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.
#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
After Man Ray, Black and White Image, Photographic Print, 1982, Framed
By Man Ray
Located in Barcelona, ES
Immerse yourself in the surrealist world of Man Ray with this framed black and white photograph, a masterpiece of surrealist art. Printed in heliogravure, this artwork is part of a l...
Paper
$8,500
"Absent" Portraits of Hidden Wounds, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, 4/5 Ed.
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Absent / From the series of Portraits of Hidden Wounds / Photograph Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2023 Dimension: 48 x 36 External Dimension( with white border) : Height: 48....
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment
The Long Night - NYC Skyline Photography, 40"x50", Signed Limited Edition of 5
By Viet Chu
Located in New York, NY
" I took this picture when New York was the epicenter of the Covid pandemic in the U.S., to reflect the idea that the nights are always darkest before they turn bright. As it turned ...
Archival Pigment
Think Back To All This, Abstract Photography on Plexiglass, 2010-
By Henri Venne
Located in Montreal, Quebec
In the digital age, we collectively photograph everything all of the time. But how much does anyone remember from a scene or a moment when looking at a digital photo? Someone could g...
Plexiglass, Photographic Paper
#142, 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
$250Sale Price|20% Off
Signed Abstract Photography Print, Limited Edition of 5, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Abstract photography, signed by the author, limited 5.
Color
#129, 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
Miami Downtown, Black and White Architectural Landscape Photography
By Luca Artioli
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The 'Miami Skin Series' it’s not a traditional collection of photos about the architecture of Miami and Miami Beach. It’s rather a quick journey between its own skin from the Art Dec...
Black and White, Archival Pigment
#167, 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
Paper cut - analogue black and white abstract photography. Ltd. 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Paper cut' London, United Kingdom 2021 Limited edition of 10. Printed on fine art heavy-weight paper. The photograph comes signed, and stamped with COA.
Giclée
#145, 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
Abstract Dancers White 3 - Limited Edition Color 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
Abstract Dancers White 1 - Limited Edition Color 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
Abstract Dancers Red 2 - Limited Edition Color 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
$5,100
Hemisphere I - large format photograph of abstract liquid cloudscape in water
Located in San Francisco, CA
mesmerizing color compositions of liquid cloudscape painting in water, hypnotizing abstract liquidscapes from Christian Stoll‘s body of works titled 'Hemisphere' Hemisphere I by Christian Stoll 58 x 58 inches (147 x 147cm) signed edition of 7 48 x 48 inches (122 x 122cm) signed edition of 7 40 x 40 inches (102 x 102cm) signed edition of 25 archival fine art pigment print signed + numbered by artist on certificate label „frameless“ glass face mounting available on request _________________________ Christian Stoll has experimented with the photography medium since 1991. His predominant interest is the still-life on a monumental scale. As his subject matter, Stoll shoots static objects, forms...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
#213, 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
Half Court: Abstract Geometric Photography, Archival Pigment Print
Located in Miami, FL
Half Court looks straight down on a blue court where the shadow of a hoop and backboard falls across painted lines and worn patches. The white arc in the lower corner is the only cle...
Archival Pigment
$1,450
Geometric Cadence: Architectural Abstract Photography, Archival Pigment Print
Located in Miami, FL
A refined architectural study where repeating forms, shadows, and subtle variations in light create a striking visual rhythm. Through symmetry, texture, and precision, the facade bec...
Archival Pigment
$7,300
Changing Moods grey- Floral landscape grey 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
$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
Sky Fragments: Architectural Abstract Photography, Archival Pigment Print
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant architectural study where mirrored glass panels capture the warmth of the evening sky. Through repetition, contrast, and reflection, the composition transforms a modern fa...
Archival Pigment
Turning Point: Abstract Geometric Photography, Archival Pigment Print
Located in Miami, FL
A fragment of a racetrack becomes an exercise in abstraction, where geometry, texture, and color replace speed itself. Isolated from the spectacle of motorsport, the painted curb rev...
Archival Pigment
$12,000
Multilayer 301 - layered abstract collage of unique torn original photographs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Multilayer 301 unique abstract photo paper collage (1 of 1), signed 39" x 31.5" / 100cm x 80cm About the artist Felix Schramm was born in Hamburg, Germa...
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Giclée, Paper, Archival Paper, In...
#169, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism, Pigment print
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
The Color of Water #2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
THE COLOR OF WATER Lake Michigan blue sits at the pastel confluence of green, grey and cyan on the nearby shoreline. In truth, the color of the lake is as transitory as Chicago weath...
Archival Paper
#268, 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
Miami Downtown, Black and White Architectural Landscape Photography
By Luca Artioli
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The 'Miami Skin Series' it’s not a traditional collection of photos about the architecture of Miami and Miami Beach. It’s rather a quick journey between its own skin from the Art Dec...
Black and White, Archival Pigment
#262, 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
$5,300
Eugene 4- Floral landscape white dominant contemporary abstract color 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
#49, 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
#222, 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
#265, 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
Prayer
Located in Fairfield, CT
Christine Matthäi was born in Germany. She lives and works between Shelter Island, New York, Germany and the Bahamas. Her LIGHT and SEA series, and all other water related series, a...
C Print
Space Field, Digital Iris Print Muse X Large Photograph on Heavy Paper
Located in Surfside, FL
These are from the 1990s printed at Muse X and never framed. they are unsigned and unnumbered but from a very small edition. they are quite beautiful. Victor Raphael was born in Los ...
Archival Pigment, Digital 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
$14,000
Multilayer 270 - unique abstract collage of layered torn sculpture photographs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Multilayer 270 unique abstract photo paper collage (1 of 1) signed 39" x 31.5" / 100cm x 80cm About the artist Felix Schramm was born in Hamburg, German...
Photographic Paper, Giclée, Silver Gelatin, Archival Paper, Inkjet
#71, 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
$1,449
After Brassaï, Black and White, 1930s, Photographic Heliogravure Print, Framed
By Brassaï
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a journey through the nocturnal streets of "Paris de Nuit" with this exclusive rare heliogravure test print by Brassai. Prior to the publication of his iconic book, this ...
Paper
Montauk Reflections #27 Ltd Ed.
By Kat O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Commercial Fishing boat reflections. Ltd Ed of 10. The art can be inside or outside with no visible loss of resolution. Gallery wrap fini...
Metal
#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
$6,500
East Hampton Sky with Flock of Birds at Golden Sunset, Abstract Photography
Located in Miami, FL
A flock of birds at sunset in East Hampton is captured by color photographer Mitchell Funk. The overall composition without a central point of focus is not unlike the work of East H...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
#175 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
$1,449
After Brassaï, Black and White, 1930s, Photographic Heliogravure Print, Framed
By Brassaï
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a journey through the nocturnal streets of "Paris de Nuit" with this exclusive rare heliogravure test print by Brassai. Prior to the publication of his iconic book, this ...
Paper
#261, 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
$889
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 2 - Limited Edition Archival Pigment Print in Color
By Giles Revell
Located in Brighton, GB
Abstract Dancers Light Blue 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...
Photographic Paper, Color, Pigment, Archival Pigment
ID No. 14, 11, 6 and 16. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the for...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
#121, 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
#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
Pastel Alley In North Beach, San Francisco
Located in Miami, FL
Colorful houses on Fresno Street in the North Beach district of San Francisco. This archival color photograph by fine art photographer Mitchell Funk is signed, dated and numbered 2/1...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Color, Inkjet
#269, 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|20% Off
Green Abstracted Ikat Photograph
By Janet Van Arsdale
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning green abstract photograph reminiscent of Ikat fabric by Janet Van Arsdale (American, 20th Century). Signed in pencil lower left corner. Presented in black frame with double ...
Ink, Photographic Paper, Giclée
$3,600
Wave I - large format abstract liquidscape in azur and lapis blue color palette
Located in San Francisco, CA
mesmerizing large scale photographic capture of strikingly abstract water surface shimmering in soothing tones of cobalt, admiral, azur and lapis blue Wave I (Abstract) by Christian...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée
Winter Swells
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
#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
#93, 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
#211, 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
#111, 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
Close to the Sea. 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
Space Field, Digital Iris Print Muse X Large Photograph on Heavy Paper
Located in Surfside, FL
These are from the 1990s printed at Muse X and never framed. they are unsigned and unnumbered but from a very small edition. they are quite beautiful. Victor Raphael was born in Los ...
Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment