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.
$22,000
EK Ib /// Josef Albers Orange Screenprint Homage to the Square Abstract Bauhaus
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "EK Ib" Portfolio: Homage to the Square: Edition Keller Ia-Ik *Monogram signed and dated by Albers in pencil lower right Year...
Screen
Christina Gschwantner, Contemporary Rainbow Minimalist Abstract Lines Painting
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The work reflects the artist’s mastery of gesture and emotion, where each mark becomes a visual language. A striking piece that brings movement, depth, and intensity to any collectio...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
"Forevermore 2" - Original Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Forevermore 2 by Dorothy Fagan is a 2023 oil on canvas measuring 48 x 36 inches, with a framed size of 49.50 x 37.50 x 2 inches. Professionally framed and ready to hang, this vibrant...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary abstract expressionist floral painting on paper "Golden Sunflowers"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Fauvist-inspired floral still life, expressive acrylic painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper (50 × 65 cm / 19.7 × 25.6 inches), radiant bouquet compositio...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,200
Subtle Mark - Modern Original Impasto Thick Paint 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 Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1970s
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
PABLO RODRÍGUEZ GUY (Santa Elena, Jaén, Spain – 1950) Untitled Oil on canvas. Hand-signed and dated. Artwork dimensions: 27.5 × 33.5 cm. Framed dimensions: 44 × 52.5 cm. PABLO RODRÍ...
Oil
Where it is quiet, No.5
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the artist explores silence as a state of inner balance and presence. Drawing from the ощущення of natural landscapes, she creates a distilled, atmospheric space where ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$829
Modern abstract Impressionist still life floral painting on paper "Roses Trio"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Roses Trio” is a vibrant contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, whose intuitive, spontaneous brushwork transforms everyday blooms into a burst of emotiona...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,792
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
$5,501
Azurite Gossamer Original Abstract Painting, Mixed Media, 80x80cm, Signed
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...
Gold Leaf
Frozen Dreams - Large Colorful Impasto Abstract Painting: 120x100cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
Artist: Alex Senchenko Title: " Frozen Dreams " Size: Large 120cm x 100cm Depth: 4cm Deep. Medium: Professional Acrylics on Gallery- Wrapped Canvas Ready to Hang: Sides are pain...
Oil, Acrylic
Original Abstract Painting Serg Graff "Hidden Friends" Surreal Fantasy Art, COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
"Hidden Friends" is an original acrylic painting by contemporary American-based artist Serg Graff, whose imaginative artistic vision transforms vibrant abstract compositions into joy...
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
$4,520
Twilight - Muted Color Atmospheric Abstract Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
$14,215
Couleurs en équilibre – Large Contemporary Geometric Abstract Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont (b. 1964, Paris) French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont has developed a distinctive body of work over the past two decades, exploring the intersection of memory, str...
Oil
$480Sale Price|54% Off
Park XV & XVI - SET (Berlin artist, Postwar, Contemporary, ~54% OFF - MUST GO)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Barbara Keidel Park XV & XVI - SET Mixed media, pastel on handmade, toned laid paper 1997 Size: 29.5 × 21.25 inches (75 × 54 cm) (each) Signed and dated in pencil (each) Addition...
Pastel, Mixed Media, Laid Paper
$450
"Joyful blooms" Contemporary abstract expressionist floral still life painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Joyful Blooms" is an original contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, painted in her distinctive metamodern expressionist style with acrylic paint and acry...
Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionism Riviera Nocturnal Twilight Modernist Signed
Located in Buffalo, NY
A one of a kind signed original painting . Many facets of chroma and texture and gem like luminosity . Multiple focal points dot the landscape emanating a mysterious glow. Excellen...
Canvas, Paint
"Floral float" Abstract impressionist water lilies painting inspiration by Monet
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Floral Float" is an original expressive water lily painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, inspired by Claude Monet, created on heavyweight professional acid-free paper and meas...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,205
Fragments of Light - Large Impasto Abstract Painting, Textured Blue Pink Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
Experience the captivating interplay of light, color, and texture with this original abstract painting. "Fragments of Light" is a visual metaphor for the artist’s vision of life — po...
Acrylic
$42,000
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
$4,383
Teresa Vicens, Contemporary Minimalist Figurative Painting with Female Nude
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary figurative painting featuring a group of female nude figures in a minimalist composition. Created by Spanish artist Teresa Vicens, this large-scale work explores themes ...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
"Intermezzo in Green" Large Scale Acrylic, Pencil & Oil Pastel Painting 60"x84"
Located in New York, NY
Intermezzo in Green, 2026, 84" H x 60" W, is a monumental contemporary abstract painting by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Fre...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Pencil
$1,150
Red Codec, Abstract Painting, Blue and Yellow Layers, Acrylic Paint on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Red Codec Medium: Acrylic Painting Monoprinting on Paper Size: 83x65 cm ( 32.7 x 25.6 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped c...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
$900
Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
Noteworthy - Original Contemporary Expressive Geometric Abstract Metal Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
"Orange Crush" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Orange Crush,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 15 x 13 x 5 in. “Orange Crush” is a vibrant vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the collaborative practice of Nan...
Glass, Resin
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
Marine Spectrum, Mixed Media Seascape, Art Brut Style on Paper, Light Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$705
A Place to Breathe - Abstract Gold Leaf and Acrylic Sky Painting on Wood Panel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adele Webster’s contemporary landscape paintings explore atmosphere, light, and the emotional presence of open space. Working with layered acrylic washes on wood panel, Webster creat...
Gold Leaf
Emanation Abstract Expressionist Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, XXL Size
Located in London, London
Cobalt Blue, Blue, yellow, green, flowers, nature, beige, pink, red, golden, ochre, XXL size, extra large abstract painting, large scale, design artwork. Artist: Katarina Joys Tit...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Summer After Winter, Abstract Painting
By Kajal Zaveri
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by the transition from winter's stillness to the abundance of summer, this painting celebrates nature's renewal and vitality. Layers of vibrant green e...
Acrylic
Sunchasers: Painting of Dogs, Modern Abstract, Gold Frame, 51x41cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sunchasers Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
Homeward Bound - Acrylic Abstract Painting, Minimalist, 24x60 Inches
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary acrylic abstract painting is minimalist in form. For more than three decades, Claudia Jean McCabe has been exploring the dynamic potential of abstraction. The Cana...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$1,550
Chrome Double Doodle Mesa Bloom Sculpture - Abstract Powder Coated Steel
Located in Santa Fe, NM
It was the tumult of the sixties that compelled me to drop out of Swarthmore College, move “back to the land” and become an intuitive artist. I believed that if we were to survive a...
Steel
Sam Francis Abstract Lithograph, Signed, 1992, Untitled Yellow
By Sam Francis
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Sam Francis Title: Untitled Yellow Medium: Etching & aquatint in colors on wove paper Year: 1992 Edition Size: IX/XVIII Sheet Size: 36 1/8" x 39 3/8" Image Size: 23 1/4" ...
Etching, Aquatint
Lithograph, Joan Miro, Signed, 1964, Composition
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro Medium: Lithograph Title: Composition Year: 1965 Edition: 1150 Sheet Size: 10" x 7 1/2" Framed Size: 17 3/4" x 14 1/2" Reference: Cramer 104, Mourlot 388 Signature:...
Lithograph
Orange Clouds
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled “Orange Clouds” is an expressive rural landscape that explores the ...
Canvas, Acrylic
And Water Was First
Located in Zofingen, AG
And Water Was First And Water Was First is part of Olena Kishkurno’s ongoing Inner Landscapes series - a body of work situated between abstract landscape and abstract impressionism,...
Canvas, Oil
Lilac green fantasy.
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...
Ink, Synthetic Paper
$1,489Sale Price|20% Off
'Lily in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition 3 of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash. The charc...
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
Where it is quiet, No.1
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work emerged from an inner need to pause and enter a space where tension no longer exists. In a world where silence has become rare and fragile, painting becomes a way to briefl...
Canvas, Mixed Media
The Way Home - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"The Way Home" is a compelling cubist-inspired surrealist painting that offers an intricate display of mid-century modern narrative style mixed with dreamlike, allegorical imagery. T...
Canvas, Acrylic
Zephyr Monumental 2/7 Mirror Polished Stainless Steel - outdoor sculpture
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This sculpture is number 2 in an edition of 7 and can be purchased on a commission basis. Please allow 24 -30 weeks before shipping. It can also be created in smaller sizes, between ...
Stainless Steel
London Sakura-Hand painted Limited Edition-British Awarded Artist-Edition #6/10
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This painting captures the early spring in Shizico Yi’s garden, where the Cherry Prunus stands as the season’s first joyful announcement. Painted en plein air, it reflects the raw fr...
Metal
Don't Let Them Burst Your Bubble: Amber 2 XL - Blown Glass Sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary amber coloured glass bubble is a tabletop sculpture. Cheryl Wilson Smith is known for her uniquely beautiful glass work-its form, colour and texture are often inspi...
Glass, Blown Glass
Contemporary abstract expressionist still life painting "Dialogues in stillness"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary vivid abstract-expressionist still life painting depicting everyday objects and red apples has been created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Known for her express...
Paper, Acrylic
Modern City scape, London from St.Pauls in monochrome
Located in Woodbury, CT
William Yates (British, 20th Century) St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Oil on board, circa 1970 Signed on the reverse William Yates was a gifted British painter whose expressive citysca...
Oil, Board
L'ordre des tomes, Contemporary textured Oil on Canvas, Abstract library
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Born in Paris in 1964, French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont creates richly textured oil paintings inspired by landscapes, artists' studios and her celebrated library series. Her...
Oil
$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
$23,692
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY. Original work The Currency Project. Dots. Colors
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, Madrid
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY: 6274. NOBODY SHOULD HEAR IT Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Enamel paint on handmade paper Edition: 5.149 unique works on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 cm Conditi...
Enamel
$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
Sculpted white folds. 3D texture
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artwork is crafted on a wooden circular canvas, enhancing its organic and natural appeal. The folds, created from durable mesh and coated with plaster, add depth and texture to t...
Mixed Media
$3,198
Modern abstract expressionist floral painting on linen canvas "Peony Bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Peony Bloom" is a contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, where vibrant color and expressive gesture celebrate the joyful abundance of peonies at their pea...
Acrylic, Canvas, Linen
Rythmes croisés — Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
This oil on canvas by Sophie Dumont presents a structured composition where curved forms and vertical elements intersect in a finely balanced architectural space. Built through succ...
Canvas, Oil
$4,500
Teslar
Located in West Hollywood, CA
An organic, topographic form spreads across the wall in cream, its irregular silhouette pooling into deep cavities of black, cobalt blue, and a single rose-pink hollow. The shapes re...
Wool
$400
Flower in Bowl - Abstract Cool Tone Botanical Mixed Media Painting on Paper
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...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil
$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
$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