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.
$3,200
Daylight Savings - Original Impasto Acrylic Colorful Textural 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, Acrylic
Untitled #I
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled #1" is a watercolor on paper by California abstract expressionist artist R. Anthony (Tony) Askew, b.1939. It is signed at the lower right corner by the artist....
Watercolor
$108Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) gouache painting on paper/ card unframed: 8.5 x 5.75inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we hav...
Oil
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Untitled Abstract Geometric Sculpture
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Masatoyo "Kuki" Kishi (1924-2017) Untitled. 1995. Cast Stone, 19.75 x 19.75 x 3 inches. Depth of base measures 3 inches and gracefully tapers to 0.25 inch at top. Carved signatu...
Cast Stone
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Oil Painting on Canvas, Fantasy Abstract Style, by Serg Graff, COA Titled "Key"
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
Discover a bold and enigmatic expression in this unique original oil painting titled "Key" by acclaimed fantasy abstract artist Serg Graff. With its surreal blend of form, fire, and ...
Acrylic
$700
Abstract Painting (Limited edition print; authorized promotional reproduction)
Located in New York, NY
Gerhard Richter Untitled Abstract Picture, 2002 Offset lithographic reproduction on GardaMatt Art 250 GSM paper with full margins (Artist Authorized) Not signed, edition of 3433 12 1...
Lithograph, Offset
My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving
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...
Wire
Contemporary Minimalist Light Installation Sculpture Suspended LED Artwork Mareo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Technical Specifications Each sculpture integrates high-quality LED light strips, with each vertical element operating through an independent transformer to ensure optimal performan...
Metal
Crazy Apartment - Abstract Figurative Cubist Portrait Still Life Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valerie Etitinwo's unique approach to abstract figurative painting celebrates the unconventional beauty found in imperfection and awkwardness. The Nigerian-Swiss artist uses bold col...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Rasplerry folds. 3D abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
This exquisite clay miniature, measuring just 26 × 32 cm, is created on a canvas fully formed from clay. The sculpted surface resembles softly draped fabric, with fluid folds seeming...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
Composition, Float Series, Dale Chihuly
By Dale Chihuly
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Dale Chihuly (1941) Title: Composition, Float Series Year: 2017 Medium: Silkscreen and acrylic on Waterford paper Edition: 18/110 Size: 37 x 25 inches Inscription: Signed and...
Acrylic, Screen
Source of Renewal
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work captures a moment of absolute tranquility-a private paradise bathed in light and hidden behind a dense veil of emerald greenery. Horses gathered at the water's edge in the ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (MULTI) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Multi) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #85 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. C...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$1,043Sale Price|20% Off
YVETTE DUBOIS-HABASQUE (1929-2016) FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT PAINTING
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Abstract Composition" original Oil Painting on board by Yvette Dubois Habasque (1929-2016) signed on back Dated: November 2007 card: 15.75 x 15.7.5 inches Fine original abstract...
Oil
$362Sale Price|24% Off
Aigues - Mortes, Abstract Gouache on Paper, Framed, 1961, 11.4x22.8 cm
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
George Dannatt (1915-2009) Aigues - Mortes 1961 Gouache on paper Image: 11.4 x 22.8 cm Frame: 38.7 x 48.9 cm Exhibition 1981 May. Newlyn Gallery: Retrospective Exhibition Pr...
Gouache
$1,176
Liberty
By Oksana Reva
Located in Zofingen, AG
Liberty is an oil abstract painting and minimalist abstract landscape shaped by the quiet meeting of a sky-blue horizon and warm ochre earth tones, creating a subtle dialogue between...
Canvas, Oil
Colorful Gouache Abstract Cubist Composition Painting by André Morin, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding post‑cubist geometric composition by André Morin (France, 20th Century), this dynamic work—executed in gouache and watercolor—showcases the artist's command of color, ...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
$7,400
ABACAB - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Colorful Mixed Media Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Yellow, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Multiple layers of color characterize this abstract piece. Shades of orange, yellow, and cream are applied dynamically, creating a vibrant composition. Bold b...
Oil
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
The Alchemy of Letting Go. Modern colorful abstract painting 100x100 cm
By Anna Selina
Located in Zofingen, AG
This vibrant abstract piece, titled "Alchemy of Letting Go," features energetic, sweeping brushstrokes in bold, vivid colors. The dynamic composition embodies a process of transforma...
Oil
$108Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) gouache painting on paper/ card unframed: 19.5 x 13 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we hav...
Oil
Beautiful, Wild Peace - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Beautiful, Wild Peace" breaks completely away from classic representation, splitting a vibrant, natural environment into a hypnotic, dreamlike vista of fluid, organic contours and u...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Inner Light
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled "The Inner Light" is a visual meditation on preserving one's true...
Canvas, Acrylic
Night Rain 1 Abstract Painting, Acrylic and Ink, Framed, 2010-
By Lynn Sanders
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Lynn Sanders is an artist excited by beauty: architecture, foliage, landscapes, seascapes, interiors. She finds palettes and shapes in her environment and propels them into her work,...
Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic
$2,141Sale 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
$12,000
Color Intersected Series No 6 - contemporary, geometric abstract, oil on panel
By Shayne Dark
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary, geometric abstract, oil-on-panel painting is by Canadian artist Shayne Dark. Dark calls his extraordinary new series of dynamic oil paintings—'calculated chaotic c...
Oil, Wood Panel
Number 12 Acrylic on Canvas, Contemporary Abstract Expressionism
Located in Roma, IT
Alfredo Pizzi, “Number 12” Acrylic on Canvas Medium Scale Contemporary Abstract Expressionism Exploding with dynamic energy and vivid emotion, Number 12 is a striking original wor...
Acrylic
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Large Scale Ocean Seascape Abstract Monoprint - Acrylic and Pastel on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Large Scale Ocean Seascape Abstract Monoprint - Acrylic and Pastel on Paper A dynamic large-scale vintage abstracted seascape Monoprint by Dennis Frings...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Paper
$2,744Sale Price|20% Off
Cubist Still Life with Bottles, Abstract Oil on Canvas, 1980s
Located in London, GB
'Cubist Still Life with Bottles' — Florentine School, oil on canvas mounted on board, (circa 1980s–90s). A table scene of bottles, glassware, fruit, and folded forms is fractured int...
Canvas, Acrylic, Board
$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
$164Sale Price|20% Off
Exotic French Impressionist Oil Painting Bridge and Palm Trees.
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Maggy Clarysse (1931-2011) Oil on board, unframed 10.75 x 8.75 inches Signed co...
Oil
$2,730Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,866Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2559
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions through textured acrylic strokes, blending soft pastels with bold contrasts. It captures the delicate balance between chaos and calm, inviting a c...
Oil, Acrylic
Earthen Embrace
Located in Zofingen, AG
This abstract artwork captivates with its dynamic interplay of colors and textures. Dominated by rich emerald greens, the painting features vibrant layers of azure, blush pink, and g...
Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor
Red on Yellow - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1970s, Large Scale
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large-scale contemporary painting by Milly Ristvedt explores colour in abstract form. A masterful, award-winning colourist, Milly Ristvedt’s elegant abstract paintings hang on...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
Going: Abstract Mixed Media on Wood Panel, Framed, 91.4x76.2 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Stephen identifies the delicate texture and beauty of the natural oxidation process. Oftentimes a found object initiates his work: By incorporating an object directly, imprinting, or...
Mixed Media, Wood, Wood Panel
$7,421
Lucio Fontana (1899–1968) - Concetto Spaziale - Vacuum-formed plastic object
Located in Varese, IT
Vacuum-formed plastic object, edited in 1968. Limited edition Artwork size: 29 x 29 x 2 cm Framed size: 46.5 x 46.5 x 4 cm Very good conditions Includes the original book that acc...
Plastic
"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
Abstract expressive floral painting on canvas "Floral symphony in color""
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Floral Symphony in Color" is a vivid, expressive contemporary painting created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, and it forms part of her Floral series. In this series, Natalya ble...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,100
Follow Your Intuition - Cool Tone Abstract Textural Acrylic Painting on Canvas
By Vè Boisvert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
Forgotten melody 150x200cm, Extra Large Abstract Violet Painting Interior Design
Located in Zofingen, AG
This extra-large artwork is made with acrylic on canvas. UV protection varnish. Inspired by the Very Peri color and abstract elements with fantasy lettering. The artwork and the com...
Canvas, Acrylic, Permanent Marker
$920Sale Price|20% Off
"Relaxing at Camarillo" - Abstract Expressionism
Located in Soquel, CA
"Relaxing at Camarillo" - Abstract Expressionism A man relines in a black hat and a green shape emulating the symbol of infinity, accented in bright canary yellow and gray, by Calif...
Paper, Acrylic, Gouache, Pencil
Where Endings Begin, nature, expressionism, joan mitchell, contemporary
By Lloyd Tabing
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is from my series titled "The Untethered Soul." This series delves into the transformative power of nature, capturing the essence of what one feels rather than sees. In...
Acrylic
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
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
$1,500
"Still Life" (2025) Abstract Figurative Oil and Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
By John McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
John McCaw's (US based) "Still Life" is an abstract oil painting in greens, grey, black and yellow. John McCaw (b. 1967), the eldest son of American expressionist Dan McCaw and bro...
Canvas, Oil
Day Break.. Contemporary Abbstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Lorraine was born in London and studied sculpture for several years before undertaking a Fine Art Degree. She currently spends much of the year in the French Alps, which is a great i...
Acrylic
"Wine-Tasting Holiday in Provence" Contemporary Expressionism Nature Leisure
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Oil Painting – Original Artwork on Stretched Canvas, Ready to Hang (60 × 50 × 1.5 cm / 23.6 × 19.7 × 0.6 in) – "Wine-Tasting Holiday in Provence" “Wine-Tasting Holiday ...
Canvas, Oil
In the Bag
By Aaron Wexler
Located in New York, NY
Aaron Wexler received his B.F.A. in painting from Tyler School of Art - Philadelphia, PA. & M.F.A in painting from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. He has exhibited his work nationally and internationally - including Josée Bienvenu Gallery, Pavel Zoubok Gallery, Morgan Lehman Gallery, The National Academy Museum, The Katonah Museum of Art, among many others. Works have been acquired by numerous collections such as The Saatchi Collection, The West Collection, Fidelity Investments Art...
Archival Pigment
$2,471
Ricky Lee Gordon Abstract Sea Contemporary Minimalist Ocean Horizon 2025
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, Oil, Carbon Pencil, Pigment
$1,043
Original-Moon Lit Dahlias-British Awarded Artist-Gold Leaf on oil canvas Board
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Moonlit Dahlia is a large gold-leaf painting created by Shizico Yi in early autumn, when dahlias reach their fullest bloom and the first turning leaves colour the garden. Painted on ...
Gold Leaf
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (ORANGE) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Orange) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #44 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Cond...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Ragged LOVE Acrylic Painting, Abstract Style, Framed, 2010s, 60x48
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
In “Ragged LOVE,” (2025), Jane Waterous transforms a single word into a vibrant celebration of connection, joy, and shared humanity. Composed of countless tiny, colorful figures, the...
Acrylic
"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
Composite #6, Abstract Geometric Shapes, Mid-20th Century
Located in Beachwood, OH
Charles Fodor (American, 20th Century) Composite #6, 1969 Oil on canvas Signed, dated and titled verso 27.5 x 20 inches 29 x 21.5 inches, framed
Oil
The Fall of Troy 1979 Signed Limited Edition Screenprint
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: The Fall of Troy Year: 1979 Print Screenprint Size : 29.25'' x 21.75'' inches Image size: 24" x 18" inches Edition: signed in pencil, and numbered XX...
Screen
$3,883
Contemporary Minimalist Diptych Blue Abstract Painting Canvas by Tete Alurralde
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The artwork is conceived as a diptych. The total dimensions of the two pieces together are 80 × 180 cm, with each individual work measuring 80 × 90 cm. The overall dimensions are cal...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Our Quiet Evening
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (Total canvas size including stretching margins: 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled In Our Quiet Evening, the artist invites the vie...
Canvas, Acrylic