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.
$27,080
SCULPTURE Abstract Monolith Black Resine Ray Contemporay Artist Mareo Rodriguez
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...
Resin, Foam
"Sundown", Bronze Wall Relief Sculpture, Abstract, Metal, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
"Sundown" by Kevin Barrett Hand Fabricated Bronze Barrett is noted for creating contemporary metal sculpture and sculpture wall pieces for indoor and outdoor display. Wall Art, Wall Relief...
Metal, Bronze
Natural / Unnatural L - Mixed Media Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kristina Fjellman, a Minnesota-based visual artist and performer, seamlessly blends sculpture and performance art in her captivating work. She has ga...
Steel
$5,886
Aspiring Path by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Rusted Steel sculpture for Outdoors
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Artist: Kuno Vollet Title: Aspiring Path Contemporary rusted steel sculpture for inside or garden outdoor spaces. Stunning large artwork. Possible to put on a pedestal or directly...
Steel
Korè-Paonazzo by Mattia Bosco - 65 In High Marble Sculpture, Abstract
By Mattia Bosco
Located in Paris, FR
Korè-Paonazzo is a unique monumental sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of Paonazzo marble, dimensions are 165 × 41 × 85 cm (65 × 16.1 × 33.5 in). ...
Marble
Stelae (Abstract Geometric Wood Wall Sculpture in Grey & Dark Taupe)
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract geometric, minimalist three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in grey and dark taupe with paper collage "Stelae", hand-carved wooden wall sculpture by Hudson Valley artist, St...
Wood, Acrylic
Piquant: Abstract Geometric 3D Wooden Wall Sculpture in Red, Pink, Peach, Maroon
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract geometric three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in bright hues of red, peach, pink, maroon, white and beige Piquant, hand-carved wooden wall sculpture by Hudson Valley artis...
Wood, Dye, Acrylic, Wood Panel
$18,000
Lu
Located in Westport, CT
Donald Martiny’s signature work is composed of dispersed pigment on aluminum. He creates immediately frozen brushstrokes that are made from his own movements. They are defined by the...
Acrylic Polymer, Pigment
The Bather Italy 1981 Roberto Nanut Bronze Nude Sculpture La Bagnante
Located in Brescia, IT
This is an engaging multiple artwork by the Italian artist Robert Nanut, a talented artist of 1980’. This is a multiple of numbered edition of 1.000 pieces. This artwork was made in 1980 but it can be considered new cause remained since now stored and packed in the Editor warehouse. The bronze sculpture is completed by the certificate of authenticity, there is the number assigned to the piece and the original signature of the author. Roberto Nanut...
Bronze
Josie - Elegant Original Figurative Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
"I Like Options" Textured Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
This abstract painting by Teodora Guererra features a teal, pink, and white palette. The artist layers thick strokes of paint using a palette knife in broad, horizontal sweeping stro...
Canvas, Acrylic
Pulse Point - Chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture
By Jessamyn Go
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hand-pitched chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture vessel by Jessamyn Go. Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the visceral, meditative experience of working with clay. Drawn t...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Cityscape Sculpture, Painted Metal, Mid 20th Century, 19.25"
Located in Beachwood, OH
Abstract Cityscape, c. 1950-60 Painted mixed metal 19.25 in. h. x 19.5 in. w. x 11.5 in. d.
Metal
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
"Eddy", Contemporary, Abstract, Gestural, Ceramic, Cream, Sepia, Grey, Sculpture
Located in Franklin, MA
Sara Fine-Wilsons ”Eddy” is a gestural 11.5 x 14 x 12 inch ceramic sculpture in pale cream with accents of warm sepia, and grey. In this graceful and evocative sculpture individual s...
Ceramic, Clay
Forces of Nature 20 - Rich Textured Abstract Minimalist Beige Canvas Painting
By Len Klikunas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Len Klikunas paints minimalist artworks to modify experienced reality through visual perception. The Blocks series is a mix of art and architecture, hovering between painting and scu...
Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media
Salvaged Book Abstract Wall Sculpture, Contemporary Installation Made to Order
Located in Boston, MA
Salvaged Book Abstract Wall Sculpture, Contemporary Installation Made to Order MADE TO ORDER Turnaround Time is typically 4-6 weeks depending on the waitlist. This sculpture was mad...
Wood, Paper
Ragisména series White M11, Abstract Wall Sculpture
By Rodrigo Zuliani Hauck Zampol
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ragisména which in Greek means cracked, has its materiality manifested through the desire to recreate and make feelings, memories and mythology tangible in the physical world. The wo...
Canvas, Plaster
Exuberant, Blue - Blown Glass Wall Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary blue-coloured glass wall sculpture was created by Cheryl Wilson Smith. Each work is individually hand-formed in glass, so slight variations in colour, shape, and t...
Glass, Blown Glass
$500Sale Price|23% Off
Colorful portrait, mid 20th Century original lithograph signed and numbered.
Located in Belgrade, MT
This lithograph is a piece of my private collection from artists of the 20th Century. It is original, signed by artist and numbered 217/220. It is vibrant in color and in very good...
Plate Glass, Oil, Lithograph, Watercolor
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Bruhel Point - Textured contemporary painting, colorful blue, round format
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful contemporary high textured abstract painting is great for a classic and contemporary setting. The variation of colors and rich texture would greatly bring a space to l...
Acrylic, Vinyl, Wood Panel
Genesis V by Tien Wen - Abstract ceramic sculpture, light tones, lines, slender
By Tien Wen
Located in Paris, FR
Genesis V is a unique ceramic sculpture by contemporary artist Tien Wen, dimensions are 50 × 15 × 15 cm (19.7 × 5.9 × 5.9 in). The sculpture is signed and comes with a certificate o...
Ceramic
Tall Stacked Vessel: Hand Sculpted Contemporary Ceramic Art
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This tall contemporary ceramic vessel is by Bruce Cochrane. The distinctive aesthetic of this Canadian ceramicist has attracted international attention. Bruce Cochrane has been firi...
Ceramic
$7,770
Aspiring Upwards by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Red Steel sculpture for Outdoors
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Artist: Kuno Vollet Title: Aspiring Path Contemporary steel sculpture for inside or garden outdoor spaces. Stunning large artwork. Possible to put on a pedestal or directly on to ...
Steel
$32,100
No.061222 by Thierry Martenon - large wood sculpture, abstract, geometric
Located in Paris, FR
No.061222 is an abstract sculpture in wood by French sculptor Thierry Martenon. This large-scale sculpture weaves together richly textured geometric forms, establishing a dynamic int...
Wood, India Ink
$12,000
Divergence II - modern, abstract, geometric, corten steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract outdoor sculpture is forged from Corten steel. Claude Millette often draws inspiration for his modern sculptures from the graceful movement of dancers. Th...
Steel
Two stack 3 by Richard Perry - multi-colored, abstract, stone sculpture
Located in Paris, FR
Two stack 3 is a sculpture by the English artist, Richard Perry. This geometric vertical sculpture features a faceted form with rich colors blending blue, yellow and red on a dark Bl...
Limestone, Enamel
Mobius H8 Painted Black Stainless Steel - contemporary, abstract, sculpture
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large outdoor abstract sculpture by Jeremy Guy is hand-forged from stainless steel and finished in a glossy black. The striking elegant curves of Guy’s contemporary sculptures g...
Stainless Steel
"Bix" by Kevin Barrett, Abstract Bronze Metal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
"Bix" by Kevin Barrett Bronze metal sculpture Kevin Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall reliefs. Organic Bronze Metal Scu...
Metal, Bronze
$45,000
Collusion - tall, monumental, contemporary, abstract, stainless steel sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This monumental, contemporary, abstract, stainless steel sculpture was created by American sculptor Mike Hansel. Hansel has collaborated on public installations of outdoor sculptures...
Stainless Steel
$9,595
L'Homme au regard by Antoine Vidal - vertical bronze sculpture, dark patina
Located in Paris, FR
L’homme au regard 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...
Bronze
"Ambient Chrome" Chrome metallic heart shaped glazed ceramic sculpture
By Jessamyn Go
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hand-pitched chrome metallic glazed heart shaped ceramic sculpture vessel by Jessamyn Go. Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the visceral, meditative experience of working with ...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
Grand Kabuki Stainless Steel Abstract Brutalist Sculpture
Located in Surfside, FL
Alfred Van Loen 1978 (1968 in casting?) signed 18 1/2" x 5 1/2" abstract stainless steel sculpture "Grand Kabucki", mounted on wood base, overall size 21 1/2" x 7" If there are any ...
Stainless Steel
W3-Dimensional 28, Felipe Pantone, 2018
Located in Draper, UT
W3-Dimensional 28, Felipe Pantone, 2018. Comes in custom box with Certificate of Authentication. Rare piece, very beautiful! 13.2 in x 13.6 in
Glass, Plexiglass, Ink
Laurel II - hand sculpted, cream, coral, dynamic, earthenware, ceramic
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Sculpted of earthenware paper clay, this dynamic work by Canadian artist Susan Collett is multi-fired to achieve complex surfaces. The work is rich with craquelure in hues of blue, p...
Ceramic
Memento Morididdle Movement #111: Abstract Mixed Media Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Memento Morididdle Movement #111" is an original hand-cut paper sculpture in a found frame by Charles Clary. This piece measures 13in x 15in x 3.5in. Bio // Charles Clary was born...
Mixed Media, Archival Paper
$35,000
Convergence - abstract, geometric, corten and stainless steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract outdoor sculpture is forged from steel. The dynamic, eclectic sculptural work of Quebec artist Claude Millette is highly regarded for its innovation in bo...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Copper Feather Mesa Abstract Sculpture, Powder Coated Steel, 2010-
Located in Santa Fe, NM
It was the tumult of the sixties that compelled me to drop out of Swarthmore College, move “back to the land” and become an intuitive artist. I believed that if we were to survive a...
Steel
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
$6,800
Dawn Breakers - Contemporary Wall Sculpture, Hand Forged Glass, 20x38"
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Inspired by the splendour of an early morning sky, this contemporary wall sculpture, Dawn Breakers, was hand forged by John Paul Robinson. The Canadian artist is known for his master...
Steel
Abstract Clay Sculpture of Urban Row Home with Black History Themes
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Rather than being literal reproductions of buildings, Leroy Johnson’s iconic, signature house sculptures are alive with texture and symbolism, celebrating the resilience of communiti...
Ceramic, Clay, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Happy Wave by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Rigid Foam sculpture
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Artist: Kuno Vollet Title: Happy Wave Born in 1951 in Petersaurach, located in Upper Franconia, artist Kuno Vollet attended the University of Kassel from 1969 to 1973, where he st...
Steel
$5,500
"Clearing", Vintage Glass Sculpture, Reclaimed Victorian Glass, 15x15x5 in.
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Clearing,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 15 x 15 x 5 in. “Clearing” is a luminous vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the collaborative practice of Nancy Wu a...
Glass, Resin
Kuba African Warthog Divining Figure tribal arts sculpture
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Warthog Divining Figure. Kuba, DRC. Late 19th century. Carved wood with palm oil patina, 12.5 incehes (l), 3.25 inches (h), 2 5/8 inches (d). Loss evident at tip of right ear and on snout. Provenance: Ex. collection Martin and Faith-Dorian Wright; J.J. Klegman; Angelo Caggiula-Carulucci, chief magistrate in Belgian Congo for King Leopold...
Wood
Golden Orbit Contemporary Aluminum sculpture for Outdoors
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Very large Contemporary powder coated aluminum sculpture for inside or garden outdoor spaces. Beautiful spiral dancing and intertwining. This is a large scale outdoor or indoor scul...
Metal
$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
Bronze Table III
Located in Dallas, TX
Bronze & Steel Table
Bronze, Steel
SCULTURA PER FERRAGAMO
Located in London, GB
Created in 1985 for Salvatore Ferragamo on the occasion of the landmark exhibition I Protagonisti della Moda / Leaders of Fashion at Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, this rare Arnaldo Pomo...
Bronze
Slender Thing (Abstract, Modernist Brancusi Inspired Minimalist Grey Sculpture)
By Dai Ban
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract modernist, minimal, Brancusi inspired three dimensional wall sculpture in light grey. Made of carved high-density foam, epoxy resin, pigment and gypsum cement. Despite it's ...
Plaster, Board, Pigment
Large rusted steel by Kuno Vollet Contemporary steel sculpture
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Contemporary rusted steel sculpture for inside or garden outdoor spaces. Born in 1951 in Petersaurach, located in Upper Franconia, artist Kuno Vollet attended the University of Kass...
Steel
$741Sale Price|30% Off
Astronaut on the Moon, Blue Galaxy Mixed Media Round Wall Sculpture
By Vera Vizzi
Located in FISTERRA, ES
A solitary miniature astronaut sits upon a cratered moon beneath a luminous blue galaxy in this round mixed media wall sculpture by Italian artist Vera Vizzi. Created in 2021 and ti...
Enamel
Multifaceted Copper Enamel Tiles Abstract by N.G. Bloome
Located in Soquel, CA
Multifaceted Copper Enamel Tiles Abstract by N.G. Bloome Enameled Copper panels "Picasso" esq by an unknown artist. N.G. Bloome (American, 20th C). Uniq...
Copper, Enamel, Wire
$3,050
Together Bound - Original Medium Size Abstract Organic Form Redwood Sculpture
By Joe Garnero
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Garnero’s medium of choice for his winding abstract wood sculptures is reclaimed Redwood roots, which he finds along the northern California coast. The distinct curving shapes of...
Steel
Timeless Orbit - Silver Contemporary Aluminum sculpture for Outdoors
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Very large Contemporary powder coated aluminum sculpture for inside or garden outdoor spaces. Beautiful spiral dancing and intertwining. This is a large scale outdoor or indoor scul...
Metal
"Tinge", Contemporary Gestural Ceramic, Cream, White, Grey Sculpture
Located in Franklin, MA
Sara Fine-Wilsons “Tinge” is a gestural 17 x 17 x 8 inch ceramic sculpture in pale cream, light gray and white with iron speckles. In this graceful and evocative sculpture individual...
Ceramic, Clay
All Possible Paths Red - contemporary, solid glass, wall sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This red and orange glass wall sculpture is by John Paul Robinson. The ethereal glass work of this Canadian artist has won him acclaim in both Canada and the US. A self-taught glass...
Glass
Cuerpos Magnéticos Autum. Wall sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
From the series Cuerpos Magnéticos (Magetic Bodies) Cuerpos Magnéticos was born searching for the relationship between nature and our bodies, attraction and rejection. We see rocks,...
Epoxy Resin, Pigment
Rust Contemporary Stoneware Ceramic Vessel Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Tall Rust Stoneware Ceramic Sculpture Vessel Dimensions: 15 H × 11 W × 11 D Medium: Hand-formed, coiled stoneware ceramic pot, glazed interior, oxide wash. Adrienne Fierman’s work e...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$28,800
Land Ice by Jaroslav Prošek Bohemian Crystal Sculpture Optical Glass - 2025
Located in Miami, FL
Land Ice by Jaroslav Prošek Bohemian Crystal Sculpture Optical Glass - 2025 This striking sculpture by Jaroslav Prošek is a powerful exploration of form, light, and natural movement...
Glass
Turquoise Crook Mesa Abstract Sculpture, Powder Coated Steel, 2010+
Located in Santa Fe, NM
It was the tumult of the sixties that compelled me to drop out of Swarthmore College, move “back to the land” and become an intuitive artist. I believed that if we were to survive a...
Steel
$2,500
Double Sided Gold Plated Medallion (Limited Edition; Signed and Stamped)
Located in New York, NY
ARNALDO POMODORO Double Sided Gold Plated Medallion, 1985 Bronze with Gold Patina 2 7/10 × 2 7/10 × 3/10 inches Limited Edition of 500 Signed by artist with incised signature; Stampe...
Gold, Bronze