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.
$1,125
Cs The Moment - Abstract Contemporary Steel Metal Sculpture for Table or Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
$15,500
Abstract, Wall Sculpture, Indoor/Outdoor, Gold Finish, Breathe by Matt Devine
By Matt Devine
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
MATT DEVINE "Breathe In Breath Out" 44" x 26" x 7" Aluminum with Powder Coat (Indoor/Outdoor) Matt Devine is a self-taught sculptor working with steel, aluminum and bronze. Born and...
Metal
Untitled Abstract Steel Sculpture, Circa 2000-2009, 8.25 in Tall
Located in Vancouver, CA
Ben McLeod (b. 1948, Aberdeen, Scotland) is a preeminent Canadian sculptor whose over five-decade practice is characterized by a profoundly self-propelled trajectory and the cultivat...
Steel
Oddly
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A series of works .. ANCIENT .. ..FOREST .. ..AQUA .. all these series have a magical connection with each other. They have the ancient spirit of past civilizations and sections of d...
Bronze
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Mangaia', 2017 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Mangaia' is a contemporary abstract cast glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Internal Space series. It features painterly brushstroke formations in glass called trails. Trails ar...
Stainless Steel
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Blanco
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made with Suede Venetian paint, latex, Cedar wood, MDF & wax Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Ot...
Latex, Wood, Cedar, Wax
Ode to the Ancient Monarch aluminum sculpture by James C. Myford
Located in Hudson, NY
This work is aluminum on a black slate base, measuring 28.5" x 9" x 6". Myford's interest in aluminum began in 1970 when he attended a workshop sponsored by Alcoa at the Art Center ...
Slate, Metal
Golden Apples 24
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
Forrest II
Located in Bozeman, MT
In 1968 Waddell joined the University of Montana art faculty, teaching sculpture and design. For eight years he lived in Arlee MT, teaching at the Universi...
Bronze
Abstract City Sculpture: 'Cityscape' (sold separately)
Located in New York, NY
The artistic collaboration of Kelly Bugden + Van Wifvat has produced a thought-provoking body of sculptures, paintings, and constructions. Nature, childhood memories, and everyday ar...
Wood, Paint
Departure
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Walnut abstract inspired by nature
Wood
$21,378
Punta 1 by Mattia Bosco - Large-size sculpture, Palissandro marble, grey tones
Located in Paris, FR
Punta 1 is a unique sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of black Palissandro marble, dimensions are 113 × 78 × 37 cm (44.4 × 30.7 × 14.5 in). This ...
Marble
Heartbeat - Abstract Sculpture: Handmade Felt Tapestry, Contemporary Art
By Chung-Im Kim
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary fibre tapestry is handmade by Chung-Im Kim. Each wall hanging created by this uniquely gifted fibre artist takes hours of meticulous hand sewing. Inspired by her ...
Felt
Angel Fish-original abstract wildlife bronze sculpture for sale-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Bronze
Longnose Butterfly Fish-original bronze wildlife sculpture-artwork-contemporary
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Bronze
$1,646
Sargassum Fish-original bronze wildlife- sculpture-artwork-contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Bronze
Siamese Fighting Fish II, Gold-original bronze marine animal wildlife sculpture
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Bronze
$3,155
Goldfish II-original bronze wildlife marine sculpture-Artwork-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Bronze
$9,603
Octopus-Green Patina-wildlife-bronze table top sculpture-modern-Contemporary
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Bronze
Light-Glyph (Yellow)
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Brindle’s Light Glyph’s, are luminescent and mercurial sculptures, constantly shifting in hue as the viewer moves around them. Absorbing and reflecting light, they have a meditative ...
Acrylic Polymer, Automotive Paint, Acrylic
Wallreliefs black and white 3 (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Cristina Ghetti is a leading voice in contemporary Post-Medial Geometry, whose work bridges the gap between digital precision and traditional painting. Born in Argentina and based in...
Plastic, Etching
Perception
By Greg Joubert
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Hand carved aspen wood sculpture torched burnished and painted Greg Joubert was born in 1977 and raised in the seaside New England town of Hingham, Massachusetts. Joubert gained hi...
Wood, Acrylic
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Tonka I
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made in matte metallic automative enamel & lacquer on MDF Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Other...
Lacquer
Golden Apples 6
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
$2,480Sale Price|20% Off
Junonia, Hand Blown Murano Glass Vase, Multicolor
Located in Miami, FL
The JUNONIA vase is a creation by the renowned Venetian glass master Afro Celotto. The dimensions of this artwork are 18.25" x 9" x 4.5". Every vase is hand signed at the bottom by...
Glass, Blown Glass
Abstract Head Sculpture: 'Untitled'
Located in New York, NY
The artistic collaboration of Kelly Bugden + Van Wifvat has produced a thought-provoking body of sculptures, paintings, and constructions. Nature, childhood memories, and everyday archetypes take shape in unexpected combinations of materials. The works emerged as the tactile and visual senses channeled the ritualistic power and materiality of selected artifacts. The resulting objects exist in a space between what they were originally and what they could become. A wheel, for example, is distorted as if seen through a prism. Their collaboration grew out of years of shaping materials into one-of-a-kind objects. Intuitively, the process of creating with their hands took an inward turn. Prism is a travelogue through memories and dreams, yielding abstract forms that capture moments of transformation. Van Wifvat grew up with eight siblings and studied sculpture and environmental design in Minneapolis at MCAD. In 1979, he opened a storefront art gallery to promote the work of local artists. The space featured printed materials—art books, periodicals, fanzines, and postcard’s. Wifvat moved to New York in 1983 to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons. In 1987, he co-founded Van Gregory & Norton design studio, specializing in convex mirrors and curtain hardware...
Linen, Wood, Glue
Slight Pyramid, 3D Abstract Reclaimed Wood Wall Sculpture, 2019
Located in Boston, MA
Slight Pyramid, 3D Abstract Reclaimed Wood Wall Sculpture, 2019 28" x 28" x 3" (HxWxD) A three dimensional wall-hanging sculpture of a low-relief pyramid made from the sustainable ma...
Wood
Tucker I No.5
Located in Bozeman, MT
In 1968 Waddell joined the University of Montana art faculty, teaching sculpture and design. For eight years he lived in Arlee MT, teaching at the Universi...
Bronze
$1,781
Abstract Calligraphic Sculpture Vault I. Black Metal Contemporary Alicia Gimeno
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Metal
Close to Heart 2 - Wood sculpture by Zlata Kornilova
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture Close to Heart 2 Limited edition of 12 Mediums: old pine, steel, acrylic hand painted, oil CLOSE TO HEART - Collection Working on the series I used a “wood with history”...
Steel
Ceramic #2010
Located in Fairfield, CT
Alice Federico was born in Selma, Alabama in 1945. She received a BA degree in history from Hollins University (1967), an MFA in ceramics from East Carolina University (1977), as wel...
Ceramic
Wall Stack I : contemporary modern geometric sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Greg Chann creates contemporary modern abstract geometric sculptures. His constructions are complex interwoven systems of physical elements varying in size, material, and color. Thes...
Acrylic
$12,000
L'Envol II (The Flight) - contemporary, abstract, mild steel indoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This stunning modern abstract sculpture is made from steel and its form was inspired by nature. The contemporary sculptural work of Quebec artist Claude Millette has been lauded int...
Steel
$16,000
Outdoor sculpture, aluminum, painted sculpture, abstract sculpture, "Blue Buoy"
Located in Milwaukee, WI
outdoor sculpture, painted sculpture, metal sculpture, aluminum sculpture, abstract sculpture, geometric; "Blue Buoy" is one of a pair of standing outdoor sculptures inspired by sail...
Metal
Girl with Bouquet
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Ruth Faktorowicz (Ruth Faktor) (b. 1937) Girl with Bouquet (ca. 1970's). Ceramic tile mounted to matting with frame. Overall measuring 14 x 18 inches. Ruth Faktor was born in Ra...
Ceramic
Don't Let Them Burst your Bubble: Clear 81425 - Clear Glass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary wall sculpture features bubbles of clear glass. Each work is individually hand-formed in glass, so slight variations in colour, shape, and texture from the images ...
Glass, Mixed Media
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
SOUTHERN KISS - Abstract Slip Cast Ceramic Fine Art Sculpture Artist Signed 2018
Located in Chico, CA
Fired to cone 01. Glaze fired to cone 07. Low fire glaze applications. ARTIST STATEMENT My work passionately reflects my Mexican cultural roots. The art forms appear and are create...
Ceramic, Clay
$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
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Tempest
Located in New York, NY
Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod, Aluminum, Fishing Accessories, Wire, Paint Jeremy Bullis after David L. Bullis
Steel, Wire
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Tempest
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
$5,938
1972 Italy Bronze Abstract Sculpture Nickeled Finish by Carmelo Cappello
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an artwork created by the well known Italian artist Carmelo Cappello. This Carmelo Cappello Abstract Sculpture is a very interesting example of the approach of the artist to...
Bronze
Homecoming for Matt
Located in New York, NY
Stainless Steel TIG Welding Rod, Aluminum, Fishing Accessories, Wire, Paint Jeremy Bullis after David L. Bullis
Stainless Steel, Wire
Used to be Amazon Boxes, Original Abstract Sculpture, 2021
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: During the COVID-19 pandemic I decided to collect boxes from around my neighborhood and repurpose the cardboard material. By utilizing materials that would otherwi...
Mixed Media, Cardboard
$1,484
Green-Toned Mixed Media on Canvas, Concrete and Sand, 2025 -'Untitled 1811241'
Located in Bruxelles, BE
This unique piece was made by Roan Van Oort in 2024. With a strong focus on simplicity and timelessness, he consciously chooses natural materials, characterized by a certain fragilit...
Concrete, Sandstone
"Bronze Age" Triptych Sculpture Set, Unique Burnt Wood and Bronze Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
This triptych consists of three individual sculptures and is sold only together. The price is for the entire set. The burnt wood is covered with a patina and bronze elements of abstr...
Bronze
My Shell (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile Amaury Maillet is a self-taught artist who explored art in Provence and Saint Martin in his childhood. He honed his drawing, painting...
Metal
Demora by Antoine Vidal - vertical bronze sculpture, dark patina
Located in Paris, FR
Demora is an abstract bronze sculpture by French artist Antoine Vidal. His works in bronze, very often marked by a verticality with totemic accents, reflect an aesthetic pursuit foc...
Bronze
Bronze Sculpture 'PELA' by Carola Eggeling, Bronze Polished
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze Sculpture 'PELA' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. German bronze sculpture Bronze Polished Certificate of authenticity Numbered and signed a...
Bronze
White Coral Sculpture or Assemblage on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty one of a kind branch coral assemblage or sculpture handcrafted with organic specimens, with its ocean inspired form and texture, designed exclusively by F.S. Henemader and pres...
Organic Material
Mistique, 21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Sculpture, Marble
Located in Barcelona, Catalonia
Beautiful Abstract Black Marble Sculpture The Ingravidesa Sculpture Alliance is formed by an international group of sculptors and desi...
Marble
Brutalist Abstract Sailboats Wall-Mounted Mix Metal Art Panel by Jacques Potage
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jacques Potage — Brutalist Mixed‑Metal Wall Sculpture, France, circa 1970 A striking Brutalist wall sculpture by French artist Jacques Potage (born 1931), crafted circa 1970 and show...
Metal
"Agate 1025" Standing Agate Modern Organic Sculpture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Part of The Crystalline Light Collection, this piece features Agate resting on a Plexi base. With its translucent qualities and layered texture, the Agate radiates a quiet luminosity...
Precious Stone
"Land & Sea" Bronze sculpture 16" x 14" inch by Ibrahim Abd Elmalak
Located in Culver City, CA
"Land & Sea" Bronze sculpture 16" x 14" inch by Ibrahim Abd Elmalak Double-faced Bronze & Marble Signed & Dated Sculptures that mostly depict his characteristic figu...
Marble, Bronze
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original clay wall sculpture by American artist Neil Tetkowski.
Clay
Brutalist Bronze Sculpture “La Nuit De Profil”
By Émile Antoine Bourdelle
Located in Dallas, TX
EMILE-ANTOINE BOURDELLE (French, 1861 - 1929). La Nuit de profil (The Night in profile) Conceived 1900-1904 Cast 1972 Patinated bronze Interior signature "BY BOURDELLE." Foundry st...
Bronze
Sezione Aurea 57-2020 by Mattia Bosco - Marble and silver leaf sculpture
Located in Paris, FR
Sezione Aurea 57-2020 is a unique sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of black Palissandro marble and silver leaf, dimensions are 47 × 25 × 16 cm (1...
Marble, Silver
'Revolution' colorful minimalist work on panel, wood grain, Carmen Herrera
Located in Atlanta, GA
Nancy is inspired by the works of Carmen Herrera, Deborah Zlotzky and Grazia Varisco. Nancy Talero is an artist and designer whose multi-panel works ch...
Latex, Wood Panel
$29,000
David Hostetler Wood Female Figurative Sculpture Beige Anasazi Petroglyph
Located in Nantucket, MA
David was tackling the surface on this sculpture- he first tried it rough with deep gouges. No, back to what he did with the maquette- Guardian II. He carved and sanded and the bold ...
Wood
"Inner World" Natural Citrine Geode, Mortar Wood Modern Organic Sculpture
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Inner World is the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern design. At its heart, the Natural Citrine Geode brings a burst of golden energy, symbolizing abundance and clarity. Surr...
Wood
Celebrating Ettore Sottsass, Original Glass Sculpture, 2020
By Jill Casty
Located in Boston, MA
Celebrating Ettore Sottsass, Original Glass Sculpture, 2020 22″ × 16″ × 5″, 40 lbs Fused Glass and Stainless Steel Free Standing Artist Commentary: While visiting the Biennalle in ...
Stainless Steel