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.
Rise and Fall, Contemporary Monochrome Geometric Abstract Painting
By Matt Higgins
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This painting combines geometric and organic shapes to create a sense of movement and rhythm. A variety of tools, including soft brushes, chip brushes, a drywall scraper, and a rubbe...
Canvas, Acrylic
Round Multicolor Relief Wall Sculpture in Clay Fake Gum Abstract Candy Mosaic
Located in FISTERRA, ES
"Fake Gum" is a captivating circular wall sculpture by Elizabeth Art Candy that explores the seductive tension between softness and artifice. Composed of hundreds of hand-molded clay...
Clay, Spray Paint, Board
$1,195
Sam Francis Abstract Lithograph, Unsigned, 1964, Pink Venus Kiki, from 1¢ Life
By Sam Francis
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Sam Francis Title: Pink Venus Kiki Portfolio: 1¢ Life Medium: Lithograph Year: 1964 Edition Size: 2000 Frame Size: 20 5/8" x 28 3/4" Sheet Size: 16 1/8" x 22 1/4" Signature: ...
Lithograph
Nymph
Located in Zofingen, AG
Nymph In this work, the Nymph seems to emerge from a translucent world of water, flowers, and a twilight forest. She is not a character from any specific myth, but rather an embodim...
Canvas, Acrylic
'Green Shade' — Mid-century Modernism, Abstract Expressionism, Atelier 17
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Stanley William Hayter, 'Green Shade', color etching and scraper, 1963, edition 50, (only 39 printed), B&M 278. Signed, titled, dated, and numbered '1/50' in pencil. A superb, richly-inked, luminous impression, with fresh, vivid colors, on Barcham Green textured cream wove paper; the full sheet with margins (2 3/16 to 3 1/4 inches), in excellent condition. Printed: intaglio black-green, contact lumogen yellow, soft roller phthalo green. Scarce. Image size 15 7/16 x 11 5/8 inches (392 x 295 mm); sheet size 21 1/8 x 16 inches (537 x 406 mm). Matted to museum standards (unframed). Collection: The British Museum ABOUT THE ARTIST Stanley William Hayter (1901-1988) was a British painter and printmaker associated in the 1930s with Surrealism and from 1940 onward with Abstract Expressionism. Regarded as one of the most significant printmakers of the 20th century, Hayter founded the legendary Atelier 17...
Etching
Abstract 1, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Green, blue, and orange with black accents create a dynamic abstract composition. Scratches and marks add texture and energy. Artist Dorothy Gaziano used oil pa...
Oil
$4,200
Turnabout: Abstract Geometric 3D Wooden Wall Sculpture in Green, Grey & Beige
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract geometric three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in bright pastel hues of sage green, light grey, and beige "Turnabout", hand-carved wooden wall sculpture by Hudson Valley ar...
Wood, Dye, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Black and Blue Expanded Metal Tile Sculpture, Raku Burned, 69.6 in
By Clemens Wolf
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The panel paintings "Expanded Metal Tile Paintings" are the closest to the classic art of painting. Firstly, glaze is applied by roller brush and a piece of expanded metal onto a blo...
Metal
Contemporary large abstract expressionist nature painting canvas "Floral breath"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Floral Breath” is a vibrant contemporary abstract floral painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, celebrating spring renewal through expressive brushwork and luminous color field...
Acrylic, Canvas
$100Sale Price|20% Off
White and Green Abstract Offset Print, Late 20th Century, Unframed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This poster for the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, designed by Zigi Ben-Haim, features a striking abstract composition primarily in white and green. The poster exemplifies a blend of modern...
Offset
Infinite Harmonies - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This large-format acrylic on canvas masterpiece, titled "Infinite Harmonies", represents a stunning breakthrough in modern abstract surrealism. Moving completely away from convention...
Canvas, Acrylic
$200Sale Price|60% Off
#135 (Abstract Expressionist painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Douglas M. Olsen (b. 1960). #135, 1982. Watercolor on rag paper, 22 x 30 inches. Signed lower margin and on verso.
Watercolor, Rag Paper
Xavi Carbonell, Untitled mixed media on canvas framed, 2025
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant, chaotic, and irresistibly fun — this piece explodes with color and imagination. Whimsical figures and spontaneous gestures fill the canvas with energy, humor, and emotion. I...
Alabaster
$3,275
Stronger Together - Underwater Figurative Ocean Outdoor Swimmer Oil Panting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artist Michelle Fillmore discovered her passion for oil painting while pursuing her studies at the University of Las Vegas, where she earned a BA in Painting and Drawing in 2015. Kno...
Canvas, Oil
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
$2,097Sale Price|35% Off
Mid Century French Figurative Painting Boys in Blue Oil on Board Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: French School, mid 20th century Medium: Oil on board Size (framed): 34.5 x 23 inches Frame: Framed Signature: Signed lower right (indistinct) Condition: Good condition Descr...
Oil
Tone Overtone, Abstract Painting
By Terri Bell
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Pale, neutral tones blend with darker, earthy hues, creating a subtle tone-on-tone effect. A loosely defined grid anchors circles of varying sizes, allowing the...
Mixed Media
Winter Poem
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Please note the colors are difficult to capture and may vary due to different digital screens ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$15,000
Robert Natkin - unique early painting on historic Wells Street Gall. card Framed
Located in New York, NY
Unique historic work Hand signed and dated on the front An exceptionally early gouache from 1957, executed on the verso of a Wells Street Gallery invitation card - one of the first c...
Watercolor, Gouache
Finding your Embrace - Contemporary geometric abstraction - Oil Painting
By Lilly Muth
Located in DE
Lilly Muth's geometric abstractions are colourful works full figures that of space such as the distance, shape, size, and relative position of figures. Her use of colour is bold yet ...
Canvas, Oil
Embrace 52 - Abstract Black Granite Sculpture, Limited Edition of 50
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract black stone sculpture is by Jeremy Guy. Jeremy Guy’s sublime limited edition sculptures are collected in both private and public collections around the wo...
Granite
$855Sale Price|20% Off
Parisian Abstract Expressionist Original Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by the French abstract artist, Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016). The painting has excellent provenance having come from the artists studio sale in Pa...
Oil
$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
$1,586Sale Price|24% Off
Large Vintage Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas from the 1980's
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Abstract oil painting on canvas signed on the back and dated 1988. A very attractive modern vintage abstract that is easy on the eye and yet significant to its surroundings. Here, ...
Oil
$5,250
"Mellah Glow" Contemporary Minimalist Abstract, Oil on Canvas, Gradient Orange
Located in Carmel, CA
Tina Bluefield (American, born 1945) "Mellah Glow" 2025 Oil paint and oil stick on canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the bottom left corner and the back of the artwork. "Mell...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars, Oil Crayon
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
Still Life Interior
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Frederick Serger (1889-1965). Still Life, ca. 1950. Oil on gessoed paper mounted to illustration board. Image measures 16 x 17 inches. Framed measurement: 25.5 x 25.5 inches. ...
Paper, Oil
Be Mindful - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This compelling acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel, titled "Be Mindful," serves as a poignant exploration of figurative abstraction, where the artist deftly intertwines themes of aware...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Big Dreams" Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting on Wood Panel in White Frame
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
With vibrant layers of oil paint, sweeping brushstrokes, and thrown paint, Shaoul captures a love story on her painter’s palette through dynamic abstract expression. The artist reima...
Mixed Media, Oil, Wood Panel
$753
Contemporary abstract Impressionist floral painting " The Language of Roses"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary vivid expressionist floral painting, “The Language of Roses”, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and belongs to her ongoing series of still life composit...
Paper, Acrylic
Welcome to the jungle, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An original one-of-a-kind expressionistic abstract with a gentle texture. Emotional, spontaneous, joyful artwork breathing with positivity, warmth, energy, and movement. Layers u...
Acrylic
$3,827
Contemporary Minimalist Earth Tones Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde
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...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Pigment
Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance, Abstract Floral Painting on Canvas, Unique
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance and Stillness - In Pink Floral Flowers Abstract Unique Exclusive One-of-a-kind Striking Abundant Meadow Landscape Nature We all need to feel...
Acrylic
Pablo Picasso, Toros y Toreros, 1961, Lithograph, Framed
Located in Barcelona, ES
A vibrant original lithographic plate from Toros y Toreros, the celebrated 1961 monograph dedicated to Pablo Picasso’s exploration of the Spanish bullfight. Published by Éditions Cer...
Paper
original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Catalogue reference: Mourlot 508. Printed in 1967 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 164-165 -- L'Oiseau Solaire, L'Oiseau Lunaire, Etinc...
Lithograph
"Paris in Oscar de la Renta" French Haute Couture Gown Oil Painting on Paper
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Mixed Media, Oil, Archival Paper
$23,600Sale Price|20% Off
Composition, Basket Series, Dale Chihuly
By Dale Chihuly
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Dale Chihuly (1941) Title: Composition, Basket Series Year: 1985 Medium: Acrylic on Arches Aquarelle paper Size: 42 x 30 inches Inscription: Signed and dated by the artist No...
Acrylic
Geometric Line Study C- 5 by Murray Duncan Mix Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geometric Line Studies C- 5 is an original mixed-media work on paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, part of his ongoing exploration of gestural geometry, spatial rhythm, and atmosp...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1965 on brown tinted paper for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 151-152) and published in Paris by Maeght. Size: 15 x 11 inches ...
Lithograph
$3,363
l'Atelier en suspens, Abstract, Textured, Geometric, Contemporary, French art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In The Studio in Suspension, Sophie Dumont reimagines the atmosphere of a working artist’s studio, where canvases, color fields, and subtle objects appear to hover in a poised, quiet...
Oil
Large Figural Abstract Late 1960s Painting, Mexican American Artist
By Miguel Conde
Located in Beachwood, OH
Miguel Condé (Mexican/American, b. 1939) Untitled, 1968 Oil on canvas Signed and dated verso 59.5 x 49.5 inches Paint loss throughout - please reach out for a thorough condition rep...
Oil
The Lady maquette, replica of Chicago Picasso sculpture, American Bridge Company
Located in New York, NY
(After) Pablo Picasso The Lady (Maquette), ca. 1967 Mixed Media Sculpture edition Cor-ten Steel This maquette is based upon the original Chicago Picasso-a monumental sculpture by Pablo Picasso in Chicago, Illinois. The sculpture, dedicated on August 15, 1967, in Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop...
Stone, Steel
Cathédrale
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1971 Edition : 75 71.00 cm. x 56.00 cm. 27.95 in. x 22.05 in. (paper) 60.00 cm. x 44.50 cm. 23.62 in. x 17.52 in. (image) Handsigned by the artist in pencil Certificate...
Lithograph
Spring Rain
By Manabu Mabe
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Spring Rain" 1981, Is a colors lithograph on Fabriano paper by noted Brazilian/Japanese artist Manabu Mabe, 1924-1997. It is hand signed, titled in Japanese and ...
Lithograph
Pedro Friedeberg "Ciudad de un millón con 25 huevos duros" Silkscreen
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
WE WILL SHIP THIS ARTWORK WORK TO YOU WITH A COURTESY PEDRO FRIEDEBERG STYLE BLACK AND GOLD STRIPED FRAME . . . . Pedro Friedeberg is an Italian-born Mexican artist and designer kn...
Etching
"Wait", Collage with Vintage Wallpaper, Abstract Mixed Media, 2000s
By Peter Opheim
Located in New York, NY
Mixed media on paper by New York artist Peter Opheim, titled "Wait," created in 2008. This original work measures 30 x 23 inches and represents an important period in Opheim's develo...
Gesso, Acrylic, Watercolor
$1,721Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2273
Located in Zofingen, AG
Abstract 2273 - painting is a powerful vision of Love’s vibration, Compassion’s strength, and Hope’s vitality. Woosh away your worries! Feel the exhilarating and mighty presence of W...
Acrylic
$2,151Sale Price|20% Off
French 20th Century Dual Bright Abstract Kitchen Scene Large Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: overall very...
Canvas, Oil
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
$3,600
AWH 163 - Original Figurative Abstract Still Life Soothing Floral Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer has created a positive stir at major international art fairs (Art Basel, Kunst Köln, etc.). His lively and mysterious compositions pique the taste of the serious art ...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Oil
$788
Pierre Montheillet, Composition in green and yellow, monotype on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre MONTHEILLET (1923-2011) Composition in green and yellow Mixed media on paper - monotype Signed and dedicated “pour mes amis Sallaz” lower right Dimensions of the work: 28.5 x ...
Watercolor, Gouache, Monotype
$2,043Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2506
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I meld the raw emotions of expressionism with the fluid ambiguity of abstraction. The cascades of cool blues and greens contrast with warm golden hues, capturing a mom...
Acrylic
Aura - Chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture
By Jessamyn Go
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hand-pitched chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture vessel by Jessamyn Go. White Stoneware, Bronze Metallic Glaze, 8" x 7 x 3.5 inches Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
“Accept”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Gather Yourself” Series “From Simple to…” This work is about inner composure and focus that emerge from simplicity and silence. About the ability to stay in contact with oneself, to...
Acrylic
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Mitchell, Sans titre, In Memory of My Feelings (after)
Located in Southampton, NY
Lithograph on vélin Mohawk Superfine Smooth paper. Paper Size: 11.937 x 8.96 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the folio, In Memory of My Feelings,...
Lithograph
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
'Abstract, Ebony & Rust', San Francisco Bay Area Abstraction, Large Oil
By Eral Leek
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, "Eral" for Eral Leek (American, 20th century) and dated 1962. A substantial, mid-century oil abstract comprising bold, overlapping rectangular compositional elem...
Canvas, Oil
$13,801
Rose Madone — Large Neutral Abstract Minimal Earth Diptych on Canvas (Set of 2)
By Rose Madone
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Onirisme organique (Diptych), 146 × 114 cm each panel, Acrylic on raw canvas. Total size of the two panels: 146 × 228 cm. At Escat Gallery, we are committed to maintaining the highe...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Pigment
"Angela" Abstract Figure with Gown French Haute Couture Oil Painting on Paper
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$887Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Blue Brown and White Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Blue Brown and White Signed by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on brown...
Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
$2,900
"I Can Assure You", Abstract Expressionist, Portrait, Yellow, Blue, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "I Can Assure You" is a 24 x 24 x 2 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas. This painting is a surreal abstract portrait of three faces in an intimate embrac...
Canvas, Oil