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.
Floating No1, Impressionistic abstract blue Sky and cloud original painting
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Floating NO1. An impressionistic abstract view of a bright wind-swept cloudy sky. Soft, white fluffy clouds painted in white and light blue, with thick, detailed brush strokes making...
Canvas, Acrylic
Slow Summer - Original Abstract Green Yellow Tone Watercolor Leaf Painting
By Heidi Lowell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heidi Lowell’s original watercolor paintings brings a quiet, botanical elegance to the page. Soft washes form the delicate structure of a leaf, with fine white lines moving through t...
Paper, Watercolor
$7,500
Sam Francis - Deluxe Hand Signed & Numbered 25/30 - Carnegie Museum lithograph
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis Untitled Abstract Expressionist lithograph (Hand Signed from the Carnegie Museum Deluxe Edition), 1972 Catalogue Raisonné: 155, Lembark Hand signed and numbered 25/30 on...
Lithograph
$854
"Vase of light" Contemporary abstract expressionist still life floral painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Acrylic painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper, varnished for protection · 50 × 65 cm (19.7 × 25.6 in) “Vase of Light” is a vibrant contemporary floral painting by Fre...
Paper, Acrylic
Just a moment
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Just a moment" From the series “Infinity Map” Our thoughts constantly move between the past and the future. We return to memories, revisit what has already happened, or try to ant...
Canvas, Acrylic
Tributaries - Original Abstract Earthy Cool Tone Watercolor Leaf Painting
By Heidi Lowell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heidi Lowell’s original watercolor paintings brings a quiet, botanical elegance to the page. Soft washes form the delicate structure of a leaf, with fine white lines moving through t...
Paper, Watercolor
Spring
Located in Zofingen, AG
"""Spring"" From the series “Infinity Map” We all journey through our own inner world. Along the way, we encounter images that cannot be explained literally. They may evoke fear, h...
Canvas, Acrylic, Charcoal, Oil
Large French 20th Century Abstract Expression Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Marie Deloume (French born 1942) signed oil painting on paper stuck on canvas, unframed canvas size: 20 x 24 inches condition: overall very good...
Canvas, Paper, Oil
Tenderness
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Tenderness" From the series “Infinity Map” In this work, human and natural forms come together in a quiet moment of closeness and trust. Their outlines gradually dissolve into the...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Oil
$675
Earth in Gold - Original Minimalist Contemporary Abstract Painting on Raw Canvas
By Clara Berta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clara Berta’s acrylic and mixed-media paintings blend texture and color to create harmony, mystery, and depth on the painted surface. Her paintings transform spaces into Zen environm...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,700
Tide Washing abstract landscape coastal impressionist painting original artwork
Located in COOMERA, QLD
"Tide Washing In" Wild coastal waters abstract. Contemplate the vastness of the ocean and the sky, bring the mother nature inside. Painted in soft blues, creams, and whites, spontane...
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,571Sale Price|38% Off
Eternal Abstract Expressionist Painting, XXL Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
Located in London, London
full size 211x159cm stretched size 200xx150cmx10cm All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. unframed, shipped rolled XXL, Extra-large painting, large painting, ab...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,279
Affinité, Colorful Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Linen, 2026
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Affinité is an original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont, who lives and works in Normandy. Part of her Architectures intérieures series, it explores the conne...
Oil
A Place of My Own
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Size: 92×92 cm (overall size with stretching 102×102 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: ready to hang Soft Power explores the contrast between physical strength ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Still Summer
By Kseniya Rai
Located in Zofingen, AG
A summer place, reconstructed from fragments — water, architecture, colour, two empty chairs. Nothing quite follows the logic of a real location, yet everything feels strangely fami...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
"Sunset, Gray Sea" Modern Abstract Painting
By Stanley Bate
Located in Westport, CT
This original abstract painting by Stanley Bate is a striking exploration of texture, atmosphere, and restrained color, where a brilliant band of luminous orange crowns a richly laye...
Paper, Gouache
$2,800
Blue oceanscape minimalist abstract painting ocean clear sky light blue waters
Located in COOMERA, QLD
"Still Blue Waters" This piece speaks to the soul's longing for peace and the ever-present dialogue between the earth, sky, and ocean. It will infuse any home with a sense of calm ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The In-Between
By Kseniya Rai
Located in Zofingen, AG
"The work presents a fragmented view of a place that feels familiar yet difficult to fully locate. Architectural planes, water and distant fragments of landscape overlap, creating a ...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Composition, "Nocturnal", Signed Oil on Canvas
Located in Stockholm, Stockholm
Abstract Composition, "Nattligt" (Nocturnal) possibly from Blidö, Swedish island in the archipelago. Oil on canvas laid on panel, signed with monogram lower centre "UW". The present...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
Vestige - Color Photograph, Abstract Expression, Signed Edition of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
A botanical form appears as both presence and disappearance, its outline softened, interrupted and partially absorbed into the surface. The scratches, shifts of tone and uncertain ed...
Giclée
Dinner for Two
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 92×92 cm (overall size with stretching 102×102 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: ready to hang Dinner for Two transforms an intimate domestic scene into a ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Gallery Invitation for Eduardo Chillida
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eduardo Chillida (after) Signed in plate Notated "PA" to lower left, plus edition of 500 Published by the Van der Voont Gallery Printed by the Ibograf Ibiza workshop Chillida, a m...
Paper
Original Abstract Painting Serg Graff "Butterfly Madness " Surreal Fantasy, COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
“Butterfly Madness” is an original 2026 painting by contemporary artist Serg Graff, bursting with color, humor, movement, and an extraordinary collection of imaginary characters. Th...
Acrylic
$22,792
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY. Original work The Currency Project. Dots. Colors
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, Madrid
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY: 6274. NOBODY SHOULD HEAR IT Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Enamel paint on handmade paper Edition: 5.149 unique works on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 cm Conditi...
Enamel
Prélude à l’inattendu, Textured Geometric Abstract Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Prélude à l’inattendu is an original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont, who lives and works in Normandy. Part of her Architectures intérieures series, it explo...
Oil
Exodo 2, Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed 31 x 30 Inches
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
*Exodo 2* es una pintura al óleo abstracta original sobre lienzo del artista colombiano Luis Xiua que presenta un paisaje simbólico compuesto por campos saturados de rojo, naranja, t...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
“Where We Began”
Located in Zofingen, AG
«Where We Began» from the series «Where We Belong» Medium: Acrylic on canvas; Size: 96 × 90 × 2 cm; Presentation: Stretched on a wooden stretcher, ready to hang. This painting expl...
Canvas, Acrylic
$15,000
Joan Mitchell - Abstract Expressionist Lithograph (Deluxe Hand Signed Ed. 30)
Located in New York, NY
Joan Mitchell - Abstract Expressionist Lithograph (Deluxe Hand Signed edition of 30), 1972 The work is hand signed by Joan Mitchell on the separate, accompanying colophon page, affix...
Lithograph
Original Praying Hands in Violet, Large Spanish Expressionist Figurative Artwork
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Praying Hands in Violet, Large Spanish Expressionist Figurative Artwork Artist: Vicent Calbet Riera (Spanish, 1940–1994) Title: Praying Hands (Descriptive Title) Date: 1993 Medium: ...
Mixed Media, Oil, Watercolor
Lost and Found - Large Scale Colorful Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reconnecting with her parent's native language, Khoury incorporates elements of Arabic writing that give it its charm. Although nothing is explicitly written, she emphasizes the curv...
Spray Paint, Pastel, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Canvas
Sunset by the Sea
Located in Zofingen, AG
Sunset by the Sea What makes us feel happy and truly alive? Often, it is the simplest things: traveling, discovering beautiful places, being close to nature, and experiencing moments...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil
Flower Field I - Large Scale Colorful Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Khoury's art is characterized by her masterful use of vivid fluorescent colors, dark tones, and high-contrast compositions that are both striking and visually compelling. She employs...
Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
The Thread Between Us Gaetan de Seguin - Figurative contemporary Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and setting...
Canvas, Acrylic
Enchanted - Joy-bringers in Pink, Acrylic Abstract Painting, 61x91 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Joy-bringers in Pink - Floral Meadow Flowers Soft Abstract Invest Nature Joy Stillness In this vibrant acrylic painting, I've poured my passion for the abstrac...
Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
$2,849
Where Wonder Remains. Large Abstract Expressionist Painting, Soft Pastel Palette
Located in Oslo, NO
Tatiana said following about this artwork. "I created Where Wonder Remains as a reflection on the part of us that remains connected to childhood, dreams, imagination, and the simple...
Canvas, Acrylic
$365
Group Portrait - Abstract Figurative Cubist Inspired Colorful Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valerie Etitinwo's unique approach to abstract figurative painting celebrates the unconventional beauty found in imperfection and awkwardness. The Nigerian-Swiss artist uses bold col...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$8,000
Cerulean Blue extra large abstract cloud landscape painting original artwork
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Australian coast with "Everything Everywhere All at Once: Cerulean Blue." This captivating acrylic on canvas painting is a masterfu...
Canvas, Acrylic
$960Sale Price|20% Off
"A Day in Giverny - Monet Lily Pads" Impressionistic Oil Painting Canvas Framed
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
This painting depicts an impressionistic scene of Monet's Lily Pond in Giverny, a poetic piece with beautiful details. The work reminds us of Claude Monet, with impressions captured ...
Oil, Canvas
John Chamberlain - Galeon - Lithograph - Signed - 3 of only 6 scarce PPs, Framed
Located in New York, NY
John Chamberlain - Galeon, 1979 Lithograph on wove paper Signed, dated, titled and numbered PP 3/6 One of only six Printers Proofs. This was part of a series of proofs created by Joh...
Lithograph
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
"Artist Pallet " Abstract Oil Painting on Wood Panel in Shadow Box Frame
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
"Artist Pallet" is an oil on wood board painting inspired by use of the artist pallet. With layers of bright oils, whisking brush strokes, and mixed paint, Shaoul captures a love st...
Oil, Wood Panel
Golden Hour in Napa - Large Scale Abstract Expressive Landscape Mixed Media Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with accessibility. Rubenstein’s original art merges the creative attitudes of New York and Los Angeles, combining s...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Double Helix Vertical Lg - Wind Kinetic Sculpture, Copper and Steel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
The uniquely magical kinetic sculptures of American artist Lyman Whitaker translate an unseen force of nature-the wind into a visible, graceful and mesmerizing dance. As a master in...
Copper, Steel
Abstract Head in Profile
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Edwin Kosarek (b.1929). Abstract Head in Profile, 1953. Oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches. Signed and dated on verso. As found condition. The piece would b...
Oil, Canvas
"Cats" Complete Portfolio of 17 Signed Lithographs on Japan Paper, 1978
By Karel Appel
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: KAREL APPEL Title: Cats Year: 1978 Edition: Signed in pencil and marked XIII/LXV All signed and numbered from the edition of Roman Numeral LXV (65) in pencil, published by ...
Lithograph
Pianissimo, Music-Inspired Geometric Abstract Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Pianissimo is an original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont, who lives and works in Normandy. Part of her Architectures intérieures series, it explores the rel...
Oil
$1,600
Constructed Memory by Murray Duncan, 2026, Mixed Media on Board, Gilded Frame
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Constructed Memory is an original mixed-media work by Murray Duncan, built from layered charcoal-blue geometric forms, neutral fields and expressive linear marks. The composition exp...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
#116, 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
Dream, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Metallic gold paint creates the illusion of glitter and shimmering reflections in this abstract composition. Turquoise accents add contrast to the dominant warm...
Acrylic
'Abstract Composition' by Pierre-Yves Beltran
Located in London, GB
'Abstract Composition', oil on board, by Pierre-Yves Beltran (1984). A dense, richly textured abstract composition rendered in a palette of deep blues, emerald greens, and earthy bro...
Oil, Board
Untitled #5
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is part of the series “Inside and outside”, which explores the connection between a person’s inner world and what is happening around them. Shipped in roll.
Paper, Mixed Media
$18,000
Memory Wall #12 : Maximalist Multicolored Abstract Color Field Painting w/ Wax
Located in Hudson, NY
Large, brightly saturated red color field abstract geometric painting in various shades of bright green, blue, purple and deep red. "Memory Wall #12" made by Hudson Valley artist, Vi...
Plaster, Wax, Acrylic, Panel, Pigment
Soft Surrender: Original Impressionism Floral Painting, Iris, Daisies, Light
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Soft Surrender Flowers Landscape Unique Original Painting Peace Kindness Abundance This is a one-of-a-kind artwork by the established contemporary artist, Karnish. "Soft Su...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Pumpkin, Red/White, Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkin, Red/White Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculpture Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches Inscription: ©Yayoi Kusama, as issued Notes...
Epoxy Resin
Bright Blue Day No2, Impressionistic Abstract Landscape, 60 x 74 CM
Located in COOMERA, QLD
Bright Blue Day NO2. An impressionistic abstract view of a beautiful wind-swept day on the Australian coast. Soft, white fluffy clouds over deep blue oceans. Thick detailed brush str...
Canvas, Acrylic
$7,550
Burning Memories - Large Scale Contemporary Warm Tone Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Oil
Nebula XL - Wind Kinetic Sculpture, Copper and Steel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
The uniquely magical kinetic sculptures of American artist Lyman Whitaker translate an unseen force of nature-the wind into a visible, graceful and mesmerizing dance. As a master in...
Copper, Steel
Landscape –Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Earth Tones, 2026, Marilina Marchica
Located in Agrigento, AG
Landscape is an original abstract oil painting by Italian artist Marilina Marchica. Warm beige, ochre and brown tones surround a delicate horizon line, evoking an imagined landscape....
Cotton, Oil Pastel, Oil
$2,108
Eduardo Chillida, Abstract Odyssey: Untitled, Framed Lithograph, 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a visual journey through the abstract realm with Eduardo Chillida's mesmerizing lithography titled "Untitled," crafted in 1999. This limited edition piece, hand-numbered ...
Paper
Original-Between Sun and Moon-Dahlias Feild-British Awarded Artist-Impasto-gold
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Between Sun and Moon is Shizico Yi's latest painting created in her garden en plein air, she painted the Dahlias Collection in her garden green house during the early autumn. This p...
Gold Leaf
Desert Flame - Wind Kinetic Sculpture, Copper and Steel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
The uniquely magical kinetic sculptures of American artist Lyman Whitaker translate an unseen force of nature-the wind into a visible, graceful and mesmerizing dance. As a master in...
Copper, Steel
The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”
Beneath the inky blackness, the painter’s irrepressible energy electrifies this pair of intaglio prints.
The New York Botanical Garden, in the Bronx, has mounted a multifaceted show honoring the polymath modernist's legacy, including new work by contemporary landscape maker Raymond Jungles.
In his current show at New York's Lehmann Maupin gallery, the Puerto Rican–born talent reveals new paintings with a semiautobiographical aspect.