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 City
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and dated on lower right, numbered on verso, 4/15 Printed later, other size available, unframed, printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper Photo-Abstract impressio...
Photographic Paper, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
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
$3,200
"Empire in Blue, Lights of New York" Giclee, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Empire in Blue / from the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Certificated Dimension: 36 x 24" External Dimension( with white border...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$3,200
"On the Edge of Nothingness" n51 Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
On the edge of nothingness / n°51 / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2024 Dimension: 24 x 36" External Dimension( with white border) : Height: 25.6 in.( 65.02 cm) Wi...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, 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
Flatiron Building Multiple Exposure
Located in Miami, FL
Signed dated lnumbered ower right, recto. Edition 3 of 15. Unframed. Other size available, printed later This work is decades ahead of it's time. An in camera multiple exposure...
Photographic Paper
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
Del Webb's Mint Inkjet Print: Abstract Geometric, Las Vegas, 1990s
Located in Miami, FL
Mitchell Funk is a pioneer of " Color Photography" In 1970 he participated in one the first " Color Photography" shows at a major museum. Brooklyn Museum, show "Images en Couleur" . ...
Inkjet
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
New York City at Sunset from New Jersey - Manhattan Skyline with Blue Sky
Located in Miami, FL
Signed, dated, numbered 3/15 lr recto, unframed, other size available, printed later, Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper
Photographic Paper
Rock Pool, Australia
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Rock Pool, Australia, 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label 21 x 21 inches Edition of 4 Unframed Print only. Ask us for framing option...
Archival Pigment
$8,000
Seastar, Lockheed T-33 Silverstar, Chino, USA, 2015 - Aero series (Air)
Located in New York City, NY
Manolo Chretien, France Seastar, Lockheed T-33 Silverstar, Chino, USA, 2015 27 x 43 in Edition of 9 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 35 x 57 in Edition of...
Dye Transfer
Fishermen, Amarapura, Burma, 2011
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Fishermen, Amarapura, Burma, 2011 44 x 44 inches - Edition of 10 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 50 x...
Archival Pigment
Mesh, South China Sea, Traverse, 2011
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Mesh, South China Sea, Traverse, 2011 44 x 44 inches - Edition of 10 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for frami...
Archival Pigment
Channel Entrance, China, Traverse, 2012
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Channel Entrance, China, Traverse, 2012 44 x 44 inches - Edition of 10 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available i...
Archival Pigment
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
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
" Ice Storm, Fernbank Forest, January 7, 2017" - Landscape Photography
By Peter Essick
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Ice Storm, Fernbank Forest, January 7, 2017" is a landscape in the forest with snow featuring hues of blue, orange, and white. Peter Essick is a photographer, author, speaker, inst...
Archival Pigment
"Out of Siege #1579" - Figurative Black and White Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Out of Siege #1579" is a black and white photograph and is edition 1/12 + 3 AP. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer from Shanghai, China. Formally trained as an oil painter, Peng...
Archival Pigment
"Seen and Unseen #3979" - Contemporary Still Life Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Seen and Unseen #3979" features hues of bright blue and yellow. This photograph is edition 2/7 +2 AP. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer from Shanghai, China. Formally trained a...
Archival Pigment
"Out of Siege #1583" - Figurative Black and White Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Out of Siege #1583" is a black and white photograph and is edition 1/12 + 3 AP. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer from Shanghai, China. Formally trained as an oil painter, Peng...
Archival Pigment
"Kodak Sign, Atlanta, Georgia X 36" - Composite Image Photography - Cubism
By Peter Essick
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Kodak Sign, Atlanta, Georgia X 36" is a composite photograph with hues of red and orange. Peter Essick is a photographer, author, speaker, instructor, and...
Archival Pigment
$700
"Construction Site, Atlanta, Georgia X 36" - Composite Image Photography Cubism
By Peter Essick
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Construction Site, Atlanta, Georgia X 36" is an abstract photograph with several hues of grey. Peter Essick is a photographer, author, speaker, instructor, and drone pilot who spec...
Archival Pigment
"Forest, Kaaterskill, New York X 36" - Composite Image Photography - Cubism
By Peter Essick
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Forest, Kaaterskill, New York X 36" is an abstract photograph with hues of green and brown. Peter Essick is a photographer, author, speaker, instructor, and drone pilot who special...
Archival Pigment
Study for Kylie Jenner Shopping at Sephora in Calabasas, 1/18/15
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Study for Kylie Jenner Shopping at Sephora in Calabasas, 1/18/15" features hues of teal, yellow, purple, and orange. This photograph is an archival inkj...
Archival Pigment
Study for Emma Roberts at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood, 6/11/15
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Study for Emma Roberts at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood, 6/11/15" features hues of teal, yellow, purple, and orange. This photograph is an archival ink...
Archival Pigment
$950
Study for Gwen Stefani Leaving Paquito Mas Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, 4/17/15
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Study for Gwen Stefani Leaving Paquito Mas Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, 4/17/15" features hues of teal, yellow, purple, and orange. This photograph is an...
Archival Pigment
$950
"Study for Amanda Seyfried Departs at LAX Airport, 1/21/13" Abstract Photograph
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Study for Amanda Seyfried Departs at LAX Airport, 1/21/13" features hues of green, pink, purple and yellow. This photograph is an archival inkjet print with sintra mount and polis...
Archival Pigment
"Out of Siege #1390" - Figurative Black and White Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Out of Siege #1390" is a black and white photograph and is edition 1/12 + 3 AP. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer from Shanghai, China. Formally trained as an oil painter, Peng...
Archival Pigment
"Out of Siege #1729" - Figurative Black and White Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Out of Siege #1729" is a black and white photograph and is edition 1/12 + 3 AP. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer from Shanghai, China. Formally trained as an oil painter, Peng...
Archival Pigment
$2,000
"Amanda Seyfried Walking Her Dog in New York, 6/8/2015" Abstract Photograph
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Amanda Seyfried Walking Her Dog in New York, 6/8/2015" features hues of purple, green, yellow and black. Spencer Sloan is inspired by the work of Hieronymus Bosch, Richard Diebenko...
Archival Pigment
$1,800
"Angelina Jolie Heads to a Meeting in Beverly Hills, 3/14/19" Abstract Photo
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Angelina Jolie Heads to a Meeting in Beverly Hills, 3/14/19" features hues of purple, green, yellow and blue. Spencer Sloan is inspired by the work of Hieronymus Bosch, Richard Die...
Archival Pigment
"Seen and Unseen #3798" - Contemporary Still Life Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Seen and Unseen #3798" features a bright bubble-gum pink hue. This photograph is edition 3/7 +2 AP. Zhou Peng is inspired by the work of CAI Guo-qiang, Zao Wou-Ki. Zhou Peng is a f...
Archival Pigment
"Out of Siege #1669" - Figurative Black and White Photography - Zao Wou-Ki
By Zhou Peng
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Out of Siege #1669" is a black and white photograph and is edition 1/12 + 3 AP. Zhou Peng is inspired by the work of CAI Guo-qiang, Zao Wou-Ki. Zhou Peng is a fine art photographer...
Archival Pigment
Selfie in Times Square
Located in Miami, FL
Selfie in Times Square Signature: Signed , Dated lower right and numbered verso 2 /15, Unframed, Other sizes available
Photographic Paper
$2,200
"Hilary Duff Shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond in NYC, 9/23/14" - Colorful Abstract
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Hilary Duff Shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond in NYC, 9/23/14" features hues of purple, pink, green and blue. Spencer Sloan is inspired by the work of Hieron...
Archival Pigment
$2,400
"Emma Roberts Out in LA, 11/14/16" Colorful Abstract Photograph - Celebrity
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Emma Roberts Out in LA, 11/14/16" features hues of pink, purple, green and magenta. Spencer Sloan is inspired by the work of Hieronymus Bosch, Richard D...
Archival Pigment
$2,400
Mena Suvari Hiking in Runyon Canyon in LA, 7/5/15 - Colorful Abstract Photograph
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Mena Suvari Hiking in Runyon Canyon in LA, 7/5/15" features hues of pink, purple, yellow and teal. This photograph is an archival inkjet print with sintra mount and polished acryli...
Archival Pigment
VELD 22, Noordoostpolder, Flevoland, The-Netherlands
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny VELD 22, Noordoostpolder, Flevoland, The-Netherlands, 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 50 x 50 in...
Archival Pigment
Broome 2, Western Australia
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Broome 2, Western Australia, 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 50...
Archival Pigment
Estuary, Shark Bay, Western Australia
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Estuary, Shark Bay, Western Australia Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available i...
Archival Pigment
Breaking Surf, Hookipa, Hawaii
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Breaking Surf, Hookipa, Hawaii, 2011 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 50 x 50 inches Edition of 3
Archival Pigment
Abstract Landscape #23
Located in New York City, NY
Daniel Mansur Abstract Landscape #23 Canvas Fine Art - Framed Archival Pigment Print
Canvas, Archival Pigment
Shanghai Night II, China
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Shanghai Night II, China, 2011 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 59 x 59 inches
Archival Pigment
Shanghai Skyline (Dawn), China
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Shanghai Skyline (Dawn), China, 2011 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 59 x 59 inches
Archival Pigment
Rock Pool, Australia
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Rock Pool, Australia, 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 59 x 59 inches
Archival Pigment
Cosmica #45, 4 Elements, Water
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #45, 4 Elements, Earth, 2016 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum, Framed 40 x 40 inches Edition of 7
Metal
Cosmica #30, 4 Elements, Earth
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #30, 4 Elements, Earth, 2016 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum, Framed 40 x 40 inches Edition of 7
Metal
Cosmica #40, 4 Elements, Water
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #40, 4 Elements, Earth, 2016 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum, Framed 40 x 40 inches Edition of 7
Metal
Cosmica #17, 4 Elements, Water
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #17, 4 Elements, Earth, 2014 Mounted on Plexiglas (matt or glossy) Floating on the wall 30 x 30 inches Edition of 10
Metal
Cosmica #4, 4 Elements, Water
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #4, 4 Elements, Earth, 2012 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum, Framed 40 x 40 inches Edition of 7
Metal
Cosmica #36, 4 Elements, Water
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #36, 4 Elements, Earth, 2016 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum, Framed 40 x 40 inches Edition of 7
Metal
Cosmica #8, 4 Elements, Earth
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #8, 4 Elements, Earth, 2014 Archival Pigment Print Mounted and Framed 40 x 40 inches Edition of 13
Metal
Cosmica #6 4 Elements Water
Located in New York City, NY
Orlando Azevedo Cosmica #6, 4 Elements, Water, 2013 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum, Framed 40 x 40 inches Edition of 7
Metal
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
"Istanbul" The Frequency, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Edition
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Istanbul” The Frequency, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Edition Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2016 Dimension: 16 x 24” External Dimension( with white border) : ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Cieux, Sky 1
Located in New York City, NY
27.5 x 27.5 in 70 x 70 cm Edition of 9 USD 6.000 40 x 40 in 100 x 100 cm Edition of 9 USD 8.000 51 x 51 in 130 x 130 cm Edition of 9 EUR 11.500 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 77...
Dye Transfer
Exocet, North American B25 Mitchell, Oshkosh, USA
Located in New York City, NY
27 x 44 in Edition of 9 EUR 3.200 35 x 57 in Edition of 9 EUR 5.200 48 x 71 in Edition of 9 EUR 6.800 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 77 in Edition of 9 EUR 8.800 Dye Sublimation...
Dye Transfer
Anemorphose Cabo Verde #9
Located in New York City, NY
27 x 44 in Edition of 9 EUR 3.500 35 x 57 in Edition of 9 EUR 5.500 48 x 71 in Edition of 9 EUR 7.100 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 77 in Edition of 9 EUR 9.100 Dye Sublimation...
Dye Transfer