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.
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 ...
Glass
$7,669
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
Layered
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
Wind Water #2
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
Steel Orbit by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Rusted sculpture for Outdoors
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Contemporary rusted steel sculpture for inside or garden outdoor spaces. Beautiful circle - sign for infinity. Stunning large artwork. Possible to put on a pedestal or directly on t...
Steel
Specimen of Purple Coral on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare purple coral specimen with its ocean inspired form, textures and alluring violet color. Presented on a Lucite base to enhance the sculptural elements. Available only in the Uni...
Organic Material
$7,500
Swift - bright, colourful, abstract, pop art, painted stainless steel sculpture
By Viktor Mitic
Located in Bloomfield, ON
A heart-shaped symbol in bright red and white crowns a stack of sculptural pieces in this playful abstract work created by Viktor Mitic. Swift was inspired from photos and sketching'...
Steel
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Vela', 1995 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Vela' 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 s...
Glass
No title
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture, 1990 Handsigned by the artist in pencil Compression of capsules and wires Unique work of a series in 500 different copies Depth: 2.30 cm A modestly sized compression of ...
Iron
$3,136Sale Price|21% Off
Art in motion n°9 by Gilbert Pauli - Concrete sculpture 96x64 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
"Art in motion" is a series that offers artworks working with matter; concrete, cement, plaster, mortar, and natural pigments. These works are intended t...
Concrete
Silver Orbit by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary brass sculpture with silver base
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Contemporary Minimal Silver polished stainless steel sculpture. It is a stunning polished stainless steel and makes for an elegant statement in any garden, lobby or private home. Ku...
Marble, Brass
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Sampalan', 2008 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Sampalan' is a contemporary abstract cast glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Internal Space series. David fused various colored glass to create a layered, suspended, and vibran...
Stainless Steel
"Cheek to Cheek 2" Stoneware Clay Abstract Ceramic Sculpture in white
Located in New York, NY
Cheek to Cheek 2 by John Born Stoneware clay, terra sigillata, black wash John Born's work primarily involves creating functional and sculptural ceramics. His pieces often reflect t...
Ceramic, Clay
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...
Metal
Seguso Murano Italian Art Glass Cobalt Gold Aventurine Footed Vase Sculpture
By Livio Seguso
Located in Surfside, FL
Seguso Viro Murano Hand signed underneath. Dimensions: vase measures approximately 16" tall and 8.75" across the widest area. Good-quality Seguso Murano (probably 1980's or 1990s,...
Glass
Absolute VI by Yann Guillon, Abstract Soapstone Sculpture, Organic Forms
By Yann Guillon
Located in Paris, FR
Absolute VI is a soapstone sculpture by French contemporary artist Yann Guillon. The sculpture reveals a subtle interplay of shades, curves and hollows that evoke movement and organi...
Stone
Elevate No. 3 Abstract Geometric Sculpture in Brass and Wood
By Huy Lam
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This work titled "Elevate No. 3" is an original artwork by Huy Lam made of burnt wood and brass inlay. The piece measures 8" x 20" x 3.5". Please note: The plant and the pot pictur...
Brass
Argentine Modernist Brutalist Abstract Bronze Sculpture Jewish Latin American
By Naum Knop
Located in Surfside, FL
Naum Knop (Ukrainian-Argentinean, 1917-1993) Modernist Brutalist bronze figural sculpture with heavy verdigris green finish. Melted forms in the shape of an abstract pretzel like twist. Affixed to white stone plinth. Artist signature, "NK" side of base. Good condition, shows rich green patina and aged oxidation. Measures approximately 17.5 in. x 19.5 in. x 6.5 in. Naum Knop, Argentine sculptor, was born in 1917 in Buenos Aires, into a Jewish family of Russian origin from Ukraine. His childhood was spent in the neighborhood of La Paternal where his father had a carpentry workshop, a space in which he made contact for the first time with the technique of wood carving. After finishing elementary school, he worked with the teacher Luis Fernández and soon after he dedicated himself to furniture design. Around 1935, he entered the Manuel Belgrano School of Fine Arts . Between 1941 and 1942 he attended the course for graduates taught by Alberto Lagos and Alfredo Bigatti at the National School of Fine Arts and continued his training between 1942-1945 at the Ernesto de la Cárcova High School with Soto Avedaño, Carlos de la Cárcova and José Fioravanti. At this time he put his works in dialogue with other young artists such as Libero Badii and Aurelio Macchi . Around 1947 he made his study trip abroad. He goes to California, United States, where he enters the Art Institute of Los Angeles. At the same time visit museums and galleries. In January 1948 he organized his first exhibition abroad, held at the Hall of Arts in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. During this period he toured Chicago and then New York. That year he traveled to Europe; his itinerary includes France, Italy, Switzerland and England. As a result, he came into contact with the work of Henry Moore, Hans Jean Arp, Jacques Lipchitz, Constantin Brancusi, Umberto Boccioni, Henry Laurens, Ossip Zadkine. Artists who have an impact on the young Knop and whom he honors in his subsequent production. He returned to Argentina in 1949 and installed his workshop where he worked on ornamental carving and on pieces in which he oscillated between a synthetic figuration and abstraction. In 1956 he began his successful participation in salons , obtaining numerous awards at the national and municipal level. In 1959 he participated in the shipment to the 5th São Paulo Biennial and since then, to the success achieved at the local level, the multiple exhibitions carried out in the international field have been added. The exhibitions in Tel Aviv , Jerusalem and Rome (1966) stand out; Dusseldorf (1977); Los Angeles and Palm Spring (1981); New York (1986), San Pablo and Los Angeles(1989). During this period, his work matured, while he began to experiment with the direct wax technique, obtaining textured surfaces similar to welds that gave it a strong abstract expressionist feature. In parallel to his personal production and to the small models, the artist receives private and public commissions for which he works on large-scale sculptures and murals. Around 1967, the architect Mario R. Álvarez summons him to participate in a closed competition for the creation of a work to be located in the General San Martín Cultural Center . Libero Badii and Enio Iommi participate with the artist ; the bronze Reclining Figure Knop is chosen. Among the large-scale monuments it is worth remembering the piece Los tres soles temporarily located in Recoleta in 1984 and later installed in Maryland, United States; as well as Seated Figure (Reminiscence of Michelangelo) located in the shield of a private building in 1970. To these are added the numerous murals in which he experiments with various materials and techniques such as casting in bronze, openwork and reliefs in wood and work in cement. He was included in the The 1962 International Prize for Sculpture the jury included Argan, Romero Brest and James Johnson Sweeney the former director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. The participants included Louise Nevelson and John Chamberlain for the United States; Lygia Clark for Brazil; Pietro Consagra, Lucio Fontana, Nino Franchina, and Gió Pomodoro for Italy; Pablo Serrano for Spain; and Eduardo Paolozzi, William Turnbull, and Kenneth Armitage for England. Gyula Kosice, Noemí Gerstein, Julio Gero, Naum Knop, Aldo Paparella, Enrique Romano, Eduardo Sabelli, and Luis Alberto...
Stone, Bronze
Cups "G" - Japanese Paper and Brass, Abstract Wall Sculpture
By Nancy Mintz
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Cups “G” by Nancy Mintz is a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted wall sculpture that has a quiet, ethereal presence, formed from fine brass wire that moves across the wall like drawn lines. ...
Brass
Wallreliefs black and white 1 (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
$2,087
Abstract Wooden Sculptures Soldier's Luck I, 1992 German/Swiss Artist Rolf Hans
By Rolf Hans
Located in Eltville am Rhein, DE
Rolf Hans Frankfurt 1938 - 1996 Basel Soldatenglück I, 1992 / Soldier's Luck I, 1992 wooden sculptures signed, dated, and titled on the underside 115 x 40 x 16 cm The sculptures are...
Iron
Ragisména series Brown, Abstract Sculpture
By Rodrigo Zuliani Hauck Zampol
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The Ragisména series, which in Greek means cracked, has its materiality manifested through the desire to recreate and make feelings, memories and mythology tangible in the physical w...
Canvas, Plaster, Acrylic
Ragisména series White M9, 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
$4,800
#202
Located in Dallas, TX
cold rolled steel, sparkle orange metallic powder coated wall sculpture
Steel
$3,834
Blue Orbit by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Abstract Circular Blue Steel sculpture
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Artist: Kuno Vollet Title: Blue Orbit Materials: Stainless Steel Size: 40cm x 40 cm x 25 cm Variation of sculptures all individual About the Gallery: Folly and Muse was establi...
Stainless Steel
Untitled Wall #2 - black porcelain geometric wall hanging sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Porcelain and paper clay, 2012, 21.5 x 20 x 3 in Artists Statement: My interest is in exploring ways of building structural forms in ceramics. Many ideas for the forms come from arc...
Porcelain
$3,021
ABSTRACT Wood Sculpture Landscapes Black Contemporary Jonathan Freemantle
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This sculpture consists of two pieces. The dimensions of each piece are: 51x8x8 cm and 47x8x8 cm respectively. 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 Authenticity, guaranteeing its originality and provenance. We offer secure worldwide delivery to any address you specify, ensuring that your purchase arrives in pristine condition. If you require additional shipping options or a bespoke quote from our trusted network of carriers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you find the best solutions for a smooth and secure delivery experience. Born: 1978, Cape Town, South Africa. Lives and works: Edinburgh, Scotland. Jonathan Freemantle...
Stone, Iron
$2,320Sale Price|64% Off
Art in motion n°2
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in 1944 in the canton of Fribourg, Gilbert Pauli currently lives in Geneva, where he devotes himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed from his childhood. His fa...
Concrete, Steel
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Altair', 1993 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Altair' is a contemporary abstract cast glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Internal Space series. David fused various colored glass to create a layered, suspended, and vibrant ...
Glass
Large Abstract Bronze Sculpture by Ellen Brenner-Sorensen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Ellen Brenner-Sorensen Title: Untitled I Year: 1991 Medium: Bronze Sculpture, signature and number inscribed Edition: 1/8 Size: 27 in. x 20 in. x 16 in. (68.58 cm x 50.8 cm x...
Bronze
$4,415
Abstract Calligraphic Sculpture Vault II 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
John Van Alstine - Column 7-16, Sculpture 2016
Located in Stamford, CT
Column 7-16, 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 ...
Granite, Steel
"Ristra", Large-Scale Abstract Metal Sculpture, Red, Outdoor, Contemporary
By Alex Barrett
Located in New York, NY
"Ristra" by Alex Barrett Large-scale, organic abstract metal sculpture in powder-coated aluminum Alex Barrett's monumental abstract sculptures are built with aluminum, and are powde...
Metal
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Yaroi', 2008 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Yaroi' is a contemporary abstract cast glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Internal Space series. It features painterly brushstroke formations in glass called trails. These trail...
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
Golden Apples 36
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
Double Diddle Phlebotomy Movement #16: Abstract Paper Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Original hand-cut paper and ink on illustration board layered paper sculpture by Charles Clary measuring 15"h x 12"w. This piece ships in the pictured black frame. Charles Clary wa...
Paper, Ink, Illustration Board
Double Diddle Phlebotomy Movement #15: Abstract Paper and Ink Art
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Original hand-cut, layered paper and ink on illustration board by Charles Clary measuring 15"h x 12"w. This piece ships in the pictured black frame. Charles Clary was born in 1980 ...
Paper, Ink, Illustration Board
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Al Okab', 1993 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Al Okab' 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 an...
Glass
"Double Diddle Phlebotomy Movement #2" drawing and layered paper sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Original multicolored hand-cut paper and ink on illustration board layered paper sculpture by Charles Clary measuring 16"h x 21"w. This piece ships in the pictured black frame. Cha...
Paper, Ink, Illustration Board
"Double Diddle Phlebotomy Movement #13", Layered Paper and Drawing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Original hand-cut paper and ink on illustration board layered paper sculpture by Charles Clary measuring 15"h x 9"w. This piece ships in the pictured black frame. Charles Clary was...
Paper, Ink, Illustration Board
Spirit Flames – A Modern Organic Sculpture in Brazilian Agate
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Spirit Flames blends the fiery beauty of Brazilian Agate with modern design. Its vibrant colors and built-in lighting create a dynamic, energetic vibe, perfect for adding warmth and ...
Precious Stone
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Waka Tupapku', 1996 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Waka Tupapaku' is a contemporary abstract cast glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Internal Space series. About the Internal Space Series: David’s experiments with sheet glass and fusing led him to try to make the glass thicker to see more interior space. It was during this time a professor pointed out that he was working with a metaphor, for which the internal space of the glass was the equivalent to the internal life of the mind. This became his operating mantra but also forced him to come to terms with the casting of thick sections. “Creating those internal spaces came with some problems. Other than telescope mirrors, I did not know that anyone annealed glass in a kiln for more than a day or two. When pieces cracked after five days of cooling, I could not believe they would need even more time. The tragedy...
Glass
Vivian Alarcón Contemporary Mixed Media Textile Wall Sculpture
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...
Textile, Glass
Pink Ceramic Urn with Crown by Heidi Hartmann
Located in Winterswijk, NL
This elegant handcrafted ceramic urn with a smooth oval shape, delicate stands soft green and pink tones with fine decorative details, blending timeless design and natural inspiratio...
Ceramic
Schwerelos Gold by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Golden bronze sculpture
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Artist: Kuno Vollet Title: Schwerelos Gold Materials: Bronze sculpture with a dark patina on black granite base Size: 65cm height of upper sculpture, base: 18 x 18 cm x 8 cm Lim...
Granite, Bronze
Layered Cube Votive Sculpture (sky), pastel, geometric, earthy, candle holder
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Biomorphic yet industrial style to Dena Paige Fischer's sculptural votive candle holder. The stacked cubes are painted and smooth one with a natural cleave, piled upon one another into a column, or as the artist calls it, a totem. The pastel painted plaster in lavender and pale yellow looks almost soft. The piece is smooth and the bold navy blue and taupe paint embellish the abstract geometric design. This sculptural votive candle holder is a functional and decorative tabletop art...
Plaster, Paint, Polyurethane
Sage Wisp Mesa
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
Marbles for Pleiades 11
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Hand Built and glazed ceramic. Safe for outdoors. My interest in clay as an artistic medium began in 1984. Like most beginners in the medium, I focused on creating wheel thrown ve...
Ceramic
"Metamorphosis"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The sculpture “Metamorphosis” embodies the idea of change, transformation and movement of life. Its smooth, elegant lines create a sense of dynamics, and the combination of a mirro...
Granite, Bronze
$1,500
Medaglia 25 Anni Tecno Limited Edition bronze medallion plaque famous sculptor
Located in New York, NY
ARNALDO POMODORO Medaglia 25 Anni Tecno (Two Sided Bronze Medallion), 1979 Bronze (incised signature) 2 1/2 × 2 × 7/10 inches Edition 196/1600 Unframed This beautiful two sided limit...
Bronze
$20,000
I Will Follow You #2, Abstract, Mixed Media Sculptural Wall Relief, Large-Scale
By Joan Hall
Located in New York, NY
I Will Follow You #2 by Joan Hall Handmade paper, glass beads, acrylic, Dura-lar, collagraph Joan Hall creates large-scale works and sculptural installations with an emphasis on the...
Glass, Acrylic, Handmade Paper
Basquiat Bearbrick 400% and 100% (Basquiat Be@rbrick)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Basquiat Bearbrick 400% and 100%: Bearbrick and Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat Vinyl Figures: Set of two (400% & 100%): A unique, timeless collectible trademarked & licensed by the ...
Resin, Vinyl
Round ceramic urn crescent moon by Heidi Hartmann
Located in Winterswijk, NL
This ceramic vase-like urn with a little golden ball on top is a unique piece handcrafted with care and passion. This beautiful memorial artwork combines aesthetic beauty with deep s...
Gold Leaf
$7,669
Aspiring Path by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Yellow 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
$12,665
Steel Orbit by Kuno Vollet - Contemporary Rusted Steel sculpture for Outdoors
By Kuno Vollet
Located in DE
Artist: Kuno Vollet Title: Orbit Contemporary rusted steel sculpture for inside or garden outdoor spaces. Beautiful circle - sign for infinity. Stunning large artwork. Possible to...
Steel
"Veloce" by Kevin Barrett, Large-Scale Abstract Metal Sculpture in Bronze
Located in New York, NY
"Veloce" by Kevin Barrett Bronze outdoor sculpture Kevin Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall reliefs. Metal, Bronze, Indo...
Metal, Bronze
Bronze Sculpture 'Bolas II' by Carola Eggeling, Bronze Polished
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze Sculpture 'Bolas II' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. German bronze sculpture Bronze Polished Certificate of authenticity Numbered and sign...
Bronze
$125,000
NorEaster
By Ed Haugevik
Located in New York, NY
Abstract Sculpture. Painted White. About the Artist: Ed Haugevik has established a career as professional sculptor placing his work at numerous private and public sites througho...
Stainless Steel
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Wall Hanging or Centerpiece with Engravings, Sticks, and Thread
Located in Soquel, CA
Ceramic Wall Hanging or Centerpiece with Engravings, Sticks, and Thread Balanced abstract sculptural piece by an unknown artist (20th Century). This sculpture is composed of various...
Ceramic, Thread, Wood