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.
Bleed # 202351 (Abstract painting)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202351 (Abstract painting) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. Backed with extruded polystyrene, concrete, acrylic, enamel and pigments (8 cm / 3...
Plexiglass, C Print
Watch Your Step, Abstract Expressionist Color Photography, 2010-
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Detroit, Michigan has many photogenic spots in its urban area. This photo was taken in an old Corktown neighborhood that is currently becoming quite chic. Framing options are availa...
Photographic Paper
Intersect # 201605 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Intersect # 201605 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 4.5mm Plexiglas - Unframed. Available on request 5-6 week turnaround. Backed with Dibond and C-channel hangi...
Plexiglass, C Print
Bleed # 202305 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202305 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Backed with Dibond and C-channel hanging system + keyhole option. Available on...
Plexiglass, C Print
No. 49216 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 49216 (Abstract Photography) Archival ink print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag - Unframed. Artwork is exclusive to IdeelArt. Image size: 80 x 60 cm/31.4 x 23.6 inches Available on request - 2 weeks turnaround. Print can be mounted to 4mm Dibond, price on request. Larger sizes are available on request. The photographic artworks of Sebastiaan Knot...
Ink, Archival Pigment
Hedge Fun - Brickell Key - Street Art from the Affluent
By Robert Funk
Located in Miami, FL
Robert Funk’s photographs of elaborate landscaping redefine what Street Art is. Hedge Fun is a series that celebrates the landscaping commissioned by well-heeled homeowners, high-en...
Inkjet, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$2,674Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled #5 Large Archival Pigment Print, Abstract Geometric, Unframed
Located in London, GB
This artwork explores the delicate interplay between light and shadow, creating a harmonious balance of geometric forms. #Modern eclipse #serenade in #crimson #transcendent #forms #...
Photographic Paper, Color, Photogram, Archival Pigment
Set of 4 photographs II from it's all about the game
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. Star...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
A Fairy and Rabbits, The King and the Dragon and A Dinosaur Lake
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. Star...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Light 9 - Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful photograph Light 9 was shot by the Italian photographer Sofia Mattioli. From the series The lights I see since you are gone, limited edition of 50 copies in Arab numb...
Photographic Paper
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Light 6 - Photograph by Sofia Mattioli - 2020
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful photograph Light 6 was shot by the Italian photographer Sofia Mattioli. From the series The lights I see since you are gone, limited edition of 50 copies in Arab numb...
Photographic Paper
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Light 7 - Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful photograph Light 7 was shot by the Italian photographer Sofia Mattioli. From the series The lights I see since you are gone, limited edition of 50 copies in Arab numb...
Photographic Paper
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Light 5 - Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful photograph Light 5 was shot by the Italian photographer Sofia Mattioli. From the series The lights I see since you are gone, limited edition of 50 copies in Arab numb...
Photographic Paper
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Light 4 - Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful photograph Light 4 was shot by the Italian photographer Sofia Mattioli. From the series The lights I see since you are gone, limited edition of 50 copies in Arab numb...
Photographic Paper
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Light 1 - Photo by Sofia Mattioli - 2020
Located in Roma, IT
This beautiful photograph Light 1 was shot by the Italian photographer Sofia Mattioli. From the series The lights I see since you are gone, limited edition of 50 copies in Arab numb...
Photographic Paper
Bleed # 202332 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202332 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Backed with Dibond and C-channel hanging system + keyhole option. Edition: 1/3...
Plexiglass, C Print
Vintage Silver Gelatin Photo of Ibram Lassaw Modernist Sculpture (Photograph)
By John Reed
Located in Surfside, FL
The Photographer is John Reed. An East Hampton Photographer who shot Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Larry Rivers, Philip Guston, Conrad Marca-Relli, Syd Solomon, and James Brooks amon...
Silver Gelatin
Bleed # 202321 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202198 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Available on request 5-6 week turnaround. Backed with Dibond and C-channel hangi...
Plexiglass, C Print
Pawel Kontny “Metamorphosis” Mid‑Century Abstract Textured Painting, 1960s
By Pawel Kontny
Located in Denver, CO
“Metamorphosis” by Pawel Kontny is a richly textured abstract painting that embodies the spirit of mid‑century modernism with expressive color and sculptural surface. Created in the ...
Marble
Bleed # 202009 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202009 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Available on request - 4 week turnaround. Backed with extruded polystyrene, co...
Plexiglass, C Print
Gravity - Liquid 58 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity - Liquid 58 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5. In his Gravity Liquid series, Janiak creates visual representations of the idea that form cannot exist wi...
C Print
No. 49480 (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
No. 49480 (Abstract Photography) Archival ink print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag - Unframed. Artwork is exclusive to IdeelArt. Image size: 80 x 60 cm/31.4 x 23.6 inches Available on requ...
Ink, Archival Pigment
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Orange and Yellow with Gray Arch
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Orange and Yellow with Gray Arch, 2018 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 inches Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the u...
Archival Pigment
Blood and Seed (Abstract Photography)
Located in London, GB
Blood and Seed (Abstract Photography) Archival Pigment Print on Ilford Smooth Pearl paper. Unframed. Edition 5 + 2 AP - Edition 2/5 - Hand-signed artist label included This new s...
Archival Pigment, Paper
BLEED # 202042 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
BLEED # 202042 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Available on request - 4 week turnaround. Backed with extruded polystyrene, co...
Plexiglass, C Print
Window Pane, Abstract Color Photography by Geoffrey Baris, Expressionist
Located in New York, NY
"Window Pane" 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...
Color, Archival Pigment
Gravity - Liquid 02 (Medium)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5. In his Gravity, Liquid series, Janiak creates visual representations of the idea that form cannot exist without an environment. There are the visible...
C Print
$1,255Sale Price|20% Off
Land I - Landscape 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
Floral Study 181: still life photograph w/ dried flowers on sky blue field, lg
By Paul Cava
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is an archival pigment print depicting an abstracted still life printed on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag 308 gsm by artist Paul Cava. It is from the "Flora" series, which is one of three...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet, Archival Pigment
$7,250
Tentation #12- Floral landscape soft pastel 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
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Orange with Blue Bands
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Orange with Blue Bands, 2018 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 inches Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qual...
Archival Pigment
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
$1,255Sale Price|20% Off
Land II - Landscape 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...
Color
Dogwood Canopy 2
Located in Westport, CT
Jeri Eisenberg creates nature inspired works in single panels, diptychs and triptychs. Her soft colored photographic pieces are created using non-traditional and alternative photo-ba...
Photographic Film, Encaustic, Handmade Paper
$1,997Sale Price|20% Off
What Do You Want from Me - Abstract Expressionist Art Photography
By Roger Reist
Located in Zürich, CH
Der Foto-Künstler, Roger Reist, reflektiert die Welt um uns herum und in seinen Bildern auf zauberhafte Weise: "Die gesellschaftlichen Muster zu erkennen, diese anhand von meinen Bil...
Color
$3,800
Knot
By G.K. Austin
Located in Santa Monica, CA
C-Print mounted on acrylic board
C Print
$1,255Sale Price|20% Off
Land V - Landscape 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...
Color
$1,255Sale Price|20% Off
Land IV - Landscape 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...
Color
Divided - still life black and white photography, limited edition of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Divided examines the tension between connection and separation through a single continuous line. Its translucent forms gather, overlap, and pull apart, creating a visual state betwee...
Giclée
Blue Moon 2023 Lightbox LED Abstract Photography Framed 120x90 cm
Located in Miami, FL
Blue Moon is part of Eduardo Rezende’s ongoing exploration of light, architecture, and perception — a body of work that transforms structural spaces into poetic meditations on time a...
Fabric, LED Light
Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Bizalu (Eye)
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Finding the Universe in Oaxaca, Bizalu (Eye), 2018 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 in Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qualities of Oaxac...
Archival Pigment
$1,257Sale Price|20% Off
Land VII - Landscape 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...
Color
$1,255Sale Price|20% Off
Land VII - Landscape 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...
Color
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
$2,500
Two Faces: black & white framed photograph, male & female figures, abstract
By Jenny Lynn
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
"Two Faces" is a black & white framed silver gelatin print (photograph) of a man and woman in an embrace from artist Jenny Lynn's "Little Rituals" series. I...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
$1,023
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
American abstract black and white photograph by Lloyd Ullberg circa 1938
Located in Colfax, CA
Early modernist photograph by California artist Lloyd Ullberg. Lloyd Ullberg was a highly talented self-taught American modernist photographer whose works were published in major Am...
Silver Gelatin
$10,000
Dawn
Located in Fairfield, CT
Also available 50 x 70 in. $9,500, edition of 10. Christine Matthäi was born in Germany. She lives and works between Shelter Island, New York, Germany and the Bahamas. Her LIGHT and...
C Print
$4,418
Thomas Ruff, PHG.S.01 - Chromogenic Print, Abstract Photography, Signed Print
By Thomas Ruff
Located in Hamburg, DE
Thomas Ruff (German, b. 1958) PHG.S.01, 2020 Medium: Chromogenic print Dimensions: 11 4/5 × 9 2/5 in (30 × 24 cm) Edition of 100: Hand signed and numbered, verso Condition: Mint (sol...
C Print
Till It's Time to Go No. 3
Located in Westport, CT
Jeri Eisenberg creates nature inspired works in single panels, diptychs and triptychs. Her soft colored photographic pieces are created using non-traditional and alternative photo-ba...
Photographic Film, Encaustic, Handmade Paper
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
Manifest 03, From the series Power. Abstract color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The artists computer-generated paintings merge craftsmanship and technology, creating an eclectic and unique style. Through her art, she aims to illuminate the world. Tcherassi's wo...
Archival Pigment
Huang Shan C - Yellow Mountains (landscape black and white art) unframed print
By Peter Leung
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Like a poetic storyteller, Modern Art Etc promotes American photographer Peter Leung’s fine art photography captures the natural beauty and landscape in China. With immaculate composition that comes from planning and patience, waiting for the best natural light and objects to fall into place, the resulting images evokes the spirit of the place and its people. Pictorialism and art conjoin to produce something acutely poetic. One wonders when looking at his pictures – is this a photograph or a painting? ABOUT THIS WORK “Huangshan C”, China The famous Huangshan, (literal translation "Yellow Mountains"), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountain range in southern Anhui province in eastern China. The materials comprise of ancient rocks...
Photographic Paper, C Print
Photograph - Classical abstract structures n.16
By MAE Curates
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern Art Etc presents this series of abstract classical forms in balck and white archival pigment prints. The photographer was trained at the Centr...
Archival Pigment
Manifest 02, From the series Power. Abstract color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The artists computer-generated paintings merge craftsmanship and technology, creating an eclectic and unique style. Through her art, she aims to illuminate the world. Tcherassi's wo...
Archival Pigment
Thomas Ruff, Substrat - Contemporary Photography, Abstract Art, Signed Print
By Thomas Ruff
Located in Hamburg, DE
Thomas Ruff (German, b. 1958) Substrat, 2019 Medium: Chromogenic print Dimensions: 32 × 45.8 cm (12 3/5 × 18 in) Edition of 300: Hand-signed and numbered in pencil Condition: Excellent
C Print
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
Abstracted NYC Photograph, Susan Wides, 'The Bubble (Park Ave 2)'
By Susan Wides
Located in White Plains, NY
'The Bubble (Park Ave 2)' 2000 by Susan Wides. Chromogenic print, 50 x 40 in. C-print of Park Avenue from the Bubble Series by photographer Susan Wides. Colors in black, white, gray ...
C Print
Temporal Perception # Petite Vague (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception # Petite Vague (Diptych) (Abstract photography) Archival C-Print — Unframed. Edition: 1/12 Available in 2 weeks turnaround. Sold as a diptych. Each element size ...
C Print
$900Sale Price|40% Off
Large format vintage multiple exposure male nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure male nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a certificate of authenticity. Jack Mitchell's artist’s statement on this project: For five decades in New York City I photographed established and emerging creative and performing artists for major publications. The Numbered Nudes photographs are a development, and expansion, of my dance photography...
Silver Gelatin