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.
'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
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
"Boathouse" Abstract Color Photography by Geoffrey Baris, Blue, Green
Located in New York, NY
Boathouse, 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 art...
Color, Archival Pigment
Combo Abstract Photography on Archival Paper, Framed, Circa 2010
By Julie Beugin
Located in Vancouver, CA
Julie Beugin: Urban Abstraction and Contemplative Landscapes Julie Beugin's art vividly captures the essence of urban landscapes, focusing on the subtle details and quiet corners oft...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper
Rustika - analog abstract photograph, limited edition of 20
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
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
#70, 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
$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
Set of 4 photographs 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
The Wolf, A Raccoon and A Hippopotamus
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
$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
The Coalas and The Lions. 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
A mouse and The Horse and Reptile Eye. 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
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
'Lily in Charcoal no.3' abstract expressionism photography edition of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal no.3' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal No.3' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash....
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
$5,500
Vintage NYC Lamp Post Colorful Banners Print with Glowing Sky, 20th Century Art
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage New York City Lamp Post at Sunset. 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...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Broken
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Broken 2019 Archival Pigment Print Image 36.83 x 27.94 cm Framed 60.33 x 51.44cm Edition 2/10 Plus 2 AP Pamela Takiff is a New York based abstract photographer. As an artist, and hu...
Archival Pigment
Untitled DYSMORPHOLOGIES SERIES (hair magnification in grid) Mounted to Aluminum
Located in Surfside, FL
Genre: Contemporary Subject: People Medium: Digital, Print Surface: Metal Country: United States This extra large montage of photographs is mounted onto aluminum from Ken Gonzales-D...
Digital
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
Temporal Perception 365 (Diptych) (Abstract photography)
By Serge Hamad
Located in London, GB
Temporal Perception 365 (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
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
#146, 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
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
Anemorphose Cabo Verde #7
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
$2,098Sale Price|40% Off
Beach Huts Panorama, France, black and white photography, limited edition
Located in Vienna, Vienna
Black and White Fine Art Panorama photography - Beach huts on the beach with black stones, France. Archival pigment ink print, edition of 9. Signed, titled, dated and numbered by art...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital Pigment
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
$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
#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
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
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
$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
An Interior Language X
Located in New York, NY
A unique photogram from abstract alphabet drawings. A silver gelatin print toned in tea. About the Series: Gilliam began the series Life Lines in 20...
Photographic Paper, Photogram, Silver Gelatin
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
Daylight Cut-Outs Lightbox: Abstract Photography on Framed Paper
By Julie Beugin
Located in Vancouver, CA
Julie Beugin: Urban Abstraction and Contemplative Landscapes Julie Beugin's art vividly captures the essence of urban landscapes, focusing on the subtle details and quiet corners oft...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper
$24,960
"TIME TA25" (FRAMED) Photography 72" x 48" inch Edition 2/4 by Giuliano Bekor
Located in Culver City, CA
"TIME TA25" (FRAMED) Photography 72" x 48" inch Edition 2/4 by Giuliano Bekor Original fine art photography by Giuliano Bekor Signed and numbered by the artist Title: Time TA25 Year: 2018 Print size: 72" x 48" Inches Artwork finished size: 73" x 49" Inches Limited edition 2 of 4 Artist proof: 2 Medium: The artwork is printed on the highest resolution museum-quality polished aluminum with a high-gloss finish. Infusing dyes directly into specially coated aluminum sheets The waterproof scratch-resistant surface hygienic and durable medium. Comes in a custom gallery-style floater frame in a semi-gloss silver-face finish. Comes with a heavy-duty wooden liner float mount hanger. This artwork comes with two customizable time zone clocks...
Metal
$3,800
I Got Your Back 03 and Healing 03. Abstract color photographs, Diptych.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The artist's computer-generated paintings merge craftsmanship and technology, creating an eclectic and unique style. Through her art, she aims to illuminate the world. Tcherassi's w...
Archival 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
$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
#266, 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
Abstract Dancers White 3 - Limited Edition, Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers White 2 by Giles Revell is a Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 ...
Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment
Dobra. 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
Abstract Dancers White 1 - Limited Edition, Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers White 1 by Giles Revell is a Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 ...
Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment
#126, 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
Pebble Beach
By Wynn Bullock
Located in Pacific Grove, CA
This vintage silver gelatin print is signed and dated in ink on the front of the mount beneath the image and was likely made in 1970. An image that heralded Bullock's highly experi...
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
Blue on Light Blue with Dancing Angels
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gary Goldberg Blue on Light Blue with Dancing Angels, 2021 Archival pigmented print 19 x 13 in Edition of 10 Gary Goldberg has been photographing the unique qualities of Oaxaca City...
Archival Pigment
Gaia 21 - Springtime in Catalonia Black and White Diptych Nature Photography
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 21 - Springtime in Catalonia Black and White Diptych Nature Photography by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 21 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper b...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital, Color
Facing South
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Facing South Edition 1/15 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 spen...
Archival Pigment
Abstract Dancers Red 2 - Limited Edition, Archival Pigment Print
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers White 2 by Giles Revell is a Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print in this size of 50cm x 50cm in a limited edition of 15 ...
Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment
#66, 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
$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
"Empire in Green" New York, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Empire in Green / From the series of Lights of New York / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Dimension: 48 x 32" External Dimension( with white border) Height: 48....
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, 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
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
Gravity - Liquid 01 (Abstract Photography)
By Seb Janiak
Located in London, GB
Gravity - Liquid 01 (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
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
$2,200
Aspen Study I - large scale photograph of Indian summer autumnal color palette
By Frank Schott
Located in San Francisco, CA
Aspen Study I by Frank Schott a series of images capturing the yellow golden Indian summer foliage palette of aspen trees in California's Sierra Nevada ...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Archival Ink, Giclée
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
$1,049
Selassie IX by Luca Marziale - volcanic landscape photography, purple, Ethiopia
Located in Paris, FR
Selassie IX is a photograph from the Testament series by contemporary photographer Luca Marziale. Dimensions : * 30 x 30 inches (76.2 x 76.2 cm), edition of 10 * 45 x 45 inches (11...
Photographic Paper