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.
$55,000
"Saxum Velum (stone sail)", Large-Scale, Outdoor Abstract Stone Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
"Saxum Velum (stone sail)" by John Van Alstine Granite and bronze The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while explori...
Stone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
"Small Mandala 1", Hand Cut, Laser Cut Paper Wall Relief Sculpture
By Rogan Brown
Located in New York, NY
"Small Mandala 1" by Rogan Brown Laser and hand cut paper, framed in plexiglass shadowbox Available by commission. Please allow 8-12 weeks production time. Rogan Brown creates abst...
Paper
$3,750
Woven Plane - Abstract Geometric Form, Hand Painted Welded Steel Wall Sculpture
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic wall sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. Muted shades of blue, grey, purp...
Steel
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Iris Crystals Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Wood, 2018, Signed
By Chloe Hedden
Located in Quebec, Quebec
“Iris Crystals” is a rich blue colored wall sculpture made out of solid koa wood and then painted and sealed with a UV matte sealer. The geometric facets are hand carved and add intr...
Wood, Spray Paint, Vinyl
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - King
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made with Suede Venetian paint, latex, birch, MDF & wax Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Other A...
Wood, Paint, Latex, Birch, Wax
$740Sale Price|20% Off
Homecoming for Matt
Located in New York, NY
Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod, Aluminum, Fishing Accessories, Wire, Paint Jeremy Bullis after David L. Bullis Edition 1/5
Stainless Steel, Wire
"Cell Colony", Hand Cut, Laser Cut Paper Wall Relief Sculpture
By Rogan Brown
Located in New York, NY
"Cell Colony " by Rogan Brown Laser and hand cut paper, framed Rogan Brown creates abstract and sculptural wall reliefs. The large, hand cut pieces are dissected from sheet after sh...
Paper
$4,400
Merry
By Eileen Braun
Located in Atlanta, GA
Eileen Braun delights in creating biomorphic or organic sculptural forms. Although they may look as though they're constructed of metal rods, they're actually created from rattan ree...
Rubber, Mixed Media
Golden Apples 36 Ceramic Sculpture, Abstract, Hand Built, 2010+
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Hand Built and glazed ceramic. Free standing, two pieces (sphere and stand). My interest in clay as an artistic medium began in 1984. Like most beginners in the medium, I focused ...
Ceramic
Close to Nature Cacti by Isabel Ritter - Contemporary wood carved sculpture
Located in DE
Hand carved sculpture by artist Isabel Ritter. Beautiful blue wings are carved perfectly. Stunning on a plinth or a shelf. About the Gallery: Folly & Muse was established in 2015 in...
Wood, Acrylic
Spiral, Enameled Laser Cut Steel Sculpture by Von Ringelheim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Paul von Ringelheim, Austrian/American (1933 - 2003) Title: Spiral 1 Medium: Painted Flame-Cut Steel Sculpture Size: 47 x 52 x 8 in. (119.38 x 132.08 x 20.32 cm)
Steel
Stele with sphere Italy 2000 Polyester Grey Colored Mortar with Chrome Sphere
Located in Brescia, IT
The artist intends to modifie the human landscape with the abstract presence of his artworks. The point of starting to think this artwork, we can say that it is the same of the Fran...
Polyester, Gesso
"Float", Bronze Wall Relief Sculpture, Abstract, Metal, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
"Float" by Kevin Barrett Sculptural wall piece in bronze metal Barrett is noted for creating contemporary metal sculpture and sculpture wall pieces for indoor and outdoor display. ...
Metal, Bronze
Large Sculptural Cubist Abstract Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Large colorful sculptural abstract painting by Texas artist Patrick Cronin. Painted with acrylic paint and mixed media, dated 1986.
Mixed Media
$150,000
"Swoosh", Abstract, Organic, Industrial Large-Scale Outdoor Sculpture in steel
Located in New York, NY
"Swoosh" by Carole Eisner Rolled and welded steel I-beams Carole Eisner has worked with scrap and recycled metal for 40 years creating elegant, abstract forms welded in steel. The a...
Steel
$12,800
"Arabesque XXXIV, " Abstract Bubinga Wood Sculpture signed by Robert Longhurst
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Arabesque XXXIV" is an original abstract carved Bubinga wood sculpture by Robert Longhurst. The artist signed and dated the piece. It features a dark...
Wood
"Iridescence, " Mixed Media Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his travels. In his ongoing series of memory jugs, Thompson adorns stoneware vessels with a kaleidoscope of ceramic shards, found objects, and pocket-sized trinkets he collected over the course of his life. Also known as forget-me-not jugs or spirit jars...
Stone
$2,000
Biography of a Drive-By: wall sculpture by Black African-American artist
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is a two-part wall mounted painting / sculpture this integrates found objects and photographs into an acrylic painting on the top, and a wooden shelf with bullet casings and coins below. This is a conceptual, abstract work of art that is a powerful homage to lives lost through calculated gun violence in American cites. signed by the artist. PROVENANCE: Exhibited in "Portals + Revelations: Richard J. Watson," the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Oct 2021 - Mar 2022. "Most of my works are supported by memories of the past and suggested realities. Issues of social politics, ancestral references, and astral projections are presented with fragmented elements...
Acrylic, Panel, Found Objects, Mixed Media
$150,000
"Skipper", Abstract, Organic, Industrial Large-Scale Outdoor Sculpture in steel
Located in New York, NY
"Skipper" by Carole Eisner Rolled and welded steel I-beams Carole Eisner has worked with scrap and recycled metal for 40 years creating elegant, abstract forms welded in steel. The ...
Steel
$125,000
"Valentine II", Abstract, Industrial Large-Scale Outdoor Sculpture in steel
Located in New York, NY
"Valentine II" by Carole Eisner Rolled and welded steel I-beams Carole Eisner has worked with scrap and recycled metal for 40 years creating elegant, abstract forms welded in steel....
Steel
$3,000
"But I Loved Only You" Cherry Wood Sculpture 14" x 25" inch by Mohamed Hassan
Located in Culver City, CA
"But I Loved Only You" Cherry Wood Sculpture 14" x 25" inch by Mohamed Hassan Medium: cherry wood Mohamed Hassan is a traditional Arabic calligraphist, he obtained his official lic...
Wood
$19,957
Russell Jacques "Kansas City" Monumental Stainless Steel & Bronze Wall Sculpture
By Russell Jacques
Located in Denver, CO
Russell Jacques (American, 20th Century) Kansas City Stainless steel and bronze 39 × 62 × 4 inches A commanding example of contemporary American abstr...
Bronze, Stainless Steel, Metal
"Vortex 04"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
"Vortex 04" continues the ongoing Vortex series of sculptural wall pieces carved from solid wood and shaped through fire, texture, and movement. The concentric patterns evoke the mot...
Wood, Mixed Media
Assiduosly without words
By L.G.
Located in Paris, FR
One of a kind Blown and fused Glass Sculpture in brown/black, bluish black, opaque white and White sandblasted. Includes its black metal base ( about 32 cm X 10 cm X 18 cm ). Tota...
Blown Glass
John Van Alstine - Pique A Terre IV, Sculpture 1991
Located in Greenwich, CT
Stone and metal,usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. On the most basic level the work is ...
Slate, Steel
$1,000
ANGEL
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Creating a sculpture from sleeves, I decided to draw an analogy with the Guardian Angel, who in these difficult times for Ukrainians is embodied in the form of a weapon with which br...
Enamel, Steel
Catching Blessings: shadow box painting & collage w/ figures & found objects
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is a shadow box construction approx. 13" x 9" x 2.5" with painted and collaged materials including historic photographs of Black figures and other found objects. Encased in a dark wood frame under glass. It is signed and dated along the lower edge. PROVENANCE: Exhibited in "Portals + Revelations: Richard J. Watson," the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Oct 2021 - Mar 2022. "Most of my works are supported by memories of the past and suggested realities. Issues of social politics, ancestral references, and astral projections are presented with fragmented elements...
Found Objects, Acrylic, Glass
$1,080
Swimming in Black and White: painted abstract relief sculpture for wall or shelf
By Ava Blitz
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
This is a plaster cast relief sculpture painted with black and white designed to be mounted directly to the wall or installed on a shelf. It is an abstract image evoking flowing water and sea life. It is reminiscent of a fossil or natural or scientific curiosity in a "Wunderkammer," or historical cabinet of curiosities. It is signed on the back. Ava Blitz...
Plaster, Acrylic
Italian Mid Century Mod Large Brutalist Welded Copper Enamel Sculpture Wood Base
Located in Surfside, FL
Welded, brazed, copper (based on the weight, this might be iron or bronze) with colorful inset enamel plaques on a painted wood base. A studio handmade Brutalist sculpture in a mann...
Metal, Copper, Enamel
"Red White All Over - In", Hand Cut Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Abstract
Located in New York, NY
"Red White All Over - In" by Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen Hand cut 2-ply museum board, gouche This sculptural wall piece can mounted in a plexi box (dimensions: 24" x 20" x 3") Cut Work...
Paint, Paper, Gouache, Board
$17,652
Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926 - 2025) - Bassorilievo - Silver sculpture - 1973
Located in Varese, IT
Silver sculpture with chrome-plated brass Executed in 1973, work produced in 2 copies + 1 artist's proof Dimension of the work: 24.8 x 18.5 x 8 cm signature engraved on the lower rig...
Silver, Brass
Santiago Medina - LEVITATION, Photography 2021
Located in Greenwich, CT
Suspended Italian stainless steel This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio. All sculptures are made with the highest quality Italian stainless steel availab...
Stainless Steel
$42,000
Equilibre Rouille No.6 - Abstract Metal Outdoor Sculpture in Stainless Steel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary outdoor metal sculpture is geometric in shape. Philippe Pallafray's hand forged and welded stainless steel sculpture seems to defy gravity. The Quebec sculptor is ...
Metal
Round Square All White (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile "Limited edition of 8 1/8 Available on request — 3 week turnaround " Amaury Maillet is a self-taught ...
Metal
Non Dual Form #31, Small Ceramic Abstract Sculpture, Metallic
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Non Dual Form #31 by Paige Stewart is a one-of-a-kind ceramic abstract sculpture featuring a compact, monolithic form finished in a sleek, luminous metallic glaze. Its smooth, weight...
Ceramic, Glaze
Golden Apples 39 Ceramic Sculpture, Abstract, Unframed, 2010+
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Hand Built and glazed ceramic. Free standing, two pieces (sphere and stand). My interest in clay as an artistic medium began in 1984. Like most beginners in the medium, I focused ...
Ceramic
Spanish Moon - Abstract Geometric Form, Hand Painted Welded Steel Sculpture
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic table sized sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern bright blue, orange, purple and yellow dominate and are balanced ...
Steel
$90,000
"Tree House" Abstract, Bronze Metal Sculpture, Large-Scale, Outdoors
Located in New York, NY
"Tree House" by Hans van de Bovenkamp Unique welded bronze Renowned for his monumental sculpture created primarily for open-air public locales, Hans Van de Bovenkamp has been descri...
Metal, Bronze
French Pop Art Heavy Bronze Sculpture Chess Game Gambit Arman Accumulation
By Arman
Located in Surfside, FL
Arman, French American (1928-2005) Gambit (Chess pieces) Cast Bronze Sculpture with patina Incised signature near lower edge, 48/70 with impressed "Bronze Romain & Fils" foundry ma...
Bronze
$600
'White Stoneware (Face)' original hand-built ceramic plate by Estherly Allen
Located in Milwaukee, WI
This small hand-built plate, 'White Stoneware (Face),' is an intimate and exciting example of the ceramic work of Estherly Allen. She was a student of George McNeil, an important Abs...
Ceramic, Glaze, Stoneware
Ensemble IV, plaster by D. Brabant - Small Geometric Bookshelf Sculpture, White
Located in Paris, FR
Delphine Brabant: Ensemble IV, plaster, 2025 10 × 10 × 8 cm / 3.9 × 3.9 × 3.1 in 2 kg / 4.4 lbs Edition of 8 + 4 Artist's Proofs Ensemble IV, plaster is a sculpture by contemporary ...
Plaster
Lost & Found 2/9
By JD Hansen
Located in Napa, CA
jd Hansen creates art that explores the tension and balance between vulnerability and strength through the human and animal form. Her sculptures examine the intricacies of human psyc...
Bronze
Brutalist Ceramic Sculpture Vase Bronze Lustre FInish California Expressionist
By Jenik Cook
Located in Surfside, FL
Jenik Cook Handmade ceramic vase or pot sculpture Hand signed by the artist. Fired clay with a luster bronze painted finish Jenik Esterm Simonian Cook is a painter and ceramicist ...
Ceramic, Luster, Paint
$20,000
"Dark Star #2", Organic, Abstract, Aluminum Metal Sculpture, Tabletop Size
Located in New York, NY
"Dark Star #2" by Norman Mooney Edition of 10 + 2AP Mirror-polished aluminum In 1994 Mooney moved from Ireland to New York City and has been exhibiting loca...
Metal
Bodies at Rest #28, Small Ceramic Abstract Sculpture, Metallic
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Bodies at Rest #28, is a one-of-a-kind, ceramic abstract figurative sculpture by Paige Stewart in a rich, coffee-colored, metallic glaze is an abstracted figural form that captures h...
Ceramic, Glaze
Marbles for Atlas 9, Abstract Ceramic Sculpture, 12x12 Inches, New
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Hand Built and glazed ceramic. Free standing, safe for outdoors. My interest in clay as an artistic medium began in 1984. Like most beginners in the medium, I focused on creating ...
Ceramic
Large Biomorphic Abstract Bronze Sculpture Phoebe Adams Wall Hanging
Located in Surfside, FL
"What Remains" Cast bronze with patina, 1985. Cast at Johnson Atelier, Hamilton NJ Exhibited at Guggenheim Museum 1985 Provenance: Sold through Grace Borgenicht Gallery, NY The second photo is the picture in the catalogue. I received it from the artist. I do not have the catalogue available. Studio handcrafted solid cast bronze Biomorphic shell wall sculpture. Abstract exoskeleton theme. This is a corner piece as can be seen in the catalogue photo (we do not have the catalogue). To be mounted on left side wall of corner, piece reached across to right side across corner (as per artists instructions). Phoebe Adams...
Bronze
$750Sale Price|21% Off
Richard Serra, Torqued Spirals Toruses and Spheres, Gagosian Gallery
Located in Pasadena, CA
Richard Serra, Torqued Spirals Toruses and Spheres Poster, Hal. New York: Exhibition : Gagosian Gallery, October 18th - December 15th 2001. Size is framed. Richard Serra was an A...
Paper, Black and White
Refleksy (Reflexes), Mid-Century Wool Tapestry, Abstract Textile Wall Sculpture
Located in Wilton, CT
Refleksy (Reflexes), flax (linen) and wool, 50" x 48" x 2", 1973. This warm, vivid Mid-Century tapestry, Refleksy (1973) is by Polish textile artist, ...
Fabric, Textile, Tapestry, Wool, Linen, Thread
Alexander's Inspiration (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile "Limited edition of 8 1/8 Available on request — 3 week turnaround " Amaury Maillet is a self-taught artist who explored art in Pro...
Metal
$13,175Sale Price|20% Off
Neighbourhood XI
By Russell West
Located in Nottingham, GB
Original, oil and wire on board. Russell West’s intensely coloured, dripping paint artworks draw the eye into a three-dimensional labyrinth of layers and hollows, colours and patter...
Mixed Media
"Coral Orchid", Organic Hand Cut, Laser Cut, Paper Wall Sculpture
By Rogan Brown
Located in New York, NY
"Coral Orchid" by Rogan Brown Laser and hand cut paper, framed in a plexiglass shadow box Available by commission. Please allow 8-12 weeks production time. Rogan Brown creates abstr...
Paper
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Ultra Violet Crystals (wood, contemporary design, geometric, purple, sculpture)
By Chloe Hedden
Located in Quebec, Quebec
Ultra Violet Crystals (2018) by Chloe Hedden is a striking wall sculpture crafted from solid wood, meticulously hand-carved into geometric crystalline f...
Wood, Spray Paint
Ghost Drifter 3
By Lizzie Scott
Located in Dallas, TX
Flashe on muslin with mixed media
Muslin, Paint
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Look
Located in New York, NY
Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod, Aluminum, Fishing Accessories, Wire, Paint Jeremy Bullis after David L. Bullis Edition 1/5
Steel, Wire
Large White Oval Crackle Ceramic Porcelain Vessel with Crushed Edge
By Mary Jaffe
Located in East Quogue, NY
Oval vessel with crushed edge porcelain with white crackle glaze Size: 7.5 H x 6 x 3 inches Mary Jaffe creates functional and sculptural ceramics inspired by vast landscapes and th...
Porcelain, Glaze
Orange Venice vase, ceramic sculpture
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Orange Venice vase", original handmade clay vase, original home decor., unique artwork - 14" x 9" x 9" Hand-painted ceramic household decorative v...
Ceramic
$740Sale Price|20% Off
Homecoming for Matt
Located in New York, NY
Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod, Aluminum, Fishing Accessories, Wire, Paint Jeremy Bullis after David L. Bullis Edition 1/5
Stainless Steel, Wire
Ensemble IV, bronze by D. Brabant - Small Geometric Bookshelf Sculpture
Located in Paris, FR
Delphine Brabant: Ensemble IV, bronze, 2025 10 × 10 × 8 cm / 3.9 × 3.9 × 3.1 in 5 kg / 11 lbs Edition of 8 + 4 Artist's Proofs Ensemble IV, bronze is a sculpture by contemporary Fre...
Bronze
$20,476
Bronze Black Sculpture 'O.T. II' by Carola Eggeling, Patinated Bronze
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze Black Sculpture 'O.T. II' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. German bronze black sculpture Numbered and signed artwork Limited edition of 9 Me...
Bronze