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.
"what was tonight" - blue abstract sculpture
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Laser cut sculpture is part of Ilanit`s Calligraphy series. It is made of laser cut aluminium covered with automotive paint. As all of Ilanit`s works, this work is ba...
Metal
Sorel Etrog "La Mer"
By Sorel Etrog
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Sorel Etrog (1933 - 2014) is arguably Canada's most famous sculptor. His work can be found in numerous museum and private collections including the Tate, the AGO and LACMA. His pub...
Bronze
$15,650
Small 2 Rods
By Val Bertoia
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Inscribed with artist's number on base
Metal
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
Upcycled metal Unique work Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Metal
"Where did you say it feels good?" - triptych black abstract sculpture
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful laser cut sculpture is part of Ilanit`s Calligraphy series. It is made of laser cut aluminium and covered with black automotive paint. The pieces can be hung horizontally or vertically as seen in the images. The length of each piece is 20.5" and each has a different height: 25.5", 27.5" and 28.3". The size written in the description of the work is if all 3 are placed horizontally with 6" gap in between them. The pieces can also be custom sized!!! As all of Ilanit`s works, this work is based on a poem Ilanit wrote. At first, it looks as an abstract wall sculpture, but as you dive into it you start recognizing the Hebrew letter of the poem. The words of the poem that are hidden in this work are: "Excuse/ pardon me miss, Where did you say it feels good...
Metal
Light-Glyph (Purple)
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
Light-Glyph (Rose Gold)
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
Contemporary Scholar's Stone I (black with pink light)
Located in New Orleans, LA
Kristina Larson creates biomorphic three-dimensional works primarily out of clay. Within her multidisciplinary practice she seeks to blur the lines between art, craft, and design by ...
Ceramic, Glaze, LED Light
$18,500
Carib
By Zammy Migdal
Located in Miami, FL
Undulating on the wall in any pattern desired, this colorful installation of various shades of Caribbean blue is a multi element installation that can be arranged in any way you like...
Metal
Untitled
By Pere Aragay
Located in Barcelona, CT
The sculpture is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Resin
Light-Glyph (Red)
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
Abstraction
Located in Greenwich, CT
Abstract terracotta sculpture
Terracotta
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Clover
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Acrylic on maple with matte finish Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of the Atomic Age and mid-century modernism to make dyna...
Maple, Acrylic
Untitled
By Pere Aragay
Located in Barcelona, CT
The sculpture is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Plastic, Wood
Aria (Blue)
By Eric Johnson
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Inspired by both art and science, Eric Johnson creates composite works of pigment, wood and resin that reference a kinship with other artists: to the sensuality of Brancusi, the arch...
Wood, Lacquer
Clouds of Smoke – Glint
By Chingke Lin
Located in New York, NY
Ching Ke Lin is a bamboo artist, who keeps delving into the land, exploring the common ground between humans and bamboo, and refining his creative vocabulary in the law of nature. R...
Wood
Clouds of Smoke – Pulse
By Chingke Lin
Located in New York, NY
Ching Ke Lin is a bamboo artist, who keeps delving into the land, exploring the common ground between humans and bamboo, and refining his creative vocabulary in the law of nature. R...
Wood
Clouds of Smoke – Drift
By Chingke Lin
Located in New York, NY
Ching Ke Lin is a bamboo artist, who keeps delving into the land, exploring the common ground between humans and bamboo, and refining his creative vocabulary in the law of nature. R...
Wood
FRECUENCIA GEOMETRICA - Red/Black
Located in New York, NY
This wall sculpture installation is made of 10 painted steel elements in black and red. Each piece is 17"x11"x8". About the artist: Mariana Copello is a Houston-based artist who ...
Cut Steel
"The World in a Grain of Sand" Abstract Paper Wall Sculpture, Mixed Media
Located in New York, NY
"The World in a Grain of Sand" by Joan Giordano Mixed media, international archival newspapers, encaustic on canvas Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her ...
Paper, Mixed Media, Magazine Paper, Newsprint, Canvas, Encaustic
"Hyperbolic Paraboloid", Jerry Dane Sanders, Outside Steel Sculpture, 120x48x48
Located in Dallas, TX
"Hyperbolic Paraboloid - Harp"" by Jerry Dane Sanders is a large brushed finish stainless steel outdoor sculpture measuring 120x48x48. This is a stunning stainless steel sculpture in the shape of a twisted U with skinny pieces of steel intertwined in the middle, creating a hyperbolic paraboloid effect, reminiscent of a harp. This unique and modern piece will add an eye-catching focal point to any outdoor space, from gardens and patios to public parks and corporate courtyards. The durable stainless steel construction ensures that this sculpture will withstand the elements and retain its beauty for years to come. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your outdoor environment with this one-of-a-kind sculpture. This piece does have some damage with scratches. on the steel base. Jerry Dane Sanders Sadly passed away at age 58 from brain cancer...
Stainless Steel
Cloud
Located in New Orleans, LA
Hand-built clay sculpture with white glaze and internal blue LED light. This sculpture can be wall mounted or displayed on a pedestal or table top.
Ceramic, Glaze, LED Light
Untitled
By Pere Aragay
Located in Barcelona, CT
The sculpture is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Wood
"Force Field Sphere" Abstract, Volcanic Sand Sculpture by John Ruppert
By John Ruppert
Located in New York, NY
"Force Field Sphere" by John Ruppert Volcanic sand (magnetite) harvested from Joshua Tree, rare earth magnet Over the past 35 years, John Ruppert has been working in cast metals; ma...
Stone, Metal
"Vortex" Abstract, Volcanic Sand Sculpture by John Ruppert
By John Ruppert
Located in New York, NY
"Vortex" by John Ruppert Volcanic sand (magnetite) harvested from Joshua Tree, rare earth magnet Over the past 35 years, John Ruppert has been working in...
Stone, Metal
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
Upcycled metal Unique work Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Metal
$58,000
"Cat Walk", Abstract, Welded Steel Metal Sculpture by Isobel Folb Sokolow
Located in New York, NY
"Cat Walk" by Isobel Folb Sokolow Welded found metal and automotive steel Sokolow creates both abstract and figurative metal sculpture for indoor display.
Steel, Metal
$10,500
Coaster
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....
Steel
Untitled
By Pere Aragay
Located in Barcelona, CT
The sculpture is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Metal
Untitled
By Pere Aragay
Located in Barcelona, CT
The sculpture is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Metal
Untitled
By Pere Aragay
Located in Barcelona, CT
The sculpture is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Metal
Bronze Sculpture 'Newa' by Carola Eggeling
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze Sculpture 'Newa' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines and golden skin. Polished bronze sculpture Signed and numbered by the artist Limited editi...
Bronze
$544Sale Price|20% Off
Vajrasattva Statue 7.5 Inch with 24K Gold Handcrafted by Lost Wax Process
Located in TRUMBULL, CT
This statue is handcrafted by lost wax process which is one of the ancient process of metal craft. Vajrasattva is seated on lotus with one hand holding a Vajra and the other hand a b...
Copper
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Gotham
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Acrylic on solid maple with texture, matte and gloss finish Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of the Atomic Age and mid-centu...
Acrylic, Maple
$25,000
"Exodus", Joan Giordano, Mixed Media, Paper, Newsprint, Wall Hanging, vertical
Located in New York, NY
"Exodus" by Joan Giordano Mixed Media, Handmade Abaca Paper, Newspapers, Photographic Prints, Encaustic Museum shown and collected artist Joan Giordano is known for her unique hand made paper sculpture and wall relief sculpture and Japanese influenced wall scrolls.
Archival Paper, Handmade Paper, Newsprint
$4,864
The Link - 21st Century, Marble sculpture, Organic shapes, nature inspired
Located in Barcelona, Catalonia
Noemi Palacios expresses herself through form and matter, a medium through which she has found a deep understanding of her inner self. Her evocative pieces are inspired by the univer...
Marble
Figure with Hat
Located in Milford, NH
A fine abstract polychromed plaster bust of a figure with hat by American artist Varujan Boghosian (1926-2020). Boghosian was born in New Britain, CT and after serving in the United ...
Metal
Hannah Macfarlane TAKING UP SPACE South African Abstract Hanging Sculpture 2023
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
'Taking up space' is a wonderful hanging, red, abstract sculpture by South African artist, Hannah Macfarlane. It was made in 2023 of Merino wool and stuffing. This unique sculpture c...
Fabric, Wool
"Cosmos I & II", Isobel Folb Sokolow, Abstract Steel Metal Wall Relief Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
"Cosmos I & II" by Isobel Folb Sokolow Welded steel, found & automotive metal, gold leaf Metal Wall Relief Sculpture, Abstract, Organic, A...
Gold Leaf, Steel
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Balanced Point Stone and Steel with Patina Angled Abstract Sculpture
By Delos Van Earl
Located in Miami, FL
Two marble pieces converge on one point in this perfectly balanced sculpture of warm marble and steel. It is a beautiful abstract work that hold both inte...
Marble, Steel
Indian Contemporary Art by Sumit Mehndiratta - Metallic Waves 4
Located in Paris, IDF
Spray paint on upcycled plastic bottles 23 x 21 x 5 cm Set of eight pieces Sumit Mehndiratta is an Indian artist born in 1986 who lives & works in New Delhi, India. He has pursued ...
Plastic, Spray Paint
Scars - 21st Century, Marble sculpture, Organic shapes, nature inspired
Located in Barcelona, Catalonia
Noemi Palacios expresses herself through form and matter, a medium through which she has found a deep understanding of her inner self. Her evocative pieces are inspired by the univer...
Marble
Abstract Framed Landscape Construction
Located in Milford, NH
A spectacular three dimensional abstract framed construction by American artist Varujan Boghosian (b. 1926). Boghosian was born in New Britain, CT and ...
Metal
Close to Heart 1 & 2 - Wood sculpture by Zlata Kornilova
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture Close to Heart 1 & 2 Limited edition of 12 (each sculpture) Dimensions: - Close to heart 1 (black): H. 73. x D. 34 cm - Close to heart 2 (natural): H. 82. x D. 22 cm Medi...
Steel
Bronze Sculpture 'Bolas IV' by Carola Eggeling, Bronze Patina
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze Sculpture 'Bolas IV' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. German bronze sculpture Bronze Patina Certific...
Bronze
$6,600
Multiply Connected Triangle II, Abstract Metal Sculpture, 21st Century
Located in Montreal, Quebec
By Sophie Lynch In Hyperobjects, Nova Scotia-based artist Colleen Wolstenholme presents works that developed from her earlier drawings of brain cell patterns and her interest in t...
Metal
"Creating Spirits, " Red Jasper Abstract Sculpture by Farai Darare
By Farai Darare
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Creating Spirits" is an original red jasper sculpture by Farai Darare. It depicts an abstracted figure holding a pot. 19" x 6 1/2" x 3 1/4" Farai Walter Darare started working as a washer and polisher for his father's sculptures when he was seven years old. He worked and studied under the renowned Shona sculptors Chikumbirike, Runyanga, Muropa, and his father Casper Darare...
Stone
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - ZAP II
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by acrylic & texture on solid maple, mahogany & matte clear coat Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of th...
Acrylic, Mahogany, Maple
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Thrush
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by acrylic on birch, stain & satin lacquer finish Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Other Ar...
Acrylic, Birch, Lacquer
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Tenser
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by birch, pigmented lacquer & MDF Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Other Art Fair in NYC, T...
Birch, Lacquer
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Solar Luau
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by acrylic washes on birch Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Other Art Fair in NYC, Texas Co...
Acrylic, Birch
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Fire Dancer
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made by acrylic on solid maple, matte clear coat Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of the Atomic Age and mid-century ...
Maple, Acrylic
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Blanco
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made in 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 Othe...
Latex, Wood, Cedar, Wax
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - BlueTwo
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Artwork made in birch, wax & acrylic washes Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Other Art Fair in NYC, Texa...
Wax, Birch
"Abstract, " White Opal Sculpture by Obert Mukumbi
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Abstract" is an original white opal sculpture by Obert Mukumbi. The artist signed the sculpture. 13 1/2" x 9" x 6" Obert Mukumbi was born on February 11, 1974 in Mashonaland Central Province where he also attended school. He was interested in wood craft and worked on that while he was still in school. Soon after school he was encouraged by his cousin Kennedy Musekiwa...
Stone
Discovery 2018-2, Kug Kyung Oh
By Kug Kyung Oh
Located in Porto, 13
"Discovery 2018-2" by Kug Kyung Oh Medium: Bronze Edition: 3 of 6 Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 129 cm / 10.2 x 10.2 x 50.8 in Year: 2018 "Discovery 2018-2" by Kug Kyung Oh is a sculptural m...
Bronze
Sculptures 'Wandobjekt' by Carola Eggeling, Bronze and Aluminum
Located in Paris, FR
Sculptures 'Wandobjekt' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. Set of 3 German aluminum and bronze sculptures Finishes: - Aluminum white lacquered - Al...
Bronze, Steel
Silver Sculpture 'Phönix I' by Carola Eggeling
Located in Paris, FR
Silver Sculpture 'Phönix I' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. German silver sculpture (alloy of copper, nickel and zinc) Numbered and signed artwork...
Silver
Untitled
By James Guy
Located in New York, NY
Signed (at lower center): Guy
Steel
Wall Stack VI : contemporary modern geometric sculpture
By Greg Chann
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