mounted 30x40

30x40” River Landscape - acrylic mounted 30x40

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series available exclusively through gallery. This series is largely influenced by the abstract expressionist field paintings of the 40’s and 50’s with a nod to Gerhar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

30x45in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - mounted, ready to hang

30x45in. Aerial Photography of Earth, Land, Sea - mounted, ready to hang

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a new series of photography of land art depicting Earth and its land forms taken from the air. This series of aerial photography captures Earth's beauty taken in remote lands...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Metal

WINNIE DENKER - Light Box - Centre Georges Pompidou
WINNIE DENKER - Light Box - Centre Georges Pompidou

WINNIE DENKER - Light Box - Centre Georges Pompidou

By WINNIE DENKER

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

LED Light, C Print

California, Pacific Ocean - Large photography - CA 2

California, Pacific Ocean - Large photography - CA 2

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is a series of photography of California, USA, from various photographers, which we constantly add to. Search 1stdibs storefront: Modern Art Etc., Inc. 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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

C Print

California landscapes - Northern California Bodega Bay - CA 3 -Large photography

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Metal

Abstract art photography - Fluidity in Color Series - framed
Abstract art photography - Fluidity in Color Series - framed

Abstract art photography - Fluidity in Color Series - framed

By MAE Curates

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is an abstract piece featuring the aesthetics presented by fluids in motion - framed, art is floated in a white shadow box frame, made in Los Angeles. This series presents va...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Street Photography in New York - People Minimized to Colorful Abstract Shapes
Street Photography in New York - People Minimized to Colorful Abstract Shapes

Street Photography in New York - People Minimized to Colorful Abstract Shapes

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

New York City pedestrians form a graphic pattern integrating with a colorful green construction wall and an orange day-glow concrete traffic barrier. Three orange day-glow stripes e...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

The Guggenheim Museum Reaches Out
The Guggenheim Museum Reaches Out

The Guggenheim Museum Reaches Out

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

Museum in a car - The artsiest of art museums is artfully depicted in street photographer Mitchell Funk's imaginative photograph. A passing red car with similar curvilinear forms has the museum's facade reflected in its roof window...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Street Walkers  -  New York Street Photography Abstraction
Street Walkers  -  New York Street Photography Abstraction

Street Walkers - New York Street Photography Abstraction

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

The history of street photography has been characterized by a loose snapshot style where the central purpose was to capture random moments as they unfold in time. Little emphasis was...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

New York City Abstraction - Street Photography: Literally
New York City Abstraction - Street Photography: Literally

New York City Abstraction - Street Photography: Literally

By Mitchell Funk

Located in Miami, FL

Street Photography: Literally. From an elevated vantage point, Street Photographer Mitchell Funk shoots down on a busy midtown Manhattan street and composes the image so that it's as...

Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Abstract photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract photography available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, red, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Mitchell Funk, Paul Snell, Michael Banks, and Seb Janiak. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Pigment Print and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract photography, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available. Prices for photography made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $36,000, while the average work sells for $3,359.