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Abstract Art

ABSTRACT STYLE

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.

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Style: Abstract
This Week's Listings Only
"Relaxing at Camarillo" - Abstract Expressionism
"Relaxing at Camarillo" - Abstract Expressionism

"Relaxing at Camarillo" - Abstract Expressionism

By Ricardo de Silva

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Gouache, Pencil

Time with Myself
Time with Myself

Time with Myself

By Olena Kishkurno

Located in Zofingen, AG

This artwork is part of the series Return to Herself, dedicated to a woman and her body as a place of return to oneself, to an inner rhythm, rest, and silence. It explores a state in...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Moon Flower Potted Plant - Lively Abstract Colorful Botanical Painting on Paper
Moon Flower Potted Plant - Lively Abstract Colorful Botanical Painting on Paper

Moon Flower Potted Plant - Lively Abstract Colorful Botanical Painting on Paper

By Krisanne Souter

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Krisanne Souter weaves together elements of nature and ancient feminine archetypes, such as the Mother and the Mystic. Botanical themes, playful elements, and unexpected surprises ar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil

Lilac green fantasy.
Lilac green fantasy.

Lilac green fantasy.

By Svetlana Saratova

Located in Zofingen, AG

This abstract composition is inspired by the quiet rhythm of geological formations and the fluid movement of natural landscapes. Flowing layers of muted olive green, warm taupe, soft...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Ink, Synthetic Paper

Going: Abstract Mixed Media on Wood Panel, Framed, 91.4x76.2 cm
Going: Abstract Mixed Media on Wood Panel, Framed, 91.4x76.2 cm

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Wood, Wood Panel

Adjacent note (Abstract Painting)
Adjacent note (Abstract Painting)

Adjacent note (Abstract Painting)

By Xanda McCagg

Located in London, GB

Xanda McCagg is an American abstract artist who divides her time between the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City and Connecticut. A classically trained artist, she began her practi...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape
1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape

1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape

By Gilbert Pelissier

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso dated 85' canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: ov...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid Century Modern Brutalist Welded Expressionist Sculpture After Paul Evans
Mid Century Modern Brutalist Welded Expressionist Sculpture After Paul Evans

Mid Century Modern Brutalist Welded Expressionist Sculpture After Paul Evans

Located in Surfside, FL

In this bronze sculpture the artist (unknown) has welded together a group of totems or monuments into a unified piece. T Neo-Dada Abstract Sculpture: Assemblages In contrast, abstra...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Metal

Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)
Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)

Grid. No 6 (Contemporary Framed Gestural Lattice Motif Painting in Neutral tone)

By Birgit Blyth

Located in Hudson, NY

Grid No.6, 2009 (Contemporary Framed Abstract Grid in Neutral Shades Black & Coffee) by Birgit Blyth 40" X 25" paper vertical chromoskedesic monoprint 44 x 29 inches framed, custom frame with black wood molding and anti-reflective glass This contemporary, abstract style chromoskedasic monoprint was created by experimental photographer, Birgit Blyth. Without the use of a camera, the artist produced this chromoskedasic image by applying the photographic chemicals to black and white photo pager and exposing it to light. The variety of caramel, toffee, brown and black tones is determined by the different chemicals used and the amount of time they are exposed to light. Here, the artist paints with the photographic materials in a gestural, linear motion. Beautiful hues of coffee, caramel, brown, grey, and black intersect to create unique abstract, intersecting grid patterns that resembles a basket weave motif. The photograph is complimented with a black metal frame with non-glare glass. It is equipped with sturdy wire on the back for instant and professional quality hanging. About the artist and work: Birgit Blyth is one of our most innovative and prolific photographers who works in a darkroom yet uses no camera! Blyth has been experimenting with a technique known as Chromoskedasic painting since the early ‘90s and variations on this concept have been shown at the gallery for the last 20 years. The unusual process involves the use of silver particles in black and white photographic paper to scatter light at different wavelengths when exposed. A chemist of sorts, Blyth demonstrates a thorough knowledge of how the various photographic chemicals will react when applied to paper and exposed. Each work is unique with palettes that resonate brilliant tonalities of brown, green, black, and purple. Using this technique, Blyth creates abstract crosshatching grids and most recently has developed a more gestural series of 20 x 16 inch chromoskedasic paintings that explores the ethereal qualities made possible by the unconventional material. Birgit Blyth succeeds at keeping her work fresh and cutting-edge using analog methods that are being quickly replaced elsewhere with digital technology. Though Birgit Blyth began her photographic career using conventional photographic methods, she quickly became more interested in alternative processes. In the mid 1990’s a colleague showed her an article in Scientific American and it was here that she first discovered the technique called “chromoskedasic” painting, which would eventually lead her to fully finding her voice as a photographer. Blyth had always aligned herself with and been moved by abstract expressionist painting. The series of veil paintings by post-abstract expressionist, Morris Louis, was especially inspiring to her and caused her to ask herself how she could do similar interpretations photographically. In “chromoskedasic” painting, she found the answers and would begin on a new path in her artwork. The term “chromoskedasic” is derived from Greek roots meaning color by light scattering. Developed by a photographer named Dr. Dominic Man-Kit Lam, this process exploits the capability of silver particles in black and white photographic paper to “scatter” light at different wavelengths when exposed to light and chemicals. In her mastery of this photochemical drawing process, Blyth has painted lush washes of color into her own “Veil Series;” she has envisioned landscapes, both rural and urban, with melting swirls and marbled colors into rich palettes of toffee and lead. She has used this essentially experimental process to help her “see” the world around her. Blyth says she continues to be fascinated by the process because it requires “a combination of discipline, experimentation, and imagination, making possible a wonderful balance between control and surprise.” Because the chromoskedasic work is all analog, Blyth spends much of her studio time in the darkroom, which has become a rarity in the current world of digital photography. She does however, continue her preference for experimentation in numerous directions, even employing aspects of the digital age – this exhibit will also feature a new series of pieces created with the now defunct but much loved SX-70 polaroid camera, scanned and archivally printed on 24” x 24” fine cotton rag paper. Whatever the process, Blyth’s work is, as the painter and poet, Peter Sacks noted, a blend of “precision and mystery, of articulation and atmosphere.” Her images leave us with the feeling of ongoing action despite the apparent stillness; of qualities both dreamy and stark as light hits a stand of birch trees in a valley or a group of buildings in New York City. As Morris Louis evolved a style of painting that produced a complete integration of paint and canvas, so too has Blyth, with photo paper and chemicals, created a perfect integration of method and content. Artist CV: Born: Kousted, Denmark Resident in U.S.A. since 1963 Education: Denmark and U.S.A. Project, Inc., Cambridge MA (Photography) DeCordova Museum School, Lincoln MA (Printmaking) Maine Photography...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Monoprint

In the Bag
In the Bag

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Vintage American Geometric Abstract Signed Framed Original Painting
Vintage American Geometric Abstract Signed Framed Original Painting

Vintage American Geometric Abstract Signed Framed Original Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American abstract painting. Acrylic on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 31 by 41 inches overall and 30 x 40 painting alone. Framed in a wood m...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Yellow, Abstract Oil Painting
Yellow, Abstract Oil Painting

Yellow, Abstract Oil Painting

By Dorothy Gaziano

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Oil

Abstract 2506
Abstract 2506

Alex SenchenkoAbstract 2506, 2025

$2,069Sale Price|20% Off

Abstract 2506

By Alex Senchenko

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (ORANGE) XL
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (ORANGE) XL

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment

Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame

Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American modernist painting. Gouache on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 20 by 15 inches overall. Handsomely framed in an antique Italian frame. Excellent condition, read...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Oil, Gouache, Board

First Floor Biogram

First Floor Biogram

By Kory Twaddle

Located in Kansas City, MO

Title : First Floor Biogram Materials : Acrylic, gouache, oil pastel, marker, charcoal, graphite, and conté crayon on paper Date : 2018 Dimensions : 24 x 18 x .1 in. Description : ...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Paint, Paper, Acrylic, Tempera, Watercolor, Graphite, Conté, Oil Pastel,...

Woman Celebrating Victory, Signed lithograph
Woman Celebrating Victory, Signed lithograph

Woman Celebrating Victory, Signed lithograph

By Joan Miró

Located in Paris, IDF

Joan MIRO (1893–1983) Woman Celebrating Victory, 1965 Colour lithograph (Arte / Maeght studio) based on a drawing Signed on the plate On fine vellum, 56 x 45 cm (22 x 17.7 in) REFE...

Category

1960s Abstract Art

Materials

Lithograph

Earthen Embrace
Earthen Embrace

Earthen Embrace

By Alex Senchenko

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor

Sam Gilliam - Monoprint with collage acrylic stitching & embossing Signed Framed
Sam Gilliam - Monoprint with collage acrylic stitching & embossing Signed Framed

Sam Gilliam - Monoprint with collage acrylic stitching & embossing Signed Framed

By Sam Gilliam

Located in New York, NY

Monoprint with screenprint, collage, acrylic, stitching and embossing in colors on handmade paper, 1994, signed, dated, titled, and numbered 10/40 (each unique) in black and silver i...

Category

1990s Abstract Art

Materials

Thread, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Rag Paper, Screen

Untitled #SP-217, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric
Untitled #SP-217, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric

Untitled #SP-217, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric

By Murray Duncan 1

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Untitled #SP-217, by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Paint, Paper, Pencil

"Forever"
"Forever"

"Forever"

By Nataliia Svitlychna

Located in Edinburgh, GB

In the luminous embrace of gold and shadow, this commanding abstract composition unfolds as a symphony of form and emotion. Bold, sweeping curves intertwine with geometric precision,...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Original Abstract Painting on Canvas "Volcanic Eruption" , Signed, Framed
Original Abstract Painting on Canvas "Volcanic Eruption" , Signed, Framed

Original Abstract Painting on Canvas "Volcanic Eruption" , Signed, Framed

Located in Palm Coast, FL

This is an expressive original acrylic painting on canvas in a fantasy abstract style by Alan Nolan (American Artist) Titled "Volcanic Eruption" Bright colors make this painting ver...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Cubes, Signed Abstract Etching by Mel Bochner
Cubes, Signed Abstract Etching by Mel Bochner

Cubes, Signed Abstract Etching by Mel Bochner

By Mel Bochner

Located in Long Island City, NY

Mel Bochner studied at Carnegie Institute of Technology where he received his B.F.A. in 1962. Since 1964 he has lived and worked in New York City. He has exhibited widely in the Unit...

Category

1980s Abstract Art

Materials

Etching

Pedro Friedeberg "Schloss Struwwelpeter" Silkscreen
Pedro Friedeberg "Schloss Struwwelpeter" Silkscreen

Pedro Friedeberg "Schloss Struwwelpeter" Silkscreen

By Pedro Friedeberg

Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México

-Pedro Friedeberg signed print featuring a fantastical architectural scene inspired by “Struwwelpeter.” includes whimsical figures, optical art elements, and surreal details. framed ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Giclée

Le Secret
Le Secret

Le Secret

By Olena Kishkurno

Located in Zofingen, AG

(Series: Le Jardin Privé / Your Private Paradise) “Some doors lead not to rooms, but to states of grace — hidden havens where the soul finally feels at home.” This contemporary paint...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil Crayon, Acrylic

Snake Skin. 3D astraction
Snake Skin. 3D astraction

Snake Skin. 3D astraction

By Svetlana Saratova

Located in Zofingen, AG

A sculptural artwork made of clay on canvas, inspired by the intricate beauty of snake skin. The textured surface, with its soft folds and organic patterns, evokes the appearance of ...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Clay, Canvas

R. Poch 88 portrait original acrylic painting. framed
R. Poch 88 portrait original acrylic painting. framed

R. Poch 88 portrait original acrylic painting. framed

By Ramon Poch

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

original acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company La Cosa de las Peliculas: ...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Original Abstract Elephant Graphite Drawing Ex-Christies
Original Abstract Elephant Graphite Drawing Ex-Christies

Original Abstract Elephant Graphite Drawing Ex-Christies

By Andy Warhol

Located in Portland, OR

An original graphite on paper drawing titled "Elephant" by renowned Pop Artist, Andy Warhol 1955. The drawing depicts an elephant drawn freely and with a feeling of forward movement...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Paper, Graphite

Abstract Expressionist Dancers
Abstract Expressionist Dancers

Abstract Expressionist Dancers

By Joseph Kardonne

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Joseph Kardonne (1911-1985). Dancers, 1978. Gouache, watercolor and ink on paper, sheet measures 12 x 14.25 inches; 12 1/2 x 17 5/8 inches mounted on cardboard. Signed, dated and t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Ink, Watercolor, Gouache

SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting
SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting

SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting

By Angelo Palazzini

Located in Napoli, IT

Sincronia Rosa - Abstract Oil on Canvas Paintng , Angelom Palazzini, Italy Angelo Palazzini was born in Lodi in 1953 where he still resides and has his own studio. His encounter wit...

Category

1980s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Mid Century Abstract Geometric Painting, Signed 1963, Textured Layers
Mid Century Abstract Geometric Painting, Signed 1963, Textured Layers

Mid Century Abstract Geometric Painting, Signed 1963, Textured Layers

Located in Cotignac, FR

Mid Century Abstract in polymerised macro-molecular paint on canvas applied to a painted wooden board by Belgian artist Paul H Saffre. Signed and dated {1963) on the board below the ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Board

Abstract art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Sumit Mehndiratta, Giorgio Lo Fermo, Francisco Nicolás, and Dadodu . Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Synthetic Resin Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract art, so small editions measuring 0.02 inches across are also available.