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.
Yellow Flowers and Pink Flowers in Central Park
Located in Miami, FL
Nature transforms into abstract colors and shapes as it's sculptured by a defining late light. Fine Art photographer Mitchell Funk exagerates color and uses color less as a means of ...
Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Silhouette Of People Walking On New York City Street
Located in Miami, FL
Elevated view of people and silver light on New York City street. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/15, lower righ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
$5,500
Manhattanhenge, Big Sun Sunset Manhattan Street Golden Light Silhouetted People
Located in Miami, FL
Signed, dated lower and numbered 2/15 lower right recto, unframed, other sizes available. Manhattanhenge. Unique moment where the sun aligns with the east to west grid structure of t...
Inkjet
Las Vegas Motel with Mid-Century Street Sign and Palm Tree
Located in Miami, FL
Gaudy commercial street signs for cigarettes visually align with a mid-century Motel sign to form a formal composition of vertical and horizontals. Pioneering color photographer, Mi...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Blurred Colorful New York Skyline
Located in Miami, FL
Signed, Dated and Numbered lower right, 4/15, printed later, Unframed, other sizes available. Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper Mitchell Funk is a "Color Photographer Pioneer". ...
Inkjet
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Mid- Century Star View Motel Fremont Street Las Vegas, Landscape Photography
Located in Miami, FL
Man painting vintage motel sign in Las Vegas, Nevada. Signed, dated and numbered 2/15 lower right recto. Other sizes are available. The work is unframed...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
$4,800
Neon Bar and Grill Sign Tenderloin at Night Street Photographer Mitchell Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Vestiges of a bygone era, a funky old original neon sign acts as a glowing beacon to the thirsty. Inkjet archival print. Signed and dated on lowe...
Photographic Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Star View Motel Fremont Street Las Vegas
Located in Miami, FL
Man painting vintage motel sign in Las Vegas, Nevada. Signed, dated and numbered 2/15 lower right recto. Other sizes are available. The work is unframed...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
Street Repair becomes Street Art
Located in Miami, FL
A worker using industrial paint to repair street asphalt inadvertently creates street art. It wasn't his intention to make an artistic statement. His was a purposeful utilitarian e...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Las Vegas Neon Signs Fremont Street, Abstract Photography
Located in Miami, FL
An abstract view of the classic Las Vegas Neon signs on Fremont Street at sunset. Bold reds, pinks, and blues work with the dramatic Nevada sunset. Th...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Louse Point View, East Hampton
Located in Miami, FL
Louse Point View, East Hampton , A harmonious blend of primary colors in the foreground with a muted landscape characterizes this work. signed and dated on lower right, numbered o...
Photographic Paper
Engine, Frankfurt Airport April 19 2001
By Vera Lutter
Located in London, GB
Merce Cunningham Dance Company 50th Anniversary Photography Portfolio Edition of 40 91.5 x 76.5 cms (36 x 30 1/8 ins)
Silver Gelatin
Golden Light In Windows On Old Brooklyn Building. New York City
Located in Miami, FL
Silhouette of man in blue window. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/15, lower right recto. Other sizes are availab...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
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
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
Hedge Fun - South Beach - Miami Beach
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
The true color is most accurate in the 1st image when you expand it to the larger size. Hedge Fun is a series that celebrates the landscaping commissioned b...
Inkjet
Old Freemont Street Neon, Las Vegas
Located in Miami, FL
This is the quintessential image of a bygone era. Old Las Vegas is captured with glowing neon signs set against a dramatic desert sunset. Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on...
Photographic Paper
Psychedelic Hippie Guitar Player Groovy Washington Square Park
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be around $100. In-Camera Multiple Exposure with colored filters and emulsion match burn on 35mm slide Signed, dated, numbered lower right, recto. Edition 4 of 15, ...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet
Old Freemont Street Neon, Las Vegas
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be around $1000. This is the quintessential image of a bygone era. Old Las Vegas is captured with glowing neon signs set against a dramatic desert sunset. Signed and ...
Photographic Paper
Brooklyn Bridge Multiple Exposure
Located in Miami, FL
This in-camera multiple exposure with colored gels is generations ahead of its time. It was taken 53 years ago and looks very contemporary today. Mit...
Inkjet
Turquoise and Yellow Victorian Houses in Mission District San Francisco
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be $100. Turquoise and Yellow Victorian Houses in Mission District San Francisco. Signed, Dated, number Lower left 4/15 recto, unfra...
Inkjet
Manhattan Baseball field with Running Dog - Green Lawn
Located in Miami, FL
A baseball field becomes a color field like painting with wide horizontal bands of day-glo green, earthy ocher and cool grey. Signed and dated on lower...
Archival Pigment, Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Photographic Paper, Inkjet
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 pattern...
Photographic Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Wheelbarrows
Located in Miami, FL
Utilitarian objects whose primary purpose is to transport dirt are transformed into beautiful objects of visual pleasure. Signed , dated numbered on lower right, 2/15, other size ...
Photographic Paper
Panda Pandemonium Coney Island Teddy Bear
Located in Miami, FL
Cute and cuddly Panda Bears lined are lined unexpectedly as their signature graphic black and white shapes interact with the surrounding colored walls. Inkjet Archival Print 43 × 29...
Inkjet
Crown of Chrysler Building with Sunburst, Manhattan
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be around $100 - Mitchell Funk is a "Color Photographer Pioneer". He was color when color wasn't considered art. Signed, dated, numbered lower right, recto 3/15, un...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet
Construction Worker on Roof
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, unframed. Other sizes available, other sizes available
Terracotta (I11) 6,
Located in Miami, FL
Gelatin silver print, pencil signed, dated, and titled verso, Provenance: The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago, IL) Printed in 1961. Work is archivally matted by the The Art Insti...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Funky Red Chicken and Girl with Dreamy Blue Dress
Located in Miami, FL
A young girl in a dreamy blue dress takes her red chicken out for a walk. Signed, dated, numbered lower right, recto 4/15, unframed, other sizes available, printed later Printed on H...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet
42nd St. Diamond Stud
Located in Miami, FL
Adult movie marquees of old 42nd street in 1970. Double header, ABC's of Marriage and Diamond Stud Signature: Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso Edition 2 of 15. Unf...
Photographic Film, Inkjet
$15,000
"Echoes No.03" Abstract Photography 40" x 40" in Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes No.03" 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. This artwork printed on a h...
Metal
Brooklyn Bridge and Building
Located in Miami, FL
Signed, dated, numbered 4/15 recto, unframed, printed later, other sized available, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper
Photographic Paper
Manhattan Bridge and Yellow Sign
Located in Miami, FL
Manhattan Bridge and Yellow Sign is a trailblazing work done decade ahead of it's time. The work depicts a common New York scene but rendered in deep saturated blues and eye poppin...
Photographic Paper
$12,500
Sea Pen
By Chris Leidy
Located in Fairfield, CT
Palm Beach native and grandson of iconic fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer, Chris Leidy grew up with a deep admiration for the ocean and aquatic life and has made his mark as a world-r...
C Print
New York Street Abstract
Located in Miami, FL
New York Street Abstract . This is actually a straight shot. Taken from a high angle looking down, the photographer uses reflective neon street light...
Photographic Paper
World Trade Center Cerulean blue
Located in Miami, FL
The work is signed and dated and numbered on the lower right, Edition: 4/15 Unframed, Other sizes available.
Photographic Paper
Twin Towers, World Trade Center with Green Filter
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be around $100. The image is signed dated lower right signed dated and numbered verso 4 /15, Unframed, Other sizes available, Printed Later
Photographic Paper
American Flag in the Rain
Located in Miami, FL
American Flag in the Rain 2014 Ink jet archival print 40 x 60 Signed, dated numbered lower right, 2/15. Unframed Other sizes available
Photographic Paper
Flatiron Building with New Sun
Located in Miami, FL
The work is signed and dated and numbered on the lower right, Edition: 3/15 Unframed, Other sizes available.
Photographic Paper
Cosmica #81, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print ...
Metal
Cosmica #74, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print ...
Metal
Cosmica #192, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print ...
Metal
Cosmica #94, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print ...
Metal
Cosmica #69, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print ...
Metal
Cosmica #68, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print Unframed
Metal
Cosmica #71, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print Unframed
Metal
Cosmica #70, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print Unframed
Metal
Cosmica #73, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print Unframed
Metal
Cosmica #72, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print Unframed
Metal
Cosmica #115, 4 Elements
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #115, 4 Elements, Archival Pigment Print Unframed Ask us for framing options. 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13 Archival Pigment Print Unframed
Metal
Cable Car Silhouette at Sunset San Francisco
Located in Miami, FL
Dreamy color scheme and reflections of light on the cable car tracks evokes an ethereal mood to this well know Nob Hill location. Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso...
Photographic Paper
Flatiron Building New York City
Located in Miami, FL
Signature: Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, 315, Unframed, printed later other size available, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper Mitchell Funk brings the compo...
Inkjet
Colorful Eiffel Tower
Located in Miami, FL
a colorfully lit circus carousel in the foreground gives counterpoint to Frances iconic 19 wrought iron lattice tower
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
$15,000
"Echoes No.14" Photography 40" x 40" inch Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes No.14" Photography 40" x 40" inch Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor Original fine art photography by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist. Comes with COA issues by...
Metal
Yellow Dog
Located in Miami, FL
Signature: signed dated lower right signed dated and numbered verso 2 /15 Powerful and unexpected graphic shows that street photography does not have to be gritty or about social is...
Photographic Paper
Between Rain
Located in Fairfield, CT
Also available 50 x 70 in. $9,500, edition of 10. Christine Matthäi was born in Germany. She lives and works between Shelter Island, New York, Germany and the Bahamas. Her LIGHT a...
C Print
Sledding in Central Park
Located in Miami, FL
A festive crowd exploits a rare snow fall in New York. Colorful people fill the picture in an "All-over" composition as if it were an energenic Jackson Pollock drip and splash pai...
Photographic Paper
Painted Wooden Wall Abstract Street Photography
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, 3/15 other size available, unframed, printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper
Photographic Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
42nd St. Diamond Stud
Located in Miami, FL
Adult movie marquees of old 42nd street in 1970. Double header, ABC's of Marriage and Diamond Stud Signature: Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso Edition 2 of 15. U...
Photographic Film, Inkjet