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.
Santiago Medina - FLAME OF GENESIS, Sculpture 2020
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian stainless steel that shows the genesis of sculpture from rough unfinished at the bottom to highly polished at the top (unique piece). Sculptor Santiago Medina Italian stainl...
Stainless Steel
Fire- red 3D organic feel contemporary abstract mural sculpture in foam
Located in New York, NY
Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...
Resin, Foam, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper
Santiago Medina - RED ECLIPSE, Sculpture 2020
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian stainless steel with red tint. Sculptor Santiago Medina Italian stainless steel sculptures are at marquee public art venues worldwide such as Harvard, Stanford University, C...
Stainless Steel
Blue Expanded Metal Tile Sculpture, Abstract, Raku Fired
By Clemens Wolf
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The panel paintings "Expanded Metal Tile Paintings" are the closest to the classic art of painting. Firstly glaze is applied by roller brush and a piece of expanded metal onto a bloc...
Metal
$920Sale Price|20% Off
After the Raid, abstract geometric wooden sculpture
By Joe Sultan
Located in New York, NY
Milled wood, plaster, colored pencil and acrylic. Joe Sultan started sculpting later in life after building a home in the Hudson Valley in 2012. He trained, worked as an architect ...
Wood, Acrylic
John Van Alstine - Hula V, Sculpture 2017
Located in Stamford, CT
Hula V, John Van Alstine. 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 mo...
Slate, Steel
Expanded Metal Tile Wall Sculpture, Raku Fired, Abstract.
By Clemens Wolf
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The panel paintings ""Expanded Metal Tile Paintings"" are the closest to the classic art of painting. Firstly glaze is applied by roller brush and a piece of expanded metal onto a bl...
Metal
John Van Alstine - Wreathe III
Located in Stamford, CT
Wreathe III, John Van Alstine. This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio. Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my ...
Granite, Steel
John Van Alstine - Quill II (Slate Rocker), Sculpture 2003
Located in Stamford, 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, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Fleche VI, Sculpture 2014
Located in Stamford, CT
Riverstone, pigmented and sealed steel Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major fo...
Stone, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Column XII (Strange Fruit), Sculpture 1999
Located in Stamford, CT
Column XII (Strange Fruit), John Van Alstine. This unique sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio. Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object st...
Granite, Bronze
Beyond the Visible Multi Dimension Sculpture, Signed Polymorph Screen Print
By Yaacov Agam
Located in Aventura, FL
Multi dimensional tower sculpture (polymorph screen print on folded PVC) on brass base. Hand signed by Yaacov Agam. Hand numbered 66/150 (slightly faded - see pic). Size: 34.25 x ...
Screen, PVC
$560Sale Price|20% Off
"Victim of War (WWII)" Signed, Stainless Steel Sculpture
Located in Chesterfield, MI
This dramatic stainless steel sculpture titled "Victim of War" by Marian Owczarski depicts a falling figure reaching towards the sky. The figure is suspended by a single leg which Ow...
Stainless Steel
Glass Sculpture Forgotten
By L.G.
Located in Paris, FR
Gorgeous One of a kind Blown and fused Glass Sculpture in molted opaque black , black, brown, grey and sandbusted. Includes its black metal base ( about 32 cm X 10 cm X 18 cm ). To...
Blown Glass
$18,000
"White Cliff I", Minimalist Abstract Metal Sculpture, Aluminum Painted White
Located in New York, NY
"White Cliff I" Minimalist Abstract Metal Sculpture by Michael Enn Sirvet White powder-coated aluminum In 2017, Sirvet began focusing more intensely upon the cliff faces that accom...
Metal
$9,730
Switch
Located in Belgravia, London, London
"Switch" by Michael Thacker British, 21st Century Lincoln Limestone with Gold Leaf Sculpture size (HxWxD): 26.75 X 22 X 8.75 inches
Limestone, Gold Leaf
John Van Alstine - Cudgel II, Sculpture 1991
Located in Stamford, 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
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Nativity in stone
Located in New York, NY
Jean Lambert-Rucki was a prominent French sculptor known for innovative and symbolic works in sculpture spanning the early 20th century and reflecting the tumultuous times he lived t...
Granite
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle LVIX, Sculpture 2014
Located in Stamford, CT
10" x 16" x 4" Small Riverstone, Pigmented, and Sealed Steel Stone and metal, usually granite or slate, and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these ...
Slate, Steel
Groundless, Original Abstract Sculpture, 2018
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: As a continuation of the screens series, I experimented with adding air between layers to show the organic process and the play with not only reflected light from behind, but also shadow. (Photo files include one angled shot, and one closeup.) Keywords: abstract, transparent, brush...
Metal
GENESIS
Located in Edinburgh, GB
MEDIUM/MATERIALS: Bronze Casting. Polished bronze, patina, and marble. The sculpture is a reminder of the ever-changing environment in which we live and the constant transformation ...
Bronze
Silver Wiggle
Located in Napa, CA
Simon Waranch (b. 1999) is an artist at the vanguard of fine art glass sculpture. Blending a mastery of classical techniques with imaginative formal experimentation, Waranch’s work ...
Blown Glass
Small Blue Wiggle
Located in Napa, CA
Simon Waranch (b. 1999) is an artist at the vanguard of fine art glass sculpture. Blending a mastery of classical techniques with imaginative formal experimentation, Waranch’s work ...
Blown Glass
Light Orange Wiggle
Located in Napa, CA
Simon Waranch (b. 1999) is an artist at the vanguard of fine art glass sculpture. Blending a mastery of classical techniques with imaginative formal experimentation, Waranch’s work ...
Blown Glass
Wallreliefs black and white 4 (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
Wallreliefs black and white 2 (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
Frieda Kahlo
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The project "Eternal and Ingenious" is based on portraits of famous artists from around the world and Ukraine. The concept of the work - the image of internal and external psychological image, state of mind and creative impulse of the artist. Using elements of his works and creative ideas in the portrait. The main thing in the portrait is not 100% similarity and his soul and inner state and creative world. Prodanchuk Viktor Pavlovych was born on February 4, 1975 in the small town of Dunaievtsi, Khmelnytskyi region in a family of the artist, school teacher of history and nurse. In the childhood Viktor often was in the Cossack valley where there lived the grandmother of maternal grandmother Rafaila Voitivna who told about the cruel Cossack fights of Khmelnytskyi times which occurred in the Cossack valley. It has influenced on the further formation of national consciousness. Repeatedly participated in the Olympic Games in history and geography, taking prizes. The father Pavlo Prodanchuk being a school art teacher, has imparted to Viktor love to art that has affected the future of the boy. In 1990 he entered the Kosvivskyi college of decorative and applied art on the specialty of metal art. During one of excursion trips to Lviv, Lev's city so impressed Viktor that he decided further to combine the life with the capital of the Western Ukraine. In 1995 he entered the Lviv Academy of Arts and obtained the graphic designer's phases. During tuition at Academy of arts he joined to the restoration of Uspenskyi, Zlatoverkhyi cathedrals, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and church of the Nativity on the Podol where read the burial songs over Taras Shevchenko...
Metal
Gustav Klimt
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The project "Eternal and Ingenious" is taken as a basis for portraits of all kinds of mitts in the world of Ukraine. The concept of the creation is the image of the inner and outward...
Clay
RARITY
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This work reflects the beauty and nature as interpreted by the sculptor's life in Florida.
Bronze
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
The 11th Commandment, abstract geometric wooden sculpture
By Joe Sultan
Located in New York, NY
Milled wood, crayon and acrylic. Joe Sultan started sculpting later in life after building a home in the Hudson Valley in 2012. He trained, worked as an architect and led his own f...
Wood, Acrylic
Bodies at Rest #25, Small Ceramic Abstract Sculpture, Matte Green Glaze
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Bodies at Rest #25, is a one-of-a-kind, ceramic abstract figurative sculpture by Paige Stewart in a matte soft green glaze, with an earthy texture, is an abstracted figural form that...
Ceramic, Glaze
Bush
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...
Marble, Bronze
With Hidden Noise
By Mike Saijo
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Brass, twine, stainless steel long screws in acrylic display box on mdf wood pedestal. Sculpture is 6" x 6" x 6" Total dimensions including pedestal: 61" x 13" x 13"
Brass, Stainless Steel
Through the wind
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...
Iron
Dream tree
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...
Marble, Bronze
Santiago Medina - Blue Secrets, Sculpture 2019
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian stainless steel with turquoise tinting. This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.
Stainless Steel
$70,000
"Intrepid Cloud" Abstract, Steel Metal Sculpture, Large-Scale, Outdoors
Located in New York, NY
"Intrepid Cloud" by Hans Van de Bovenkamp Large-scale, abstract outdoor sculpture in stainless steel Renowned for his monumental sculpture created primarily for open-air public loca...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
Andy Warhol
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The project "Eternal and Brilliant" is based on portraits of famous artists of the world and Ukraine. The concept of the work - the image of the internal and external psychological i...
Metal
Exotica Series, Abstract Woven Tapestry by Ritzi Jacobi and Peter Jacobi
Located in Wilton, CT
Exotica Series, Abstract Woven Tapestry, Textile Sculpture. Cotton, goat hair and sisal, 114" x 60" x 6", 1975. Ritzi Jacobi (1941 - 2022) and Peter Jacob...
Fabric, Textile, Cotton, Thread
Amadeo Modellani
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The project "Eternal and Brilliant" is based on portraits of famous artists of the world and Ukraine. The concept of the work - the image of internal and external psychological image...
Metal
"Ref.326" by Nicolas Dubreuille, 25 x 11 x 7 in, 2020
Located in Paris, France
Nicolas Dubreuille is a multi-faceted abstract artist who likes to multiply mediums - sculpture, painting, drawing, photography - to explore form and colour. Nicolas Dubreuille's wo...
Other Medium
"THREE WAYS"
By Astian Rey
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The image of the sculpture appears as a symbol of hidden possibilities and inner dimensions. Three keyholes carved around its surface evoke the idea of access to mysteries — each one...
Wood, Acrylic
Contemporary Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Cloud Study: Fence', 2013 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
Cloud Study: House is a contemporary abstract glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Cloud Study Series. It contains hues of white and blue painterly brushstroke formations in glass ...
Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Lunge V, Sculpture 2006
Located in Stamford, 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
John Van Alstine - River Angler, Sculpture 2015
Located in Stamford, 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
John Van Alstine - Implement 39, Sculpture 2015
Located in Stamford, 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
John Van Alstine - Stormwarning V (Red Rain 3.14), Sculpture 2015
Located in Stamford, 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
$480Sale Price|20% Off
TAKI-KASURI FOLDS (dark indigo blue thick textile linen fold monochrome design)
By Chloe Hedden
Located in Quebec, Quebec
TAKI-KASURI FOLDS from Chloe Hedden’s Fold Series explores the tension between softness and structure through the poetic manipulation of handmade Japanese fabric on linen. In this sc...
Textile, Wood, Linen
John Van Alstine - Column XIV (Pointer), Photography 2002
Located in Stamford, CT
Column XIV (Pointer), John Van Alstine. This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.
Granite, Steel, Iron
white 1 - intricate white 3D abstract landscape drypoint drawing on paper
Located in New York, NY
Finesse and delicacy are what characterize best Antonin Anzil’s artistic practice. Paper as a medium seems incompatible with the idea of engraving or sculpturing; and yet. Using a sh...
Archival Paper
Alive
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Victor Prodanchuk "Alive" 2017
Stone
John Van Alstine - Fleche VIII, Sculpture 2017
Located in Stamford, 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 ...
Granite, Bronze, Steel
Contemporary Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Cloud Study: Tree', 2013 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
Cloud Study: Tree is a contemporary abstract glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Cloud Study Series. It contains hues of white and blue painterly brushstroke formations in glass c...
Stainless Steel
Amedeo Modigliani
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The project "Eternal and Ingenious" is taken as a basis for portraits of all kinds of mitts in the world of Ukraine. The concept of the creation is the image of the inner and outward...
Clay
Ochre gold 3 - intricate 3D abstract landscape seascape drawing on paper
Located in New York, NY
Finesse and delicacy are what characterize best Antonin Anzil’s artistic practice. Paper as a medium seems incompatible with the idea of engraving or sculpturing; and yet. Using a sh...
Archival Paper
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Haumi', 2004 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Haumi' 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 are ...
Stainless Steel
White Reticello Wiggle
Located in Napa, CA
Simon Waranch (b. 1999) is an artist at the vanguard of fine art glass sculpture. Blending a mastery of classical techniques with imaginative formal experimentation, Waranch’s work ...
Blown Glass
Grey Blanket Vessel
Located in Napa, CA
Simon Waranch (b. 1999) is an artist at the vanguard of fine art glass sculpture. Blending a mastery of classical techniques with imaginative formal experimentation, Waranch’s work ...
Blown Glass
Oleksa Novakivsky
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Psychological portrait, project "Eternal and Ingenious". The concept of the work: a reflection of the inner psychological image of the artist, the state of mind using elements of his...
Clay
Watership
By Tom Nussbaum
Located in New Orleans, LA
Tom Nussbaum is known for a variety of work including drawings, paper cuts, prints, sculpture, children’s books, animations, functional design objects, and site-specific commissions....
Wire