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.
$1,029
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
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
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
Renaissance Play House - TV Room. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Renaissance Play House - Sewing Room. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Renaissance Play House - Music Room. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Renaissance Play House - Living Room. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Renaissance Play House - Kitchen. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Renaissance Play House -Chicken yard. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Renaissance Play House - Bedroom. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Renaissance Play House - Backyard. Limited edition staged photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Renaissance Play House is a photographic series that juxtaposes Renaissance drawings and paintings with plastic toy furniture, creating unexpected visual encounters between historica...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
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
#106 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
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
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
$1,591Sale Price|20% Off
Ephemeral #1, Sand Dunes landscape, Silver Gelatin Print, Framed
Located in London, GB
"The dunes change with the wind, but the desert remains the same." - Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist Print info: Ephemeral #1, Sand Dunes, Morocco, 2006 #landscape, Silver Gelatin Prin...
Photographic Film, Silver Gelatin, Black and White, Photographic Paper, ...
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
Bleed # 202171 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202171 (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
Bleed # 202160 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202160 (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
Bleed # 202142 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202402 (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
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
"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 Pigment, Giclée, Archival Paper, Archival Ink
Bleed # 202414 (Abstract Photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Bleed # 202414 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas — Unframed. "Work can be hung with either the WallCleat system (support bar supplied) or the...
Plexiglass, C Print
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
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
Blooms in Red - abstract analog colour photography, limited edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
This analogue colour photograph was created using a traditional film process, allowing the material qualities of colour and grain to remain present and tactile. The composition is pr...
Photographic Paper
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
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
Temporal Perception 109 (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 109 (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
$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
$281Sale Price|80% Off
Nostalgic Abstract Photography on Paper, Signed, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Abstract photography, signed by the author.
Photographic Paper
Chrysler Building Top , Art Deco Architecture New York City
Located in Miami, FL
It's the epitome of Art Deco Architecture. The top of the Chrysler Building is lit by golden light in this photograph of a classic New York City scene. Photographer Mitchell Funk s...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Inkjet
$15,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Butterfly 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"Butterfly 13" (FRAMED) Photography 40" x 40" in Edition 1/8 by Giuliano Bekor Title: Butterfly B13 Year: 2018 Print size: 40" x 40" Inch Framed size: 42" x 42" Inch Edition: 1/8 A...
Plexiglass, Photographic Film, Archival Pigment
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
Golf. From The Lavori in Corso series
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
Bleed # 202031
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Available on request - 4 week turnaround. Backed with extruded polystyrene, concrete, acrylic, enamel and pigments (5...
Plexiglass, C Print
$700
"Coca-Cola Sign, Atlanta, Georgia X 36" - Composite Image Photography - Cubism
By Peter Essick
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Coca-Cola Sign, Atlanta, Georgia X 36" is composite image photograph with hues of red and blue. Peter Essick is a photographer, author, speaker, instructor, and drone pilot who spe...
Archival Pigment
Poipu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition 6/15 Archival pigment print “Water’s Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having spent much of her l...
Archival Pigment
#105, 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
$4,500
"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
#192, 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
New Dawn, Geometric Landscape, Blue and White, Handmade Cyanotype on Paper, 2026
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: + Title: New Dawn + Year: 2026 + Stamped and Certificate of Authenticity provided + Measurements : 100x140 cm (40x 55.2in.), each panel measures 100x70cm (40x28 in.) a stan...
Paper, Monotype
Winter at the Beach
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition 2/15 Archival pigment print “Water's Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having spent much of her l...
Archival Pigment
$2,550
"Do You Remember? What About the Colors?" Giclee Print, Abstract Photography
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Do You Remember? What About the Colors? / Simple series / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2014 Dimension: 28 x 30.1” External Dimension (with white border) : Heig...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
$4,500
Lunstrom Prefabricated House, 1949. Gelatin silver print, Signed, titled, Dated
By Arnold Newman
Located in Miami, FL
Arnold Newman (1918-2006) Lunstrom Prefabricated House, 1949 Gelatin silver print, printed later - Edition unknown 8-3/8 x 13 inches (21.3 x 33.0 cm) (image) Signed, titled, and date...
Silver Gelatin
Gravity - Liquid 04 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity - Liquid 04 (Abstract Photography) Chromogenic print. Edition 1/5. In his Gravity, Liquid series, Janiak creates visual representations of the idea that form cannot exist w...
C Print
#158, 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
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
Alone Time
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition 2/15 Archival pigment print “Water's Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having spent much of her l...
Archival Pigment
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
Intersect # 202101 (Abstract photography)
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Intersect # 202101 (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
The Sea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edition 2/15 Archival pigment print “Water's Edge” a collection of photos by Marian Crostic defines the power of the ocean and the land which borders it. Having spent much of her l...
Archival Pigment
#123, 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
#175, 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
#229, 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
Colméia. From the Trama series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The interlacing of what sustains In the series Trama, Eduardo Rezende turns his gaze to the hidden structures of the built environment — the elements usually concealed beneath the po...
Canvas, Archival Pigment
Bleed # 202020
By Paul Snell
Located in London, GB
Chromogenic Print Face-mounted 3mm Matte Plexiglas - Unframed. Available on request - 4 week turnaround. Backed with extruded polystyrene, concrete, acrylic, enamel and pigments (5...
Plexiglass, C Print
$1,600
Green
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2025 Archival Pigment Print Image 20.3 x 25.4 cm Framed 40.64 x 45.72 cm Edition 1/10 plus 1 AP Pamela Takiff is a New York based abstract photographer. As an artist, and human righ...
Archival Pigment
Gravity - Liquid 02 (Large)
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
Gravity - Liquid 05 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity - Liquid 05 (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