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.
Conversation, Contemporary Geometric Abstract Oil Painting, Framed
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
This contemporary geometric abstract oil painting by French artist Sophie Dumont combines architectural structure, organic forms and a refined palette of black, ivory, muted pink, oc...
Oil
Breeze - Abstract Sculpture in White Felt, Contemporary, Handmade, 2010+
By Chung-Im Kim
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary white sculptural wall hanging was handmade. For more than three decades, internationally acclaimed artist Chung Im-Kim has woven two worlds together. The Canadian...
Felt
Sunlit
Located in Zofingen, AG
A woman rests in golden light, her yellow dress blooming against a wild garden of color. Bold and radiant, it captures a moment of pure, sunlit calm. Ready on a stretcher bar, size 7...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Xavi Carbonell, Untitled mixed media on canvas framed, 2025
Located in New York, NY
Xavi Carbonell, Large Scale Contemporary Spanish Mixed Media Painting Bold, energetic, and visually arresting, this large scale work by Spanish contemporary artist Xavi Carbonell (b....
Alabaster
$1,800
Held by Nature’s Embrace, 36” x 24” original neutral botanical abstract
Located in Cumming, GA
An understated botanical abstraction designed to bring warmth, balance, and natural sophistication to a thoughtfully curated interior. Held in Nature’s Embrace combines muted sage g...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,075
Modern abstract expressionist floral painting on linen canvas "Flower Light"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Flower Light” is a contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, where vibrant color and instinctive gesture transform a simple bouquet into a celebration of lig...
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
$335
Blue and Gold - Impasto Color Drenched Textured Paint Abstract Artwork on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Glitter
$3,744
Weightless in the Deep-Original Abstract Expressionism - Figurative Oil Painting
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...
Canvas, Oil
$2,800
Alex Katz - The Rowboat Lt Ed screenprint on rose-toned wove paper, plate signed
By Alex Katz
Located in New York, NY
Color screenprint on rose-toned wove paper, 1966 Limited Edition of 500 Plate (printed) signature This is an exhibition poster for a benefit sale held at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC...
Screen
Untitled #5
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is part of the series “Inside and outside”, which explores the connection between a person’s inner world and what is happening around them. Shipped in roll.
Paper, Mixed Media
$2,300
Atmospheric Balance - Original abstract Abstract Painting, Soft Blue, pink
Located in Cumming, GA
Atmospheric Balance original painting captures a luminous, tranquil moment inspired by light, air, and natural equilibrium. Soft layers of pale blue, warm ivory, and subtle neutral t...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,800
Orchard (Abstract Painting on Canvas in Earth-Tones of Blue & Green, Framed)
By James O'Shea
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract painting on canvas in an bright, earthy blue and green palette "Orchard", made in 2010 oil on board 33.5 x 32 inches 35 x 33 x 2 inches with a natural maple floater frame S...
Oil, Wood Panel
Between Us - Contemporary Metal Abstract Outdoor Sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary outdoor abstract sculpture is comprised of two metal columns. Quebecois sculptor Stephane Langlois comes from a rural background and draws enduring inspiration fr...
Metal
$6,800
Breathtaking (Triptych) - Large Colorful Impasto Inspired Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Soulmates 6: Figurative Abstract Acrylic on Canvas, Red, Navy, 30 x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Soulmates 6" is an evocative contemporary abstract painting that masterfully explores existential solitude, shared human connection, and dynamic vertical motion. The composition rel...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Open Door 1979 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: The Open Door Year: 1979 Print: Lithograph on Somerset Paper Paper size : 22'' x 30'' Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 4/175 Romare Bearden is r...
Lithograph
Kacau 1 - Abstract Acrylic Painting on Panel, Contemporary
By Jay Hodgins
Located in Bloomfield, ON
These contemporary abstract mixed media paintings are inspired by nature. The evocative abstract compositions of Jay Hodgins are valued by both art critics and collectors in Canada....
Acrylic, Panel
The Fondest Memories
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Acrylic and mixed media on canvas 20 x 20 x 1.5 2025 Edges painted white, back wired, ready to hang. Sarah Trundle is a Charlottesville, Va. painter who, after beginnings in repres...
Acrylic
Kinfolk
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled Kinfolk" is a profound visual reflection on the unconditional acce...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Shambles in York City England Medieval Street Framed, Acrylic on Board, 2007
Located in Preston, GB
The Shambles in York City England Medieval Street Framed, Acrylic on Board, 2007 - a rare early work by leading British Contemporary Artist, Angela Wakefield. This colourful & en...
Gesso, Paint, Varnish, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Board
"PDP799 ct15" Painting on Panel ( 66 x 44 )
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Post Dogmatist Painting on Panel, signed verso Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
$1,426Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Impasto, oil, goldleaf on Dahlias
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while savouring for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en pl...
Gold Leaf
Bas-relief I - Geometric Abstract Wall Sculpture, Charred Mapple Wood
Located in Paris, FR
Bas-relief I is a wall sculpture made from maple wood by the artist Alban Lanore. The pieces in the Bas-reliefs series extend the artist’s exploration of geometry, balance and compos...
Wood
Reclaiming Europa
Located in Zofingen, AG
This powerful mixed-media work, featuring a neoclassical portrait of Europa upon a dark, graffiti-covered bull against a chaotic neon background, explores the theme of The Sovereign ...
Canvas, Oil, Spray Paint
$46,000
Equilibre Rouille No.6 - Abstract Metal Outdoor Sculpture in Stainless Steel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary outdoor metal sculpture is geometric in shape. Philippe Pallafray's hand forged and welded stainless steel sculpture seems to defy gravity. The Quebec sculptor is ...
Metal
$534
Oris - abstract black and white butterfly photography, limited edition 2 of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
From June and Oris collection Printed on archival Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta paper. Signed both front and back with Certificate of Authenticity. Limited edition of 20. Photograph ...
Giclée
$1,832Sale Price|20% Off
“Landscape”, Abstract Neutral-Toned Oil Painting by Marilina Marchica
Located in Agrigento, AG
Description and details The landscape is reduced to its essential elements: a subtle line crosses the surface, defining a fragile horizon that appears almost suspended. Soft shades o...
Canvas, Oil
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Pumpkin, Yellow/Black, Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkin, Yellow/Black Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculpture Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches Inscription: ©Yayoi Kusama, as issued No...
Epoxy Resin
$1,500
Interaction of Color: Homage to the Square, Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
This "Homage to the Square" print was created by Albers for the occasion of an exhibition at Grippi Gallery in Manhattan in 1973. It is in an excellent white contemporary frame. Art...
Screen
$1,090
Festival of Joy - Abstract Expressionism Maximalis Delight Joy Texture Statement
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Festival of Joy Abstract Expressionism Colorful Delight Joy Movement Texture Statement Vibrant Festivitas Laetitiae - Festival of Joy This vibrant artwork, set on space for...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Ink
$2,518
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Multi Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45 x 35 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good con...
Canvas, Oil
$750
Painting Animal Dogs Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Great-Dane
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Allure of Abundance Painting Animal Dogs Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Great-Dane Nature Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
Insightful Intent: Calm Dog Painting, Abstract Expressionist, Framed Gold
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: BLUE - Insightful Intent Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series c...
Gold
Golden Hour (The Meeting)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Golden Hour (The Meeting) is a luminous contemporary impressionist painting that explores the emotional power of human connection through expressive brushwork, radiant color, and atm...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,400
"I'm Sorry Too" (contemporary, abstract, dark, flora, green, rose floral, linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
I'M SORRY TOO 2024 Paris, France This abstract flora painting portrays two roses seemingly merging in harmonious synchronization, evoking a sense of beauty intertwined with a poigna...
Linen, Dye
"Tectonics 016"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This work is part of the Tectonics series, exploring structure, rhythm, and material. Wall sculpture is crafted from charred wood, shaped into two vertical elements, emphasizing both...
Wood
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
Falling Reef, Abstract Acrylic on Canvas, Signed, Framed 58 x 85"
Located in Miami Beach, FL
These works explore our relationship with the incredible biodiversity of our planet Earth. Visual representations of flowing colours, smells, sounds and the feeling of our life sourc...
Canvas, Acrylic
Where They Do Not Touch
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled Series: Inner Rooms Artwork: Where They Do Not Touch This work op...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Art of Being Together
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 92×92 cm (The canvas roll is 102 cm wide, and the final painting size, already stretched on the stretcher bars, will be 92 × 92 cm.) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shi...
Canvas, Acrylic
Epicentre, Contemporary Abstract Geometric Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In Épicentre, Sophie Dumont constructs a powerful geometric composition around a vibrant central form that acts as the visual core of the painting. A large terracotta-orange curve o...
Oil
$3,416
Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting “Syntaxe”, Oil on Canvas, Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In Syntaxe, Sophie Dumont constructs a visual language in which curves, vertical planes and fragmented geometric forms interact like elements of an abstract grammar. The composition ...
Oil
Panorama of Saint-Tropez
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1979 Edition : 150 ex. Publisher : Maurice Garnier (Paris) Catalog : [Sorlier 301] Image dimensions : 35.50 cm. x 56.00 cm. (13.98 in. x 22.05 in.) Paper dimensions : 52....
Lithograph
$577Sale Price|20% Off
Original Drawing on Wood-Breakfast with Cat-British Awarded Artist-Large panel
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This special large drawing on wood board (ready to hang) created by Shizico in early autumn where her Cat and the garden take centre stage. The pictorial language in this series pays...
Carbon Pencil, Charcoal, Wood Panel
Double Dancer Huge - Wind Kinetic Sculpture, Copper and Steel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
The uniquely magical kinetic sculptures of American artist Lyman Whitaker translate an unseen force of nature-the wind into a visible, graceful and mesmerizing dance. As a master in...
Copper, Steel
Soft Resonance Large-Scale Contemporary Abstraction
By Oksana Reva
Located in Zofingen, AG
Soft Resonance speaks not through bold statements, but through quiet whispers. Translucent layers of color, rich textures, and delicate traces of movement create a contemplative atmo...
Oil, Canvas
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Pumpkin, Yellow/Black, Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkin, Yellow/Black Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculpture Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches Inscription: ©Yayoi Kusama, as issued No...
Epoxy Resin
Untitled (Black and Blue)
Located in New York, NY
Color screenprint on white wove paper, 1960. Edition of 200. Published by Tiber Press, New York. From the illustrated artist's book "The Poems", John Ashbery, Framed in an ele...
Screen
Painting with linen, beeswax and natural pigments, yellow turmeric and brown
Located in Carballo, ES
The painting measures 77 x 39 cm and is an old linen sack filled with polyurethane foam. The pigments include beeswax, oxide vinegar, yellow turmeric, and natural graphite. The work...
Canvas, Wax, Graphite, Pigment
#105, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$10,000
Anish Kapoor - Flow (Pink), Abstract Color etching from the UK, Signed/N, Framed
By Anish Kapoor
Located in New York, NY
Color etching on wove paper Pencil signed and numbered 19/39 on the verso This work has been elegantly framed in a museum quality handmade wood frame by the prestigious fine art fram...
Etching
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Picnic by the Cypress
Located in Zofingen, AG
Picnic by the Cypress Size: 140×97 cm (overall size with stretching 150×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled In this piece, a moment of calm and ease mee...
Canvas, Acrylic
Crescendo III - Red Geometric Metal Outdoor Sculpture, Abstract Contemporary Art
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This outdoor contemporary geometric metal sculpture is made of red cubes. Claude Millette’s expressive architectural sculptures reflect his fascination with opposing ideas of moveme...
Metal, Steel
$1,293
Volley Road - Werner Bronkhorst, Wimbledon, Tennis, 30 x 40 cm, Framed, 2025
Located in London, GB
Werner Bronkhorst Volley Road, 2025 Giclée print on Hahnemühle Photorag paper with ready-to-hang heavyweight solid oak frame. From the artist's acclaimed Wimbledon series. Accompanie...
Giclée
Take a smile with you by Gaetan de Seguin - Figurative contemporary Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and setting...
Canvas, Acrylic
$569
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on canvas "Unbroken spirit"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Unbroken Spirit" by Natalya Mougenot is a striking contemporary painting capturing the resilience and inner radiance of women. A stylized female figure rises from a luminous turquoi...
Canvas, Acrylic
Exotischer Klang Exotic Sound, 1930 Oversize Archival Pigment print
Located in London, GB
Exotischer Klang (Exotic Sound), 1930 (after) Paul Klee (Original work) is Pen and ink, pencil, and watercolour on paper, mounted on card, 47 × 61.3/62.3cm. Dusseldorf, North Rhine-...
Archival Pigment
$629
Pink Mood II - rose impasto colorful painting on linen canvas with 3d flowers
Located in Zofingen, AG
In Japan, pink has never needed translation. It belongs to cherry blossoms — sakura — and to a specific, aching kind of beauty: not despite its shortness, but because of it. The blos...
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
Joan Miró, Abstract Composition, Color poster, 1970, Framed
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
Discover a piece of art history with this original 1968 exhibition poster for Joan Miró’s Les Essències de la Terra, displayed at the iconic Sala Gaspar in Barcelona. Created for one...
Paper
Nick Thomm - STEMS (Amber) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'STEMS' - (Amber) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #25 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condit...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment