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.
"Abstract Composition X" in Brown and Tan Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition X" 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. Inspir...
Plexiglass, Photographic Paper
$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
"Abstract Composition VII" in Green Cream Black Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition VII" 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
"Abstract Composition VIII" in White Cream Black Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition VIII" 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. Ins...
Plexiglass, Photographic Paper
"Abstract Composition VI" in Cream Grey Black Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition VI" 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
$3,500
"Abstract Composition V" in Orange Turquoise Blue Yellow Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition V" 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
"Abstract Composition IV" in Black Turquoise Blue Yellow 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
$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
$3,500
"Abstract Composition I" in Red Orange Yellow and Black Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition I" 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
$1,000
Orizzontale, Abstract Digital Pigment Print, Signed, 2010+, 20x15 in
Located in New York, NY
Paper size is 30 x 25 inches, image size is 20 x 15 inches Signed, dated and numbered Pigment print on Kodak Metallic paper, there is a 5 inch border around the image which enhances...
Digital Pigment
Abstract City - Ephemeral Golden Building New York Architecture
Located in Miami, FL
Abstract City - Ephemeral Golden Building New York Architecture Can a street photograph be a grab shot and precisely designed at the same time? Mitchell Funk says yes. He brings fine...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$15,000
"Echoes 5" Abstract Photography 40" x 40" inch Edition 3/20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes 5" Abstract Photography 40" x 40" inch Edition 3/20 by Giuliano Bekor Original fine art photography by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issue...
Metal
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
"JM Basquiat-GB10" Photography 48" x 48" inch Ed. 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"JM Basquiat-GB10" Photography 48" x 48" inch Ed. 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Basquiat series - JMB-GB10 Year: 2020 Medium: Printed on high-quality museum-grade archival photo pape...
Archival Pigment
Snowy Night, Rainy Night in Manhattan with Orange Sky
Located in Miami, FL
A solitary hooded figure crosses a desolate Manhattan street as light snow and rain come down. For 54 years, Mitchell Funk has been chronicling the effects of light on form; here, h...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Vintage Car Against Colorful Striped Yellow Wall - Primary Colors
Located in Miami, FL
To a color photographer, color is a creative resource unto itself. In a blandscape of dull grays and browns, the hyper-bright yellow wall with prim...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
HegdeFun - The Five Trees - Street Art made by the Rich
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Robert Funk’s photographs of elaborate landscaping redefine what Street Art is. Street Art created by the Rich with the help of Landscapers and Gardeners. This type of street art m...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Emily Ratajkowski & Sebastian Bear-McClard - walking Colombo in NYC 3/7/21
Located in Atlanta, GA
This work features hues of blue, green, purple and yellow. This photograph is an archival inkjet print, mounted to Sintra and face mounted to polished acrylic, edition 1 of 1. Frame...
Archival Pigment
$2,900
Anya Taylor-Joy - Out in Los Angeles - 2/26/21 - abstract photography, celebrity
Located in Atlanta, GA
This piece features hues of red, pink and and blue. This photograph is an archival inkjet print, mounted to Sintra and face mounted to polished acrylic, edition 1 of 1. Framed in a ...
Archival Pigment
$8,800
Ben Affleck - Spotted for this first time since split with Ana de Armas 1/19/21
Located in Atlanta, GA
This largescale work features hues of blue, green, purple and yellow. This photograph is an archival inkjet print, mounted to Sintra and face mounted to polished acrylic, edition 1 ...
Archival Pigment
Kate Beckinsale departing Demi Lovato’s birthday party, West Hollywood, CA
Located in Atlanta, GA
This work features hues of blue, orange, purple and yellow. This photograph is an archival inkjet print, mounted to Sintra and face mounted to polished acrylic, edition 1 of 1. Fram...
Archival Pigment
Amanda Seyfried at a Fedex in Kinko's in West Hollywood 1/2/20 - abstract
Located in Atlanta, GA
This work features hues of pink, purple, green and yellow. This photograph is an archival inkjet print, mounted to Sintra and face mounted to polished acrylic, edition 1 of 1. Frame...
Archival Pigment
$3,400
Abby Champion & Patrick Schwarzenegger - Out for lunch at Kreation, 10/29/20 III
Located in Atlanta, GA
This work features hues of pink, purple, green and yellow. This photograph is an archival inkjet print, mounted to Sintra and face mounted to polished acrylic, edition 1 of 1. Frame...
Archival Pigment
New York City Abstraction - Street Photography: Literally
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...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
He Keeps Playing With My Heart + Until The Heart Breaks - Diptych/Framed/Fabric
By Oz Van Rosen
Located in New York, NY
Archival Print on Fabric. Abstract. Glitch Art. Vibrant Colors. Red and black hues. Beautifully framed with one inch deep gold frame. Individually ...
Fabric, Archival Pigment
Urban Sunbather Inkjet Print, Abstract Geometric, Signed, 2/15, 2010+
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...
Inkjet, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
$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
$4,500
Brooklyn Bridge, Lights of New York, Abstract Photography, Giclee Print, Limited
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Brooklyn Bridge" Abstract, Expressionist, Photography, Giclee Print, Ltd.Ed. Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2025 Dimension: 28 x 42" External Dimension( with white border) He...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Neon Bar Sign Glow on Moody Manhattan Nocturne
Located in Miami, FL
Manhattan Nocturne by Mitchell Funk. The colors are the music of the night. The image is a stunning example of the artist’s blending of the abstract and representational. Signed, ...
Archival Pigment
Color Therapy - Glitch Art/Framed
By Oz Van Rosen
Located in New York, NY
Archival Print on Acrylic. Abstract. Glitch Art. Vibrant Colors. Deep, vibrant hues framed with white wooden two inch border. About the Artist: Oz u...
Archival Pigment
The Painted Ladies, San Francisco’s Victorians Seven Sisters, Architecture
Located in Miami, FL
Bright and bold colors define one of San Francisco's most beloved architectural gems. The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square are transformed into a color field painting. Mithcell Funk's...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Fashion Red Hat in Paris
Located in Miami, FL
Fashion Hat in Paris. Style above it all. A graphic statement in red, black and green Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, Edition 2 of 15, Printed later. Unframe...
Photographic Paper
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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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
White Roses, Red Roses, Butterflies, Flowers
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be around $100 - Signed, dated, numbered 4/15, lower right, unframed, other sizes available 'Mitchell Funk brings the compositional precision of studio photography ...
Photographic Paper
Nautical Fields
By Alyssa Peek
Located in New York, NY
Photography and Digital Art by renowned artist. 40x60.
Archival Pigment
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
"Red for Love 11" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko
Located in Culver City, CA
"Red for Love 11" Photography 18" x 28" inch Edition of 24 by Tetiana Kalivoshko "The Red One - That Is Love" "The Red One - That Is Love" is a thought-provoking art series by Tetia...
Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
Times Square Theater Posters Morosco Theatre. FORTY CARATS
Located in Miami, FL
Street Photographer Mitchell Funk breaks with tradition and shoots street photography in color. Today in 2022 this does not seem like a big deal. But 53 years ago in 1969 it was quit...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Neon Old Fremont Street, Las Vegas - Dramatic Sky
Located in Miami, FL
Old Las Vegas is captured with glowing neon signs set against a dramatic desert sunset.. Signed, dated numbered on the lower right, 2/15 , Printed later, another size available, unf...
Photographic Paper
House Zoom East Hampton
Located in Miami, FL
House Zoom East Hampton. A grey night comes alive with color as Mitchell Funk exploits a available street lighting with a long exposure and zoom Signature: Signed and dated on low...
Photographic Paper
Abstract Reflections in Madison Avenue Store Window, New York City
Located in Miami, FL
Mannequin in store window on Madison Avenue in New York City. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/15, lower right r...
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
Brooklyn Bridge Multiple Exposure in Magenta and Blue, City Abstract
Located in Miami, FL
In the early 1970s, color photography was not really considered to be art by any standard. Mitchell Funk is one of the early trailblazers of color photography as fine art. In this 19...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Synchronous Pedestrians - Three Figures Crosswalk
Located in Miami, FL
Three synchronous figures cross a Manhattan street just after a snow fall. The normally black pavement is turned light grey due to the salting of the street. Mitchell Funk is a "Colo...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet
Times Square in Pieces
Located in Miami, FL
Billboard fragments of breasts, cropped heads of people, helter-skelter pedestrians, heroic bronze statues and tourist bus riders form a neo-cubist composition where disparate elemen...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Psychedelic Portrait of a Young Hippie with Manipulated Color, Kali
Located in Miami, FL
As a progenitor of special effects photography and experimental photography in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mitchell Funk employed a variety of non-digital techniques to achieve ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Indian Wigwam Motel In Holbrook, Arizona
Located in Miami, FL
Old cars parked in front of vintage Wigwam Motel off U.S. Route 66 in Holbrook, Arizona. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitche...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Red Brick Building Facade Street Scene in New York City by Mitchell Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Late light skims off the brick facade of a historic red brick building in Manhattan. Street Photographer Mitchell Funk creates an image that is both a realistic document of an urban...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
"Butterfly 25" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/24 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Butterfly 25" Photography 24" x 24" in Edition 1/24 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Butterfly B12 Year: 2018 Print size: 24" x 24" Inch Edition: 1/24 Artist proof: 2 Medium: Archival f...
Archival Pigment
Brooklyn Row Houses with Candy Store and 19th-century buildings
Located in Miami, FL
Typical Brooklyn street with 19th-century buildings captured with late afternoon light. It is noteworthy how beautiful this scene looks without the influence of contemporary iconogra...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
"Lily 2" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian
Located in Culver City, CA
"Lily 2" Photography 24" x 24" inch Edition 1/15 by Olha Stepanian Printed on Epson Professional Paper Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Not fra...
Photographic Paper
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 Art New York City in Pink and Green
Located in Miami, FL
Street Art is today's dominant contemporary aesthetic. It abounds every day and in on potentially everything. Colorful chairs and tables are complemented by colorful wall murals in ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Blue Car and Private Jet
Located in Miami, FL
Blue Car and Private Jet, Bold swatch of color that occupies large areas of the picture plane is a hallmark and Mitchell Funk's graphic style and a look th...
Photographic Paper
Cosmica #9, 4 Elements, Earth
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #9, 4 Elements, Earth, 2014 Archival Pigment Print Mounted and Framed 30 x 30 inches Edition of 10
Metal