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.
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
Abstract Ceiling, Cambria Hotel, Detroit
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Uniquely decorated with abstract designs throughout, The Cambria Hotel in Detroit is one of the most tastefully decorated in the country. Formerly WWJ Radio Station, it is now a pop...
Photographic Paper
$5,500
Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Fine Art Color Photography Print
Located in Miami, FL
Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Fine Art Color Photography Print The work is signed, dated, and numbered 4/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes availa...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Naming Rights, Quampium (Long Water, Greenwood Lake)
Located in New York, NY
Cyanotype print on Muslin Fabric, sewn with thread and stretched over a wooden frame. Using the cyanotype process, the artist places the UV treated fabric into bodies of water docu...
Photogram
Shark Bay (Square 10), Australia
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Shark Bay (Square 10), Australia, 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also available in 50 x 50 inches Edition of 3
Archival Pigment
Rosadue Abstract Photography Print, Signed, 2010s, 20x15 Inches
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
Downtown Las Vegas Vintage Neon Sign At Dusk, Signed Print 3/15
Located in Miami, FL
Chief Hotel Court classic Las Vegas vintage neon sign. The work is signed, dated, and numbered 3/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It is unframed and ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Butterfly 29" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Butterfly 29" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Butterfly B29 Year: 2018 Print size: 40" x 40" Inch Framed size: 42" x 42" Inch Edition: 1/8 A...
Plexiglass, Photographic Film, Archival Pigment
$5,500
"Empire in Black and White"New York, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Empire in B&W / From the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Dimension: 40 x 60” External Dimension( with white border) Height:40...
Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Humpback Whales, Kalbari, Western Australia
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Humpback Whales, Kalbari, Western Australia, 2016 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for framing options. Also...
Archival Pigment
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Knot
By G.K. Austin
Located in Santa Monica, CA
C-Print mounted on acrylic board
C Print
"Constellation Suite No. 6, Abstract Geometric Print, Framed, 2021"
Located in London, GB
CONSTELLATION SUITE #6, 2021 Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 100% Cotton Fine Art Paper, Custom framed 45 x 35 cm All prints from an Edition of 9 Series: Constellations All aro...
Cotton, Photographic Paper, Color, Archival Pigment
Surreal Desert Abstract Landscape, Vintage Signed Color Photography, 4/15
Located in Miami, FL
The work is signed, dated, and numbered 4/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It is unframed and printed later. Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper. Mi...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Diptych: Bloody Hands and Serenity. Cyanotype photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The photos from the series Let Me Tell You a Story show, each one individually, certain themes through strongly narrative visual units. Each photograph is dedicated to a specific rep...
Archival Paper
$5,500
Chrysler Building Art Deco Spire, Fine Art Color Photography Print, Signed, 3/15
Located in Miami, FL
Chrysler Building upward view in detail with golden light at sunrise. The work is signed, dated, and numbered 3/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It i...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$1,024
Blue Haze, Katie Hallam, Limited Edition, Abstract, Photography, Affordable, Art
By Katie Hallam
Located in Deddington, GB
Katie Hallam Blue Haze Limited Edition Digital Photograph on a metal backing and does not need framing. It is mounted securely and ready to hang on a wall. ...
Metal
'Lily in Charcoal No.5' abstract expressionism photography edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal no.5' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal No.5' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash....
Photographic Film, Paper, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
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
$3,000
Amber Heard takes a break from isolation to walk Birdie with Bianca Butti in LA
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
#67, 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
$3,600
"Chrysler Building" Abstract Expressionist, Photography, Giclee Print, Ltd.Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Chrysler Building" Abstract, Expressionist, Photography, Giclee Print, Ltd.Ed. Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2025 Dimension: 42x28" External Dimension( with white border) He...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Rustika - analog abstract photograph, limited edition of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Rustika is an abstract analogue photographic work rooted in the close study of natural textures and organic line. Created with a film camera and developed through the negative proces...
Photographic Film, Giclée
$23,500
"JM Basquiat-GB5" Photography (FRAMED) 66" x 48" inch Ed. 2/8 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"JM Basquiat-GB5" Photography (FRAMED) 66" x 48" inch Ed. 2/8 by Giuliano Bekor Original fine art photography by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issu...
Metal
"Silhouette" Into the Light, Abstract Photography, Giclee Print, Numbered
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2025 Dimension: 24 x 36" External Dimension( with white border) Height:25.6 in. Width:37.6 in Large Print In Edition of 20 + 2AP Certified Con...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Light Construction No. 4, Abstract Photograph, 2024
Located in Edinburgh, GB
In this composition, Kholopova transforms an asymmetrical sculptural assemblage into an inquiry into balance and linear extension. A tiered plinth anchors the lower register, counter...
Digital
Bleed # 202505 (Abstract photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Edition: 1/3 Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar supplied) or the screw-eye system if it needs support from wire or above. Available in 4-5 weeks turnaro...
C Print, Plexiglass
Abstract photograph, Susan Wides, The Bubble (Rockefeller #3)
By Susan Wides
Located in White Plains, NY
C-print of an abstracted Rockefeller Center at night in New York City by contemporary photographer Susan Wides, in yellow, black and green. NY photographer, Susan Wides, is best kno...
C Print
Chrysler Building Spire Zoom Color, Abstract Photography Pastel Color
Located in Miami, FL
The Chrysler Building Spire is zoomed by Photographer Mitchell Funk. The concept is to take one of the most photographed icons in the world and present it visually different but stil...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$2,000
"Emily Ratajkowski on a Boat in Positano, Italy, 6/23/17" Colorful Abstract
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Emily Ratajkowski on a Boat in Positano, Italy, 6/23/17" features hues of red, yellow, orange and green. Spencer Sloan is inspired by the work of H...
Archival Pigment
$2,400
"Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons at Gelson's Market in LA, 5/2/18" - Abstract
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Kirsten Dunst & Jesse Plemons at Gelson's Market in LA, 5/2/18" features hues of green, blue, yellow and purple. This photograph is an archival inkjet ...
Archival Pigment
$1,800
"Hilary Duff Shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond in NYC, 9/23/14, II" Abstract Photo
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Hilary Duff Shopping at Bed, Bath & Beyond in NYC, 9/23/14, II" features hues of purple, green, and peach. Spencer Sloan is inspired by the work of Hiero...
Archival Pigment
Chrysler Building With Glowing Sunset Sky, Fine Art Print Hahnemuhle Paper
Located in Miami, FL
Chrysler Building Abstraction with Golden light and Glowing Sky. The work is signed, dated, and numbered 3/15 in the lower right recto corner, with other sizes available. It is unfr...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$4,500
"On the edge of nothingness, n4" Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
On the edge of nothingness / n°4 / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2024 Dimension: 40 x 60” External Dimension( with white border) Height:40.8 in.( 103.63 cm) Width:...
Archival Paper, Archival Ink, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Cosmica #84, 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 #67, 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
Temporal Perception 6B (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 6B (Diptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a diptych. Each element size is: 45 x 30"...
C Print
$12,800
Seascape XIII (framed) - large scale abstract photograph of monochrome seascape
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mesmerizing large scale photograph from the artist's Seascape series, a body of works capturing the tactile surfaces and monochromatic nature of oceanic water and cloudscapes Seascape XIII...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Plexiglass, Giclée...
#162, 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
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
Man Watching Sunrise, Hangzhou, China, 2011
Located in New York City, NY
David Burdeny Man Watching Sunrise, Hangzhou, China, 2011 44 x 44 inches - Edition of 10 Archival Pigment Print Signature Label Print only. Ask us for fram...
Archival Pigment
$2,500
The Horse and Apples and The Deer Doe Fawn. Limited edition color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Edd, Abstract Photograph, 2016
By Dan Derosato
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: glitched each RGB channel, resulting in the image pulling apart in different locations. Thank you Eddie. Keywords: glitch, digital, digital art, print, abstract, ...
Photographic Paper
"Crops" Contemporary Abstract Landscape Photograph
Located in New York, NY
28"x40" signed on reverse, edition of 5. Vertical stripes of earth alternate with rows of verdant green foliage in this abstract landscape photograph. Wetherall presents a unique vi...
Archival Pigment
Bleed # 202205 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202205 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Edition: 3/3 Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar sup...
Plexiglass, C Print
Aporia - abstract black and white figurative fine art photography, E.d.20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Aporia is a black and white fine art photograph exploring uncertainty, inner conflict and the space between knowing and not knowing. The title comes from the Greek term for a state o...
Photographic Film
#174 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
Contemporary Black and White Abstract Rayography 1/1 by Adrian 2013
Located in Barcelona, ES
Contemporary photography by Adrian from 2015. Black and white photography, rayograph. Unique piece 1/1. Comes Handsigned. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with a...
Mixed Media
David Urbano Contemporary Photography or Shadow I, Ordinary Life Series
By David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, ES
Analogue photography, giclée print in Hahnemüler Paper. Signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9. Year 2018 printed 2018. Measures: Framed 43 x 34.5 cm. Without frame 19.5 x 13...
Paper
David Urbano Contemporary Photography or Shadow I, Ordinary Life Series
By David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, ES
Analogue photography, giclée print in Hahnemüler Paper. Signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9. Year 2018 printed 2018. Measures: Framed 43 x 34.5 cm. Without frame 19.5 x 13...
Paper
David Urbano Contemporary Photography the Rose Garden Nº 40
By David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, ES
Photography by David Urbano made in Barcelona, circa 2017. Giclée print in Hahnemüler Paper with a varnish layer applied by hand. Framed, signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9...
Paper
David Urbano Contemporary Photography the Rose Garden Nº 33
By David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, ES
Photography by David Urbano made in Barcelona, circa 2017. Giclée print in Hahnemüler Paper with a varnish layer applied by hand. Framed, signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9...
Paper
David Urbano Contemporary Photography the Rose Garden Nº 47
By David Urbano
Located in Barcelona, ES
Photography by David Urbano made in Barcelona, circa 2017. Giclée print in Hahnemüler Paper with a varnish layer applied by hand. Framed, signed, stamped and numbered. Edition of 9...
Paper
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
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
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
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
Contemporary Rayography 1/1 by Adrian, Framed, Paper, Wood, Glass, 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
Contemporary Photography by Adrian, Framed, Paper, Wood, Glass, 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
Aporia - abstract black and white figurative fine art photography, E.d. 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Aporia is a black and white fine art photograph exploring uncertainty, inner conflict and the space between knowing and not knowing. The title comes from the Greek term for a state o...
Photographic Film
Bleed # 202199 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202199 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Edition: 1/3. Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar sup...
Plexiglass, C Print