Skip to main content

Abstract Sculptures

ABSTRACT STYLE

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.

to
244
1,142
493
448
336
967
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
2
4
515
2,866
1
1
3
16
39
80
125
102
9,514
1,620
958
424
147
146
114
96
72
22
16
12
7
64
50
31
31
28
27
24
22
19
19
19
16
16
16
15
15
13
13
11
11
1,692
738
613
487
449
96
76
70
44
43
22
31
2,165
893
Style: Abstract
Untitled
Untitled

Untitled

By Paolo Soleri 1

Located in Palm Desert, CA

"Untitled" is a cast metal sculpture made by Italian/American architect and urban planner, Paolo Soleri. The total size is 9 1/2 x 6 x 3 inches. The work is stamped by the artist. S...

Category

20th Century Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Floating Images
Floating Images

Floating Images

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Margaret Koscielny (b.1940). Floating Images, 1974. Plexiglass sculpture. !0 x 10 x 10 images. Light base is new. Margaret Koscielny's work has been recognized in Who's Who in American Art; International Who's Who; Contemporary American Sculptors: An Illustrated Bio-Bibliographical Dictionary; Dictionary of American Women Sculptors; with articles in Kalliope (interview, photographs), The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville Journal, Jacksonville Magazine; St. Petersburg Times; Atlanta Constitution and Journal; essays, by Joseph Jeffers Dodge, Drawings in Light and Space ; and Elihu Edelson, Arts Assembler; and reviewed in various newspapers, including a general review by John Canady, for The New York Times, of the American Drawing Competition, Moore College of Art, Philadelphia, (in which Koscielny was a participant). Influences and Early Background A native of Florida, Margaret Koscielny grew up in a family of classical musicians. Her mother, a violinist, was a descendent of an American Revolutionary war hero who, according to family legend, was related to William Pitt, the Elder, Prime Minister of Great Britain. Her father, a violist, was a graduate of the Leipzig Conservatory, emigrating to the US in 1929, where he became a music pioneer in Florida, teaching, directing bands and orchestras, and developing music education for string ensembles in the public schools. Her sister, Anne Koscielny, a concert pianist, was also a professor of piano for over 4 decades. Her step-brother, Gordon Epperson, was a prominent cellist, writer and college professor. Her niece, Cécile Audette, is a singer and choral conductor, and her grandniece, Renée, a violinist. Both sets of grandparents were musical, as well. This has influenced Koscielny's work the most, as it has provided inspiration and a sense of layers and the element of time in the construction and architecture of her work. Early Education and Career, 1960's Margaret Koscielny began her art studies at Texas Woman's University with Toni La Salle, (a student of Hans Hoffman). La Salle was the first, and most important influence on Koscielny's approach to drawing and art. Ms. La Salle's paintings reflected the ideas she developed under Hoffman's instruction, and she was Koscielny's first encounter with an Abstract Expressionist painter. Koscielny then attended the University of Georgia, where she earned the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Master of Fine Arts in Art. Printmaking and drawing were the primary interests of her graduate work while studying with Charles Morgan, (a student of Jimmy Ernst, son of Max Ernst, the Surrealist). German Expressionism, surrealism and Abstract Expressionism were important influences during this time. The painters, Howard Thomas, James Herbert, and a fellow student, Jim Sitton were important mentors. She began, independently, the exploration of a technique evolved from printmaking combined with transparent media, and created her first "three-dimensional drawing-sculpture" in 1966. During the next two decades, Plexiglas was to be her primary format for drawings engraved, lighted and formed into assemblages. Teacher, Museum Curator, Artist, 1970's After a brief career teaching in public and private schools as well as Jacksonville University, she became Assistant to the Director of the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, (then called Ninah M. H. Cummer Gallery of Art). Margaret Koscielny was responsible for the organization and installation of exhibitions, publications, the training of Docents, and lectures on art history. During that time she also appeared regularly on television to discuss works of art in the museum's permanent collection. In December of 1973, Koscielny made a solo month-long tour of 9 major artistic capitals of Russia and the Ukraine in the former Soviet Union. This journey became the subject of nine lectures to capacity audiences at the Cummer Museum. She left the museum in 1974 to focus her activities primarily on her artwork. The 1970's were a time of numerous commissions, private and corporate for Koscielny, and she won the first National Endowment for the Arts grant in conjunction with the Florida Arts Council in 1975. This allowed her to execute three large sculptures in plexiglas which were exhibited at the Cummer Museum in 1976. Numerous other exhibitions throughout the Southeast followed. She also founded an independent group of 10 artists, Art Celebration! in 1973, because of the lack of galleries in Jacksonville.The success of the group's exhibition over a 5 year period precipitated new galleries to be established. Koscielny finished the decade with an invitation for a One Person Show at Vanderbilt University, also winning an international competition for the new Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport in 1979-80. She was one of only 3 women out of 13 artists, chosen from 500 competitors.The resulting three-dimensional assemblage, "Whole Sight," was in four parts, each 9 x 13 feet. They were installed on four walls over a descending 40 foot escalator. In late 1979, she was invited to produce and design an original ballet...

Category

1970s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Plexiglass

Lu
Lu

Lu

By Donald Martiny

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic Polymer, Pigment

Dark Green Seapod Ceramic Vessel Sculpture
Dark Green Seapod Ceramic Vessel Sculpture

Dark Green Seapod Ceramic Vessel Sculpture

By Adrienne Fierman

Located in East Quogue, NY

"Dark Green Seapod", Ceramic Sculpture Dimensions: 5 H × 5.5 W × 5.5 D Medium: Hand-built ceramic, glazed stoneware Hand-built ceramic sculpture finished in a green glaze. Adrienne ...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Wavy Olive
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Wavy Olive

American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Wavy Olive

By Scott Troxel

Located in Paris, IDF

Artwork made with spray acrylic on maple maple and matte clear coat Scott Troxel draws on the aesthetics of bygone technology and the forward-looking designs of the Atomic Age and m...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Coating, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Poplar

L'oiseau
L'oiseau

L'oiseau

Located in PARIS, FR

This elegant marble sculpture by Étienne Hajdu transforms stone into a fluid, abstract form that conveys both movement and serenity. Smooth, flowing contours and carefully designed n...

Category

1950s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble

"Spray"
"Spray"

"Spray"

By Harry Bertoia

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A sculptor of kinetic objects, many of them with mazes of thin rods that appear brush like, Harry Bertoia was born in San Lorenzo, Italy, and came to America in 1930. In 1936, he stu...

Category

20th Century Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

"Beach-Combed Mochaware, " Mixed Media Sculpture
"Beach-Combed Mochaware, " Mixed Media Sculpture

"Beach-Combed Mochaware, " Mixed Media Sculpture

By Michael Thompson

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, memory jugs are African American folk art objects that honor a loved one who has recently passed. Small tokens and mementos of the deceased are gathered and affixed to the exterior of a jug or vase, an abundance of memories that celebrates a life lived to the fullest. Michael Thompson applies this tradition to his own practice, creating tactile assemblages of this and that. Formed in the manner of collage, each jug honors the lost memories of generations past and his own memories of personally discovering each item. With varied sources for materials including Kyoto, Turkey, and Mexico, a great number of the found shards are 18th and 19th century ceramics...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

"Evolution, Bison" (2019) By Julia Mulligan, Original Ceramic Sculpture
"Evolution, Bison" (2019) By Julia Mulligan, Original Ceramic Sculpture

"Evolution, Bison" (2019) By Julia Mulligan, Original Ceramic Sculpture

Located in Denver, CO

"Evolution, Bison" (2019) by Julia Mulligan is an original, handmade ceramic and gold leaf sculpture on a wooden base that depicts a bison with gold horns. My childhood, from about...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Gold Leaf

Stack XXI : contemporary modern geometric sculpture

Stack XXI : 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...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Little Eden Italy 1980 Annamaria Gelmi  Oxidized Rust Metal Sculpture
Little Eden Italy 1980 Annamaria Gelmi  Oxidized Rust Metal Sculpture

Little Eden Italy 1980 Annamaria Gelmi Oxidized Rust Metal Sculpture

Located in Brescia, IT

This sculpture is a multiple 1 piece of 50 realized in 1980 by the Italian artist Annamaria Gelmi. All the pieces are numbered and signed by the artist and completed by the Certificate of the artist and the Editor who made the artworks. The iron oxidized rust sculpture...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Pangaea Totem by Frédérique Domergue - Abstract metal sculpture, bronze, golden
Pangaea Totem by Frédérique Domergue - Abstract metal sculpture, bronze, golden

Pangaea Totem by Frédérique Domergue - Abstract metal sculpture, bronze, golden

By Frédérique Domergue

Located in Paris, FR

Pangaea Totem is a sculpture by French contemporary artist Frédérique Domergue. The sculpture is made with oak slat, polished brass and verdigris patinated bronze on the sculpted par...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Reclining Female Nude / - Original body landscape -
Reclining Female Nude / - Original body landscape -

Reclining Female Nude / - Original body landscape -

Located in Berlin, DE

Karl Josef Dierkes (1924 Dalhausen - 2008 ibid.), Reclining Female Nude, circa 1960. Bronze 26.5 cm (length), x 11 cm (height) x 7 cm (depth), signed “K.[arl] J.[osef] Dierkes” on th...

Category

1960s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mary Bauermeister - Studio Leftover Fetich, 3D mixed media sculpture Fluxus, S/N
Mary Bauermeister - Studio Leftover Fetich, 3D mixed media sculpture Fluxus, S/N

Mary Bauermeister - Studio Leftover Fetich, 3D mixed media sculpture Fluxus, S/N

By Mary Bauermeister

Located in New York, NY

Mary Baumeister Studio Leftover Fetich, 1953, 1967 Unique Mixed Media 3-D Assemblage Ink Signed, dated, titled, annotated "Edition Original" and numbered 52/75. Shadow box frame Incl...

Category

1960s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Found Objects, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Latin American Sculpture by Raúl Valdivieso
Latin American Sculpture by Raúl Valdivieso

Latin American Sculpture by Raúl Valdivieso

By Raúl Valdivieso

Located in Washington, DC

Bronze sculpture by Latin American sculptor Raúl Valdivieso (Chilean, 1931-1993). Valdivieso is known for his reinterpretation of the classic organic forms and human figures. Raúl Valdiveso was born September 9, 1931 in Santiago, Chile. In 1952 he began his studies at the School of Fine Arts at the University of Chile. There he took to sculpture and studied under professors like Marta Colvin...

Category

1960s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Strong Female Form
Strong Female Form

Strong Female Form

Located in New York, NY

This is a great sculpture with real gravitas and elegance. A great conception in terms of the forms and planes. Can be a star piece in a room - stone and surface are very attractive! Active primarily in the mid to late 20th century, Leo De Beer...

Category

1960s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Royal Red Orbit Contemporary Aluminum sculpture for Outdoors
Royal Red Orbit Contemporary Aluminum sculpture for Outdoors

Royal Red 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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Cujam', 1993 by David Ruth
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Cujam', 1993 by David Ruth

Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Cujam', 1993 by David Ruth

By David Ruth

Located in Oakland, CA

'Cujam' is a contemporary abstract cast glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Internal Space series. This part of the series was inspired by astronomy and the distant galaxies and ...

Category

1990s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Attitudes, Glass and Polished Brass Sculpture by Jaworksi
Attitudes, Glass and Polished Brass Sculpture by Jaworksi

Attitudes, Glass and Polished Brass Sculpture by Jaworksi

By David Jaworski

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: David Jaworsky, American Title: Attitudes Year: 1991 Medium: Blown Glass and Bronze with a Marble Base Size: 31 x 20 x 24 in. (78.74 x 50.8 x 60.96 cm) Base: 16 x 2 x 16 ...

Category

1990s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

1763 Study #1, Matt Devine, Steel/Powdercoat/Concrete Base (Indoors/Outdoors)
1763 Study #1, Matt Devine, Steel/Powdercoat/Concrete Base (Indoors/Outdoors)

1763 Study #1, Matt Devine, Steel/Powdercoat/Concrete Base (Indoors/Outdoors)

By Matt Devine

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Matt Devine 1763 Study #1 Steel w/ Powdercoat on Concrete Base (Indoors/Outdoors) 18" x 9.5" x 9" Matt Devine is a self-taught sculptor working with steel, aluminum and bronze. Bor...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Concrete, Steel, Stainless Steel

1978 One on the other one by G.Roland Abstract Sculpture Polished Aluminum
1978 One on the other one by G.Roland Abstract Sculpture Polished Aluminum

1978 One on the other one by G.Roland Abstract Sculpture Polished Aluminum

By G. Roland

Located in Brescia, IT

This artwork is composed by two single cubes simply juxtaposed, as the original artist project present in our Gallery Archive. One of a kind piece and it is signet by the Author.

Category

1970s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

John Van Alstine - Catapulta XVII, Sculpture 2010
John Van Alstine - Catapulta XVII, Sculpture 2010

John Van Alstine - Catapulta XVII, Sculpture 2010

By John Van Alstine

Located in Greenwich, 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...

Category

2010s Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel

Abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract sculptures available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add sculptures created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, purple, green and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Scott Troxel, John Van Alstine, Marty Mackenzie, and Stephen Walling. Frequently made by artists working with Wood, and Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract sculptures, so small editions measuring 0.38 inches across are also available. Prices for sculptures made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11 and tops out at $1,400,000, while the average work sells for $4,500.