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.
$850
Salat, Yellow and White, Abstract Fish Patterns, Modern Seascape on Paper, 2025
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...
Acrylic, Handmade Paper
$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
"Girl in the Rain - Gold Edition #6", Abstract, Painting, 21st Century
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Gold Edition - with real gold leaf, 23,75 carat Art measures 11.81 x 11.81 inches Frame measures 22.83 x 22.83 x 2.36 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding....
Clay, Acrylic
Boats in Harbor (French Riviera painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Michel Colin (b.1934). Boats in Harbor, 1969. Gouache on paper, sheet measuring 16 x 20 inches. Signed and dated lower right. Sheet is unframed. Michel Colin, born in 1934, live...
Paper, Gouache
THE MILKY WAY CIRCLE (Limited Edition of Only 30 Prints)
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** ***EVERYTHING MUST GO BY DECEMBER 31ST!*** >>The artist is moving to a new full time venture in 2026<< _________...
Canvas
"umbrella girl series" RK69DE7, Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Art measures 31.49 x 23,62 inches Frame measures 36.22 x 28.34 x 2.36 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color: antique gold Artist: Roger König b. De...
Clay, Acrylic
$22,500
Saturday on Wednesday, Large Abstract Expressionist Acrylic Painting, 20th C.
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres (American, 1927–2013) Saturday on Wednesday, c. 1975 acrylic on canvas signed lower right, signed and titled verso 48.5 x 62.5 inches Richard Andres was born in Buff...
Acrylic
Red on Yellow
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
$1,385Sale Price|20% Off
Original Triptych-Sunlit Series-British Awarded Artist-Gold Leaf, Oil on canvas
Located in London, GB
This stunning Original Set of 3 paintings by Shizico Yi on Canvas includes: Sunlit-Primary Blue Sunlit-Primary Red Sunlit-Purple with Red these are a part of Shizico Yi's Sunlit proj...
Gold Leaf
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Pumpkin, Red/White, Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkin, Red/White Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculpture with decorative box, as issued Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches Inscription:...
Epoxy Resin
$306
Abstract impressionist floral acrylic painting on paper "Morning's rose bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary expressive impressionist floral piece with a touch of abstract and art brut, Morning’s Rose Bloom, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot in her Lyon studio ...
Paper, Acrylic
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Ellsworth Kelly, Red Form, from Revue Cahiers d'Art, 2012
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Ellsworth Kelly (1923–2015), titled Formulaire rouge (Red Form), originates from the 2012 publication Revue Cahiers d'Art, 2012, no. 1, Ellsworth Kelly. ...
Lithograph
“Accept”
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
$9,067
Contemporary Large New Abstract Dots Colors Artist Christina Gschwantner
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, Acrylic
Soaring Through the Dream. Oversized abstract painting, purple, violet
Located in Oslo, NO
Soaring Through the Dreams invites the viewer into a realm where imagination and reality flow together in vibrant motion. Layers of translucent color — from deep turquoise and violet...
Canvas, Acrylic
#49, 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
$3,000Sale Price|25% Off
Untitled (abstract expressionist mid-century modern painting)
By Joseph Fiore
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Joseph Fiore (1928-2005) Untitled, ca. 1955. Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches. Measuring 25 x 31 inches in custom modernist frame. Signed lower left. Excellent condition. Joseph Albe...
Canvas, Oil
ABSTRACT 2565
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured vibrant emotion into layers of soft pastels, letting acrylics dance freely across the canvas. The swirling pinks, yellows, and blues express an uplifting ener...
Oil, Acrylic
$247
Abstract Expressionist impressionist nature oil painting "Calling to nature""
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This small-format oil painting "Calling to nature " by French artist Natalya Mougenot evokes the quiet ambiguity of nature. Painted on stretched cotton canvas (20 x 20 cm / 7.9 x 7...
Canvas, Oil
$8,831
Topographie du reve, Large Abstract Geometric, Framed, Expressionism, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Title: Topographie du Rêve Oil on canvas – 39.37 × 39.37 in (100 × 100 cm) Framed: 42.13 × 42.13 in (107 × 107 cm) – Natural wood floater frame (black optional) Year: 2025 – Signed l...
Oil
$746Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Moon Lit Dahlias-British Awarded Artist-Gold Leaf on oil canvas Board
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
$2,000
Do The Twist - Original Soft Gestural Texture Abstract Painting on Canvas
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, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Gossamer
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary acrylic abstract painting is a meadow filled with flowers. The ephemeral grace and beauty of the natural world are celebrated in this pretty painting by Claudia Mc...
Acrylic, Panel
$2,400
Shady Spot, Guatemala - Cool Tone Abstract Landscape Textural Impasto Painting
By Dana Cowie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Using an impasto, painterly technique Dana Cowie creates cubist-inspired farm and rural landscapes. Working within controlled color schemes, her artworks appear abstract up close and...
Canvas, Oil
$1,165
MIST
Located in Zofingen, AG
"A thin veil of fog hides the world. In this shaky haze dreams are born”
Canvas, Oil
Nick Thomm - LUMINANCE - SET (Standard)
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'LUMINANCE' (SET) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) per print. Blue Limited Edition of 425. Orange Limited Edition of 409. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Pape...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$635
Glowing Sunset II - Original Vibrant Warm Tone Textured Abstract Artwork Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The delicate and poetic artworks of painter Frederic Paul reference his Asian roots in expressive and elaborate compositions. Inspired by the bold colors, spices, flora, and landscap...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Rice Paper
$3,061
"Pearl Roses in Blue Silence" large impressionistic painting on linen canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness." – Eckhart Tolle This origi...
Canvas, Cotton, Linen, Acrylic
Promises and Lies 12 - Abstract Glass Sculpture, Mixed Media, 2010+
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary table top white glass sculpture is by Cheryl Wilson Smith. Cheryl Wilson Smith’s award-winning, distinctive glass work is both inspired by and deeply rooted in her...
Glass, Mixed Media
The Open Door 1979 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: The Open Door Year: 1979 Print: Lithograph on Somerset Paper Paper size : 22'' x 30'' Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 4/175 Romare Bearden is r...
Lithograph
Dance of the Hummingbirds
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
$7,800
Matter and Antimatter - Italian Abstract Art, Gestural Abstraction, Blue, Yellow
Located in New York, NY
Materia et Antimateria by Ruggero Vanni is an exceptional example of abstract expressionism meeting sculptural sensibilities. This unique mixed-media painting blends pigments and tex...
Canvas, Oil
$6,476
Dialogues geometriques, Abstract textured, French artist, Oil paint Contemporary
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas Unframed size: 100 x 81 cm (39.37 x 31.88 in) Framed size: 107 x 88 cm (42.12 x 34.64 in) Choice of natural oak or black floater frame Year: 2025 Signed lower right Cer...
Oil
$2,020
Earth to Sky - Tall Impasto Inspired Colorful Thick Paint 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, Glitter
Eclipsed in Time - black and white abstract portrait, limited edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
"Eclipsed in Time" suggests a moment of transition, obscurity, or transformation—much like an eclipse where something is temporarily veiled yet still present. The title reflects the ...
Giclée
Unlikely Refresh, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This abstract landscape painting, built through multiple layers of wet-on-wet mediums, creates a rich surface. The tactile depth contrasts with smooth, glossy p...
Oil
$3,414
Contemporary Minimal Abstract Diptych, Large-Scale Neutral Textured Painting
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, Mixed Media, Pigment
$500
Untitled 3. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and ’90s-original...
Paper, Oil Crayon
$1,295
Light of the Hills– Original Textured Abstract landscape , Oil, Contemporary
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In Light of the Hills, Sophie Dumont, a French contemporary painter, captures the serene rhythm of an abstract landscape built through subtle layers of oil paint. Soft greens, ochres...
Oil
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
$1,090
Festival of Joy - Abstract Expressionism Maximalis Delight Joy Texture Statement
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Festival of Joy Abstract Expressionism Colorful Delight Joy Movement Texture Statement Vibrant Festivitas Laetitiae - Festival of Joy This vibrant artwork, set on a deep cr...
Oil, 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
The Divine Goddess - Warm Soft Jewel Tone Abstract Floral Painting
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
Contemporary Miniature Natural Pigments Painting Cosmic Egg Minimalist orange
Located in Norfolk, GB
Rahul Kumar Untitled Natural Pigment on Paper 35.5cm x 26.5cm Rahul Kumar is from a family of traditional miniature painters working in Jaipur. The atelier where his family learnt t...
Paper, Watercolor
$1,028Sale Price|20% Off
Original Diptych-Spring Duet-British Awarded Artist-Abstract UK Contemporary
Located in London, GB
Spring Duet is part of Shizico Yi’s ongoing exploration of the diptych format—a project that began in 2024. Painted en plein air, every canvas captures both the landscape outside her studio and the intimate interior surrounding it. This duality unfolds across two paintings, creating a visual dialogue that shifts and harmonises like a musical duet. The work belongs to Shizico’s long-running Memory Landscape Series (est. 2015), in which she moves fluidly between mediums—installation, sculpture, painting—and across visual languages from impressionism and expressionism into abstraction. In this spring chapter, she turns to the gentle hues of the Northern European early spring: soft greens, creamy whites, pink-apricot light—tones that hold the tender, awakening atmosphere of the season. Each canvas functions like a musical note; together, the pair forms a coherent visual phrase. Their relationship is harmonious yet flexible, offering multiple ways of living with the work in your home. -Artist's Lifetime Warranty for the original artwork Details Diptych (set of 2 paintings) Medium: oil, acrylic, mixed media on canvas Size: • Each canvas: 50 × 39.5 cm • Total combined size: 50 × 79 × 1.5 cm (Unframed measurements) -Versatile Display: The diptych may be hung: • Side by side as a traditional diptych set • Separated across different walls to create visual punctuation and subtle connection between spaces This flexibility allows the work to adapt to a variety of homes and interior styles. -Guarantee End to end tracking Delivery Worldwide by Royal Mail Worldwide at lowest flat Rate £22. About the artist: Dr. Shizico Yi is a London-based artist working across installation, film, and painting. Her practice explores themes of loss, repetition, the everyday, and the significance of memory. Drawing on a background in design and film, she creates works that weave personal experience into wider social and human narratives. Yi holds a PhD in Fine Art from the University of East London (2017), an MFA, and a BA in Womenswear from the University of the Arts London. Her practice also includes plein air painting from spring to autumn and studio-based work in winter, allowing place and season to inform the energy, scale, and materiality of her pieces. Her work has been exhibited internationally in the UK, Korea, and Italy, and is held in private collections across the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and the UK. Notably, Shizico Yi secured the title of Winner of the Women Film Makers: Best Shorts Competition in 2013 in Los Angeles, USA. She also serves as a guest jury member at the 14th-16th Annual New York City Independent Film Festival from 2022 to 2024 and is a curator and founder of no barking aRt...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
#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
$412
Small abstract expressive nature painting wood frame "Spring on the horizon"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressive nature painting, created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, bursts with color and emotion. "Spring on the Horizon" captures the fresh energy of ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Treasure Trove: Colorful, Still-Life, Flowers in Orange Vase, Acrylic, 2010+
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Treasure Trove in Bloom Still-life Painting Floral Vase Colorful Flower Original Contemporary Investment One-of-a-kind Original Artwork You can buy yourself flowers! This ...
Stretcher Bars, Wood, Canvas, Acrylic
$5,625Sale Price|25% Off
Sleep of the mind , 200x72 cm, oil on canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Sleep of the mind , 200x72 cm, oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
Solar Series #2: Bridge at Auver - Abstract Oil on Canvas, 2000s
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This colorful abstract painting was created by the Canadian artist David Sorensen. One of Canada’s finest contemporary artists, David Sorensen actually began his art career as a sc...
Canvas, Oil
$527
Hand-Painted Artist Proof-Summer Night-British Awarded Artist-One Off large size
Located in London, GB
This stunning Artist's Proof is an one-off, hand-painted by the artist Shizico , signed at front and on the back label too; the proof is 90% hand painted with original oil paint by S...
Gesso, Archival Ink, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée
$7,100
av_965 Colorful Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Natural Linen Canvas
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Linen, Acrylic
$497Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Primary Blue-Sunlit Series-Gold Leaf-British Awarded Artist
Located in London, GB
Primary Colour Series- Blue is Shizico Yi's on going project, inspired by Japanese woodblock Print and the a nod to calligraphy tradition. The series is a continuation of her "Sunli...
Gold Leaf
#234, 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
$811Sale Price|25% Off
Original-Dahlias Field-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Gold leaf + Impasto
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
Untitled III by Antoine Vidal - Vertical abstract sculpture, light gray and gold
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled III is an abstract sculpture by French artist Antoine Vidal. Bronze, 19.3 × 5.9 × 3.5 in (49 × 15 × 9 cm). Limited edition of 8 + 4 Artist's Proofs. Vidal's works in bronz...
Bronze
$1,554
A Chance Encounter. Large abstract painting, violet, ochre, lilac, expressionism
Located in Oslo, NO
A spontaneous meeting of colors and forms — A Chance Encounter captures the fleeting moment when two movements cross and create something unexpected. Layers of ochre, violet, and ind...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hope: Extra Large, Floral, Landscape, Painting in Acrylic and Oil
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Hope - Floral landscape after the Storm Extra large floral showcase Investment Extra large Floral Showcase Investment Nature Landscape Joy Colorful Authentic Original One-of...
Oil, Acrylic
$638Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Rosarian-La Vie en Rose: Summer Bloom Serie-British Awarded Artist
Located in London, GB
Rosarian — La Vie en Rose is part of Shizico Yi’s ongoing Summer Bloom Series, a body of work in which she explores the magical qualities of roses and the complex challenge of painti...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$612Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Her eternity"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Her Eternity” is a contemporary abstract portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created as part of her ongoing series honoring women and their inner, timeless worlds. In this w...
Paper, Acrylic