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.
Vestige - Color Photograph, Abstract Expression, Signed Edition of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
A botanical form appears as both presence and disappearance, its outline softened, interrupted and partially absorbed into the surface. The scratches, shifts of tone and uncertain ed...
Giclée
#116, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
Poppy Bird - Color Photograph, Abstract Expression, Signed Edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Poppy Bird explores how quickly we categorise the world through familiar symbols and associations. Naming helps us recognise, but it can also limit what we are able to see. Here, the...
Giclée
$420
Infinity Pool Water Reflections, Blue & White Pattern, Handmade Cyanotype Print
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Infinity Pool" is a sophisticated image that captures the water reflections shimmering over a swimming pool. We're proud ...
Emulsion, Watercolor, Photographic Paper, C Print, Lithograph, Monotype
Contemporary Black and White Abstract Framed Rayography 1/1 by Adrian 2013
Located in Barcelona, ES
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2013. Black and white photography, rayograph. Unique piece 1/1. Comes Handsigned. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with a...
Mixed Media
#253, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$531
Oris - abstract black and white butterfly photography, limited edition 2 of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
From June and Oris collection Printed on archival Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta paper. Signed both front and back with Certificate of Authenticity. Limited edition of 20. Photograph ...
Giclée
#105, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
#21, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
Gaia 59 - Clouds Sky Birds Murmuration Black and White Landscape Photograph
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 59 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 59 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
#200, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#99, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$880
Caribbean Sandy Shore Triptych, Blue Tones Seascape, Sunny Waves Cyanotype Print
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These triptychs are large pieces that feature lush blues, making them an impressive addition to any beautifully designed space. Each triptych is printed by hand and carefully crafted to capture the unique essence of these natural environments, with a focus on the interplay of light and shadows, and the subtle nuances of tone and texture. The beach and ocean scenes depict the dynamic beauty of waves crashing against the shore, with the cyanotype process lending a dreamy, ethereal quality to the images. Similarly, the forest and wood scenes offer a glimpse into the hidden depths of nature, with the cyanotype process lending a sense of mystery and wonder to the images, while the lush blues of cyanotypes imitate the sky and clouds perfectly. These triptychs are perfect for anyone who loves to surround themselves with the beauty of nature, and they make an excellent centerpiece for any beautifully designed space. Details: + Title: Pleasant Waters in Tulum Beach...
Lithograph, Monotype, Paper
Ramunės - abstract analogue black and white floral photography, Ltd. 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Ramunės' London, United Kingdom 2022 Limited edition of 20. Photograph printed on heavyweight fine art paper. Photograph is shipped fast and flat in secure thick cardboard packa...
Film, Photographic Film, Giclée
"I Have Your Back", Abstract Expressionist, Portrait, Red, Blue, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "I Have Your Back" is a 30 x 30 x 2 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas. Abstract double-faced portrait in vivid red, blue, and yellow tones, bold brushst...
Canvas, Oil
Gaia 19, Black and White Diptych Photograph, Limited Edition of 10
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 19 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 19 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
$2,182Sale Price|20% Off
Cypress Hill Panorama, Tuscany, black and white photography, fine art landscape
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Archival pigment ink print, produced in a limited edition of 9 // Gallery ID: 18205 Fine art prints are produced to order on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta. Each print is stamped on the...
Digital Pigment
Cretan dream No.2 - Monochrome Water Abstraction, Limited Edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Cretan dream No.2 is an abstract study of light moving across Aegean water, filaments of brightness threading through soft tonal depths. The piece sits between seascape and drawing: ...
Giclée
Lights in Motion Photograph Chromo Photo Kodak Professional Endura
Located in Surfside, FL
Artist Unknown. From Muse X Editions. An (now defunct) LA based innovative publisher of limited-edition prints, Muse X has launched its first group of prints and is just beginning to...
Photographic Paper, C Print
#117, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$1,226
Phlomis Russeliana - Abstract Photography, Archival Pigment Print, Edition of 25
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Phlomis Russeliana by Giles Revell This is an Archival Pigment Print available in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 25 prints. In Cartographic Colour, Giles Revell r...
Color, Archival Pigment, Photographic Paper, Pigment
Gaia 23, Black-and-White Print Diptych, Limited Edition of 10, 18x24cm
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 23 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 23 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
#242, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size Signed on front More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old...
Pigment
$14,500
"Modernismo M106" Photograph 48"x48" in Limited Edition of 12 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Modernismo M106" Photograph 48"x48" in Limited Edition of 12 by Giuliano Bekor Title of artwork: M106 Year: 2012 Printed on a high-quality museum-grade archival photo paper. Not fr...
Archival Pigment
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink color contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Photographic Paper
Vestige - Color Photograph, Abstract Expression, Signed Edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
A botanical form appears as both presence and disappearance, its outline softened, interrupted and partially absorbed into the surface. The scratches, shifts of tone and uncertain ed...
Giclée
#264 Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Gaia 8, Diptych Monochrome Photograph, Limited Edition of 10
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 8 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 8 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's Pr...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
Gaia 31, Black and White Print of Daisies and Sparrows, Limited Edition
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 31 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 31 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
Gaia 78 - Limited Edition of 10, Black and White Diptych Print
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 78 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 78 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a limited edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper
#46, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
#243, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#260, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Tones, Archival Pigment Print on Canvas, Abstract, 39.3 x 25.5 in.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Eduardo Rezende’s 2024 series Lavori in Corso revisits one of the artist’s most enduring themes: the urban and architectural landscape — this time focused on construction sites, scaf...
Canvas, Archival Pigment
Extra Large Black and White Giclée Print of Tranquil Water Patterns, Seascape
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive limited edition black and white giclée print, on 100% cotton Hahnemühle Photo Rag Fine Art matte paper. This series of black and white photographs captures the ...
Rag Paper
$704Sale Price|20% Off
Summer Waters in Cannes, Abstract Nautical Cyanotype in Blue, Seascape Triptych
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. This beautiful triptych is called "Summer Waters in Cannes" and it shows the water reflection of one of the most iconic ci...
Watercolor, Lithograph, Monotype
Blue Horizons
By Gary Mankus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by artist Gary Mankus exists in an edition of 40. Paper size is 24"h x 48"w with an image size of 18.5"h x 41"w. Gary Mankus was...
Photographic Paper, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
#64, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$4,750
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink dominant contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Photographic Paper
#43, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Gaia 114 - Limited Edition Black and White Print, 18cm x 24cm Diptych Print
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 114 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 114 is a 18cm x 24cm Black and White Photographic print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size is a limited edtion of 10...
Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper
#269, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$5,912
Italia 4- Limited edition pigment print, Gold light, Sculpture, Greek Mythology
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Italia 4 - Large scale photograph by Michael Banks Archival Pigment print on fiber based paper ( Hahnemühle Photo RAG Baryta 315 gsm ) Limited Editio...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Di...
#63, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$709Sale Price|80% Off
Smell Abstract Photography Print, Limited Edition Signed, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Art Print, limited edition of 15, signed by the author, inspiration F.X.Messerschmidt.
Color, Archival Pigment
$1,575
Abstract Color Photography by Geoffrey Baris, Expressionist, Contemporary, Water
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Color Photography by Geoffrey Baris Archival pigment print on museum fine art paper Edition of 7 Includes certificate of authenticity. Signed and numbered by artist. Custom...
Color, Archival Pigment
#126, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
'Lily in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition 3 of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash. The charc...
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
$1,227Sale Price|20% Off
Enroute - Large Mountain Skiing Black & White Art Photography
Located in Zürich, CH
Hailing from the picturesque city of Zaragoza, nestled near the Pyrenees, Carlos Blanchard's journey into the realm of photography was influenced by the rich tapestry of his upbringi...
Black and White
Daydream - black and white landscape photography Limited edition 2 of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Daydream' London, United Kingdom 2022. It is a still life black and white film photograph, made with a large format 4x5 Linhof camera. The photograph is signed front and back an...
Film, Photographic Film, Giclée
$418Sale Price|69% Off
Morning Reflection Photography Fine Art Print Limited Edition
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Fine art print, limited edition of 15, signed by the author.
Color, Digital
$2,842
Bling 11 -Signed limited edition art print, Contemporary abstract, Square format
Located in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona
Bling 11 - Limited edition pigment print . Limited Editions of 5 Signed + numbered by artist, with certificate of authenticity This is an Archival Pigment print on fiber based pape...
Color, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment, Pigment
#49, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$950
Architectural Detail, Signed and Numbered Silver Gelatin Print by Ralph Gibson
By Ralph Gibson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Gibson is a master of dramatic understatement. His high-contrast pictures - usually focusing on one geometric element (the corner of a room) or a single human gesture (the curve of a...
Silver Gelatin
#45, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
Surfer, Perth, Western Australia (Oceans series)
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Surfer, Perth, Western Australia (Oceans series), 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 59 x 59 inches
Archival Pigment
Abstract Landscape #
Located in New York City, NY
Daniel Mansur Abstract Landscape #22 Canvas Fine Art - Framed Archival Pigment Print
Canvas, Archival Pigment
#237, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
#206, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$460Sale Price|25% Off
Sardinia Giclée Print, Abstract Landscape, Limited Edition of 50, 2018
Located in Roma, IT
Sardinia is a photograph taken by Amanda Ludovisi in 2018. It represents a tranquil wave by the shore in Sardinia, which delicate colors. This is a gi...
Acrylic