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.
Manhattan White Dog among Autumn Leaves , Minimalism
Located in Miami, FL
Color Photographer Mitchell Funk depicts New York City somewhere between the ideal and the real. In an Upper East Side park, he shoots a lone white dog standing at the intersection ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
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 #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 #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 #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 #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
$4,500
Strangers not Friends - People Passing On Powell Street, Nob Hill San Francisco
Located in Miami, FL
An uncanny caught moment where two people with the same build and with the same pose appear as if they are going to greet one another as friends. On closer inspection, their body l...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
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
Chrysler Building Art Deco Skyscraper
Located in Miami, FL
Architecture becomes an abstract design statement as seen through the lens of Mithcell Funk Striking graphic design with found elements is a signature style of Mitchell Funk. He brin...
Photographic Paper, Archival Paper
The Road To Monument Valley - Surreal Road in Desert
Located in Miami, FL
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Four Corners at dawn. Signed dated and numbered 2/15 lower right recto, other sizes available, unframed, printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fi...
Inkjet
Hasidic Jewish Family Williamsburg Brooklyn In Golden Light, New York City
Located in Miami, FL
Silhouette of a Hasidic Jewish Family walking in front of the Williamsburg Bridge bathed in Godly light. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is sig...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
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
$1,700Sale Price|26% Off
Terracotta 10 Silver Gelatin Print The Art Institute of Chicago
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated verso 1961 Matted with archival board. Not framed The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of Richard L. Menschel
Silver Gelatin
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
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
$4,800
Hedge Fun - Star Island, Miami Beach - Slim Arrons forgot to shoot the Shrubs
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Robert Funk’s photographs of elaborate landscaping redefine what Street Art is. Star Island is home to billionaires, socialites, jet-setters, and the celebrities of the world. Hedge Fun - Star Island, Miami Beach - Captures what Slim Arrons...
Archival Ink, Inkjet
Reflections In Central Park Pond Of Skyscrapers
Located in Miami, FL
Autumn reflections in Central Park pond with duck. Shipping should be around $100. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered...
Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Vintage Car On Country Road In Vermont
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliant illuminated curvy mountain road in Vermont. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/15, lower right recto. Oth...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
"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
Vintage Motels Signs Las Vegas Strip
Located in Miami, FL
Signed, dated, numbered on lower right, 2/15 Printed later, other size available, unframed, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper
Photographic Paper
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 the lower right, numbered on verso, Edition 3 of 15, Printed later. Unf...
Photographic Paper
"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
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
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
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
"Abstract Composition XII" in Pink Red Green Black Modern Art Spots
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Abstract Composition XII" 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 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 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 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 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
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
Elevated View Of Upper West Side Cityscape, New York City
Located in Miami, FL
Rows of houses on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/15, lower right recto. Othe...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
Chrysler Building And Empire State Building, Pink Skyline
Located in Miami, FL
New York City skyline from Roosevelt Island in pink and mauve colors. Signed dated and numbered 2/15 lower right recto, other sizes available, unfram...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Pigment
$7,500
Signs and Shapes Primary Colors , Modern Photography Cover by Mitchell Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Modern Photography Cover , August 1978 ( Editors flipped the image. The correct way is yellow arrows on bottom Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso Edition 3 of 15, Unf...
Photographic Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
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
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
Man Tree Duet
Located in Miami, FL
It's a dance performed by man and nature. Both gesture in unison as a pair. Defined by their dark expressive outlines, these shadows are revealing the true nature of the objects t...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
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
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
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
$13,500
"Echoes No.07" Abstract Photograph 40" x 40" in Ltd. Ed. of 20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Echoes No.07" Abstract Photograph 40" x 40" in Ltd. Ed. of 20 by Giuliano Bekor Original fine art photography by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA iss...
Metal
High Angle View Of The Colony Hotel On Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
Located in Miami, FL
Closeup view of neon top of Colony Hotel at night on South Beach, Miami Beach. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is s...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
Abstract View Of Crowds On Fifth Avenue, New York City
Located in Miami, FL
Crowds of people in blurred motions on Fifth Avenue in New York City. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated, and numbered 2/15, lower...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
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
$15,000
"Emulsion 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Emulsion 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition of 20 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Emulsion EM13 Year: 2018 Print size: 40" x 40" Inch Artwork finished size: 42" x 42" Inch Ed...
Laminate, Digital
Hedge Fun - Collins Avenue Miami Beach - Blue
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Street Art by the Rich. Robert Funk’s photographs of elaborate landscaping redefine what Street Art is. Large blue boxwood balls stand next to a long teal blue boxwood hedge Beautiful landscaping greets visitors as they approach sophisticated residences along Miami's fabled Collins Avenue. Hedge Fun...
Inkjet, Archival Pigment
Running Dog among the Shadows, Neutral Palette
Located in Miami, FL
Shipping should be around $100. The black and white patterning of a running dog blends into an larger overall patten of late afternoon shadows that seem be...
Inkjet
$24,960
"TIME TA25" (FRAMED) Photography 72" x 48" inch Edition 2/4 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"TIME TA25" (FRAMED) Photography 72" x 48" inch Edition 2/4 by Giuliano Bekor Original fine art photography by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist Title: Time TA25 Year: 2018 Print size: 72" x 48" Inches Artwork finished size: 73" x 49" Inches Limited edition 2 of 4 Artist proof: 2 Medium: The artwork is printed on the highest resolution museum-quality polished aluminum with a high-gloss finish. Infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets The waterproof scratch-resistant surface hygienic and durable medium. Comes in a custom gallery-style floater frame in a semi-gloss silver-face finish. Comes with a heavy-duty wooden liner float mount hanger. This artwork comes with two customizable time zone clocks...
Metal
$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
Hard Edge Abstraction - Signs and Shapes, Modern Photography Cover
Located in Miami, FL
Modern Photography Cover , August 1978 Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso Edition 3 of 15, Unframed. Printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper Other size...
Photographic Paper, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
New York City Marathon Runners Blur
Located in Miami, FL
His early color work anticipates developments in color photography by generations. In 1970 he participated in one the first " Color Photography" shows at a major museum. Brooklyn Mus...
Photographic Paper, Inkjet
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
Blue Bus. Red Hat
Located in Miami, FL
Blue Bus. Red Hat. It's a portrait but is more about the interaction of primary colors, shape and precise composition. Signed, dated lower right and numbere...
Photographic Paper