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.
White lacqured foldes
Located in Zofingen, AG
An original textured artwork handcrafted on canvas using clay, acrylic, and a glossy finish. The sculptural forms, rendered in pure white, evoke the graceful flow of draped fabric, c...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
$525
Contemporary abstract expressionist floral painting on paper "Floral Radiance"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This painting makes part of my series dedicated to the scenes of a summer period. This abstract vibrant floral painting called "Floral radiance" is done in a modern contemporary exp...
Paper, Acrylic
Equilibre Oblique 2/10 - monumental, geometric abstract, steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
As a young artist, Philippe Pallafray was inspired by sculpture masters and years later his dynamic contemporary sculptures are collected in both Canada and the United States. The Qu...
Stainless Steel
Continuity
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Continuity” From the series “Metamorphoses of the Spirit” This work explores a state of continuous transition — a process in which form has no clear boundary between emergence, u...
Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$956Sale Price|20% Off
Ellsworth Kelly, Yellow Shape, from Derriere le Miroir, 1958
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Ellsworth Kelly (1923–2015), titled Forme Jaune (Yellow Shape), originates from the historic 1958 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 110. Published by Maeght ...
Lithograph
$3,900
Absorbed in Brilliance (Gerhard Richter Style Abstract Painting in Blue & Teal)
By Bruce Murphy
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract expressionist painting in the style of Gerhard Richter in a blue, teal, and green palette with accents of peach, yellow, and pink "Absorbed in Brilliance", made by Bruce Mur...
Enamel
Whispers in Blue - Abstract Figurative Landscape Textured Impasto Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ekaterina Ermilkina’s original, abstract fine art paintings are created using a skillful combination of applying and removing oil paint with a palette knife on canvas. Her inspiratio...
Canvas, Oil
$1,070
Original-Impasto-Moonlit Dahlias-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Gold leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while longing for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en plein...
Gold Leaf
Echoes in Pink Geometric Abstract Painting: Paper and Spray Paint
Located in New York, NY
In her work, Noam explores the intersection of geometry, rhythm, and material through a refined visual language. Using repetition and variation, she constructs a structured grid that...
Paper, Spray Paint
Twilight Landscape 1 - Abstract Flowy Minimalist Ink Painting on Linen Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses dynamism and sensuality in her paintings: “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, flowers, and people in motion, capturing th...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media
The Blue Dress 3 - Minimalist Figurative Original Ink Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses vitality and sensuality in her abstract and figurative paintings. “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, dancers and people ...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media
The Villagers - Abstract Figurative Syrian Middle Eastern Oil Portraits Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
* No US duty or taxes to pay on works of art * A beautiful Syrian abstract oil on canvas depicting female villagers, by Jumaah Nazhan. The artist is very interesting as was the onl...
Canvas, Oil
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary expressive seascape ocean waves acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork " "Waiting for calmness on the ocean waves" "is a vibrant and dynamic depiction of a seascape, masterfully capturing the essence of a lively and tumultuous ocean. The...
Paper, Acrylic
Open Spaces, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft whites and cool blues create a tranquil, expansive space. Accents of orange and fine linework bring contrast and gentle energy. Minimalist abstract forms i...
Acrylic
$18,000
Sonia Gechtoff - Portico, painting on masonite, Signed, Ex- Andre Zarre, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Sonia Gechtoff Untitled portico, from the estate of gallerist Andre Zarre, 1977 Acrylic and graphite on masonite Signed and dated '77 in graphite on the front Unique Provenance: Acqu...
Masonite, Acrylic, Graphite
$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
Abstract 4, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Layers of blue and cream with touches of orange and black create an energetic composition. The blending of colors evokes a strong sense of movement, while the...
Oil
#123, 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
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful Abstract Geometrical Late 20th Century Painting by Ohio Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
James Massena March (American, 1953-2021) Untitled Oil on canvas 30 x 24 inches "My paintings are about space, form and energy. I generally start ...
Oil
Umbrella - Silent Rain No.12, Abstract Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
A timeless composition defined by luminous whites and expressive black gestures. The restrained palette enhances the work’s elegance, creating a sophisticated statement for distingui...
Clay, Acrylic
Tipping Point, Contemporary Large Abstract Oil Painting, 42x42 in
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Title: Tipping Point This original oil painting by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont explores the fragile balance between structure, movement, and silence. Composed of interl...
Canvas, Oil
#200, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$160Sale Price|20% Off
Original Modern Contemporary painting on canvas, Abstract, Fantasy style, Framed
Located in Palm Coast, FL
Up for sale Original Abstract Acrylic Painting on canvas in a fantasy abstract style. A unique technique, very colorful. An unusual combination of colors, a flow from sharp to soft s...
Acrylic
Gathering, Abstract Painting with Bold Black Brushstrokes, Signed, 46x60
By Matt Higgins
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This abstract piece explores balance through bold black brushstrokes set against a soft neutral background. The composition combines sweeping gestures and organic forms, creating a s...
Canvas, Acrylic
$429Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract impressionist expressive flowers acrylic on paper "Floral Inspiration"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This vibrant artwork captures a bouquet of pink flowers displayed in a glass vase, enveloped by expressive, swirling brushstrokes. This artwork named " Floral Inspiration" belongs ...
Paper, Acrylic
$746Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on ar...
Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
A Cappella - large, contemporary, abstract, bronze and steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This lyrical and elegant contemporary sculpture is by David Chamberlain whose work is collected and admired around the world. Hand forged in patinated bronze and steel, the flowing c...
Bronze, Steel
"Forevermore 1" Abstract Oil Painting, Vibrant Color Field
Located in Denver, CO
Dorothy Fagan’s "Forevermore 1" is a 2023 oil on canvas measuring 48 x 36 inches unframed, with a framed size of 49.50 x 37.50 x 2 inches. The artwork is professionally framed and re...
Canvas, Oil
"Rider on Blue Horse" Contemporary Outsider Urban Expressionism Painting Framed
By Purvis Young
Located in New York, NY
The painting is an expressive, abstract work by Purvis Young with a strong emphasis on dynamic brushwork and a limited color palette dominated by deep cobalt blues, off-whites, and s...
Mixed Media, Found Objects, Magazine Paper
Birch Study 2 - Original Abstract Tree Landscape Nature Still Life Oil Painting
By Beth Munro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beth Munro’s original paintings, whether composed of still life, landscape, or abstract forms, focus on pattern, color and texture. Munro is inspired by everything from the impressio...
Canvas, Oil
Un Hiver Enchante - Contemporary Abstract Landscape Oil Painting
Located in East Quogue, NY
"Un Hiver Enchanter" (An Enchanted Winter), Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches (unframed) Christopher Charveriat works in oil on canvas, moving fluidly between portraiture, abstraction, ...
Canvas, Oil
On the Bright Side, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Various shades of blue, with touches of purple and cream, create a soothing backdrop. A bold orange form adds contrast and visual interest without disrupting th...
Acrylic
$72Sale Price|20% Off
Donald Lipski 'Roland Garros French Open' 1995- Poster
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1995, American sculptor Donald Lipski was commissioned to design the official poster for the French Open at Roland Garros. Known for his innovative installations and large-scale p...
Offset
Life - Large Oversized Bold Colorful Abstract Expressive Modern Original Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Latex, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Dance of the Hummingbirds
By Iryna Kobzar
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Dance of the Hummingbirds” invites the viewer into a luminous world of movement, balance, and quiet magic. Two vibrant hummingbirds gracefully hover around blooming fuchsia flowers,...
Canvas, Acrylic
When Love Lingers: Contemporary Figurative Painting, 89x130cm
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 settin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$983Sale Price|20% Off
Vibrant Abstract, Blue, Colourful Oil Painting, Original
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Vibrant Abstract, Blue, Colourful Oil Painting, Original By French artist 'L.Polevin', 20th Century Signed indistinctly and dated '1986', signed verso Oil painting on canvas, unframe...
Oil
$3,300
Raventos Big Ocher Blue Green Tapestry, Abstract Expressionist, 1990s
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Happy world. Original tapestry RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School of Fine Arts in Barcelona. Raventós expa...
Tapestry
#269, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
$2,050
Deep Roots - Original Elegant Organic Abstract Redwood Sculpture with Maple Base
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
$823Sale Price|20% Off
Rene Leroy Large French Abstract Cubist Mixed Media Painting Framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: Rene Leroy, French, born 1932 Title: Abstract / Cubist Composition Medium: Mixed media, material and oil on canvas, framed Size: Painting: 29 x 36 inches; framed:...
Oil
2303 - Original Figurative Neutral Abstract Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss artist Edith Konrad paints figurative abstract compositions with mixed media on canvas. She layers her expression of her emotional response to the subjects with dynamic texture...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Big Sur Views - Abstract Landscape Ocean Blue Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With a contemporary perspective on landscape painting and inspired by paintings created by old masters, German artist Katharina Husslein paints in a representational manner to captur...
Canvas, Oil
$15,000
"Porcelain and Flowers" French Vase with Colorful Flowers Oil Painting on Linen
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic depiction of a Saint-Cloud factory porcelain vase ca. 1695–1710 with a burst of flowers exploding with color and bold marks. Alfaro bridges the Baroque cultural mo...
Linen, Oil
The Beacon - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This masterwork, titled "The Beacon," breaks entirely from traditional realism, with the artist dismantling an intricate, multi-character setting into an enchanting, surreal panorama...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sweet Patch of Joy: Large Painting, Floral, Impressionism, 76x101 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sweet Patch of Joy Sweet Patch of Joy - Painting Floral Delight Impressionism Maximalism Unique Joy One-of-a-kind Butterfly In creating this piece, I poured my heart into vi...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Energized, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Dorothy Gaziano presents an abstract painting in various shades of blue, ranging from light turquoise to deep navy. The composition features layered, tex...
Acrylic
$680
Untitled #537 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #537 by Murray Duncan – Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper Size: 32" x 40" Unframed, signed on the back A striking exploration of form and movement, Untitled #527 by Murray ...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Two Untitled Compositions
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Fumio Otani (Japanese, 1929-1995). Untitled and Untitled, ca, 1965. Cast and polished steel. Smaller composition measures 14.75 x 7.75 x 1.5 inches. Larger composition measures 16...
Steel
"Wrapper" Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Provenance – Annely Juda Fine Art (label verso) Sotheby’s June 2006 – 20th Century British Art (labels verso) Personal Collection of Jonathan Grimble Image 24" x 19.5". Framed 28....
Mixed Media
Abstract 5, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Patches of cream, turquoise, and grey fill this abstract painting. Blue and orange accents, along with black lines, create contrast. Scratches and marks bring...
Oil
$2,000
HF 3/1 - Soft pastel color blue, pink abstract geometric watercolor on paper
By Evan Venegas
Located in New York, NY
Evan Venegas studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and earned his BFA in Painting in 1998. Evan Venegas creates artwork that lives at the intersection of geometry and atmosphere...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Gaia 59 - Clouds Sky Birds Murmuration Black and White Landscape Photograph
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 59 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 59 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Black and White, Photographic Paper, Digital
$1,812Sale Price|20% Off
Maurice Vagh Weinmann Floral Bouquet Still Life Oil Painting Framed
By Maurice Vagh-Weinmann
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title Maurice Vagh Weinmann Floral Bouquet Still Life Oil Painting Framed Key Details Artist: Maurice Vagh Weinmann, Hungarian, 1899–1986 Title: Summer Bouquet Medium: Oil painting o...
Oil
Where it is quiet, No.6
Located in Zofingen, AG
There are moments when the world no longer asks for explanations. When nothing needs to be named in order to be felt. Silence is not the absence of sound — it emerges where inner ten...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$326
Impressionist seascape nature painting paper "Dreaming of the south of France"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary seaside landscape, infused with the spirit of Impressionism and a hint of Expressionism, is part of my ongoing series celebrating the essence of summer. Titled "Dre...
Paper, Oil
Portrait 1982 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Guillaume Corneille Portrait - 1982 Print - Lithograph on Arches Archival Paper 30'' x 22'' Edition: signed in pencil and marked 25/300 As a co-founder of the famed experimental art...
Lithograph
Abstract - Lithograph by Carla Accardi - 1970 ca.
Located in Roma, IT
Limited edition of 150 pieces, hand signed and numbered in pencil. Very good condition.
Lithograph
$8,297Sale Price|20% Off
Youth
Located in London, London
Unicorn mystery passion spring Swift brushstrokes evoke a sense of power and speed full size of the canvas 156x229cm (size 150x223cm) acrylic, oil on canvas one-of-a-kind The...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,867Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2558
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions into a dance of textures and soft hues. The creamy creams, gentle pinks, and calming blues blend with unexpected bursts of black to evoke a serene...
Oil, Acrylic