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.
Dormant Bloom I, Contemporary, Abstract, Original
Located in Deddington, GB
In deep burgundy, softened pinks and quiet beige, this piece embodies the faded beauty of a winter rose hip. The colours feel hushed, as though they’re holding warmth beneath the sur...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Making The Darkness Conscious, joan mitchell, de Kooning, expressionism, color
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is part of a new series I began in the fall of 2025 titled Contemplation and Introspection. In this series I am exploring the profound relationship between nature and t...
Linen, Acrylic
$1,000
Untitled 4. 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
$1,250
Original Wall Art Painting, Abstract Paintings, Letter Art-On All Counts II
Located in Delaware , OH
Original Wall Art Painting, Abstract Paintings, Letter Art-On All Counts II A B O U T T H I S P I E C E : “On All Counts II” is a piece of letter art that is featured on unique hand...
Acrylic, Handmade Paper
Ruz Blues Soft Upright. acrylic canvas painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
blues soft upright acrylic canvas painting Original artwork by Spanish artist Rafael Ruz. Acrylic on canvas in perfect condition. While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are in...
Acrylic
$880Sale Price|20% Off
"Portrait"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Memoirs
Acrylic
Monumental Red Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Signed, 1969
Located in Arp, TX
Monumental Red Abstract Milburn Smith March 1969 Acrylic paint on canvas 65 x 64 x 1.25 Signed and dated lower right in ink Very Good Condition: Consistent with age and history. Fro...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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 x 15.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we hav...
Oil
Original-Summer Night-British School-UK Awarded Artist-impressionist-abstract
Located in London, GB
This painting captures a view from the east end of the garden, looking towards the west gate where old giant trees frame wildflower areas on both sides. Shizico Yi used the colour bl...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$587Sale Price|23% Off
Flower of Inspiration // Floral 3d painting / Water / Lotus / good vibes /
Located in Zofingen, AG
#meditation #enlightenment Inspiration is a state of highest ascent, when the physical and emotional spheres of a person are connected and aimed at solving a creative problem. In...
Resin, Acrylic
Pat Lay, DM414161212, 2016, Rice Paper, Digital Print
By Pat Lay
Located in Darien, CT
In the last decade Pat Lay’s artwork has focused on technological metaphors of the human experience. In this series of digital collages, digital images scanned from computer circuit ...
Silver Leaf
$645
Mystic Rhizome - Original Colorful Organic Abstract Botanical 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
$937Sale Price|25% Off
Coral Gems, Bauhaus Arches & Curves, Squared Pixel, Geometric Red, Blue Diptych
Located in Barcelona, ES
This vibrant painting of Bauhaus reminiscences celebrates the bold colors, geometric forms, and architectural elegance of the Bauhaus movement. This captivating artwork combines dyna...
Paper, Acrylic
$433Sale Price|20% Off
Serigraphie Abstract Geometric Screen Print, 1960s, Unframed, Good
By Jean Baier
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
Jean Baier (1932-1999) was a Swiss artist who initially as a trained mechanic after the Second World War. This interest enabled him to develop an artistic fascination for practica...
Screen
Capulin Volcano
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
$7,800
Delta (Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas in Teal, Aqua Blue & Green)
By Jenny Nelson
Located in Hudson, NY
Square, abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas in aqua, teal, blue, and green against pale grey with accents of yellow, peach, and mauve 'Delta' by Jenny Nelson Oil on linen, ...
Canvas, Oil
$331Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary Abstract Still-life Figurative Small Art Painting "Three lemons"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Original Contemporary Abstract Figurative Still-life Painting – Small Format Art “Three Lemons” is a vibrant contemporary abstract still life where color becomes the main storytelle...
Canvas, Acrylic
Gold Spot Vines#1, Original Painting, Abstract art
Located in Deddington, GB
This one has super amounts of texture with many gold rings around my spot flowers in relief Pings of grey and blue and burgundy and green Additional information: Acrylic paint, Gold...
Canvas, Acrylic
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Red Thumbprint - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Red Thumbprint - Abstract Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Paper A bold abstract painting by California-based artist, Ricardo de Silva (American/Brazil, 20th C). This piece i...
Paper, Acrylic
$6,400
Acreage (Abstract Expressionist Oil on Canvas Painting in Tones of Blue & Taupe)
By James O'Shea
Located in Hudson, NY
Gestural, abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas in tones of blue and taupe, with pops of ochre and mauve Painted by Hudson Valley based artist, James O'Shea in 2021 Oil on c...
Canvas, Oil
Hand painted Proof-Gladiolus Common Blue-British Awarded Artist-English Cottage
Located in London, GB
"Gladiolus Common Blue" marks the latest project by Shizico Yi, a continuation of her renowned "Sunlit Series." Initiated in late spring 2023 and extending throughout the years where...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Whisper
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll size of artwork 150x120 + 10 cm This work is about tenderness and strength, about the path, choice and movement. The river gently unfolds its flow through fields o...
Canvas, Acrylic
Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Monumental NYC Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract expressionist oil painting. No signature found.
Canvas, Oil
$1,800
Intimate Lighting: Blue, Abstract Expressionist Screenprint by Robert Natkin
Located in Long Island City, NY
Robert Natkin, American (1930 - 2010) - Intimate Lighting: Blue, Year: 1974, Medium: Screenprint on Arches, signed, numbered and dated in pencil lower left, Edition: 59/100, Image...
Screen
A Catch of Caprice, Abstract Color Woodcut Print, Signed, 1/5 Edition
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “A Catch of Caprice”, an "Artist Choice" 1/5 edition pull, is a 20 x 13.75 inch color woodcut with a walnut finished frame in black, green, and red on Okawara Japanese ...
Color
$4,500
"Calm's Chaos - Storm Eye", Abstract, Blue, Brown, Orange, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “Calm’s Chaos – Storm Eye” is a 24 x 36 x 1 inch abstract mixed media painting on cradled panel in blue, indigo, and ochre acrylic, ink, and pencil. This colorful abstr...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Panel
$10,664
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
$7,676Sale Price|20% Off
Joan Mitchell, Untitled, from The Poems, 1960
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite silkscreen by Joan Mitchell (1925–1992), titled Untitled, from the album The Poems, originates from the 1960 edition published and printed by Tiber Press, New York, un...
Screen
Secret Garden, Abstract Painting
By DL Watson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist DL Watson created this light, tropical scene based on her butterfly garden in her south Florida home. Lush greens and cool...
Acrylic
Sculptures (M. 950), Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Joan Miro
By Joan Miró
Located in Long Island City, NY
Joan Miro, Spanish (1893 - 1983) - Sculptures (M. 950), Year: 1974, Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives, signed in the plate, Image Size: 16.25 x 24 inches, Size: 20.5 x 29 in. (52.0...
Lithograph
Lab #7, #6 and #11 Painting. From the Lab series
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
"The work explores the interconnection between organic nature and circuits, reflecting the relationships between human beings. On the canvas, organic shapes are displayed that evoke ...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Pink Cosmos Monotype Print, Abstract Art, 2023, Hand-Pulled by the Artist
By a.muse
Located in New york, NY
In the artist's abstract print series, Cosmos, 2023 by a.muse represents an imaginary cosmos - the universe as a place of longing, dreams, wonder, and ethereal beauty. A 13.75" x 11"...
Ink, Rag Paper, Monotype, Gouache
Huge Dorothy Gillespie Colorful Abstract Expressionist Enamel Painted Sculpture
Located in Surfside, FL
Dorothy Gillespie (1920 – 2012) Ribboned Image X 2001 Metal Ribbon Sculpture, Enamel on Aluminum with colorful striped green ribbons. Dimensions...
Metal, Enamel
$1,450Sale Price|50% Off
Whirl Wind (Abstract, Expressive, Fun, Colorful, Warm, 50% OFF - MUST GO NOW)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Katherine Bello Whirl Wind Mixed Media on Canvas 2025 Size: 24 x 48 inches (60.96 x 121.92cm) Signed and titled by hand COA provided *on stretcher frame, ready to hang. -----------...
Wood, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Abstract Composition - Screen Print by Antonio Vangelli - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Screen print realized by Antonio Vangelli in the mid-20th Century. Edition of 17/30, hand signed and numbered in pencil. Includes a blue wooden frame cm. 74x53.5 Very good condition.
Screen
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Subsurface
Located in New York, NY
John Vitale is a young abstract artist to watch with an expressive, intuitive voice. He works on many canvases at once, moving between them, adding brushstrokes in acrylic paint, hou...
House Paint, Acrylic, Permanent Marker, Pencil
After Robert Motherwell "Burnt Sierra"
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Woven wool tapestry Burnt Sienna, after Robert Motherwell is a tapestry in colors, woven with the artist's initials, from the proposed edition of 20. Published by Charles Slatkin, N...
Wool
Vintage American Modernist Signed Abstract Expressionist Figural Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract expressionist figural painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed.
Canvas, Oil
Morning Magic, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Dorothy Gaziano layers orange and light blue with oil paint and cold wax. Using black to enhance details, she applies marks and scratches, adding contr...
Oil
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Motherwell, 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: Signed in the plate and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the folio, In Memory of M...
Lithograph
$1,400
Diamond XXXII /// Contemporary Abstract Geometric Minimal Painting Striped Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Diamond XXXII" Series: Diamond *Signed by Graves lower right. It is also signed, titled, and dated on verso Year: 2021 Medium: Orig...
Canvas, Paint, Acrylic
Vintage American Framed Abstract Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American abstract painting. Gouache on board. Measuring: 18 by 22 inches overall and 12 by 16 artwork alone. Framed in antique gilt wood frame. Excellent condition, ready to...
Board, Gouache
Psicodélico, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 160 x 190 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Nacio...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hand Painted Proof#1-Moon Night-British Awarded Artist-Limited of2-One Off
Located in London, GB
[Moon Night ] is a part of her "Sunset Song" Series. This stunning One Off Artist's Proof is hand-painted on Giclee made on fine art paper by the artist Shizico , it is signed at fro...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$750
Red Composition, Abstract Geometric Etching by Jacqueline De Butler
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jacqueline De Butler, French (1928 - ) - Red Composition, Year: circa 1968, Medium: Etching with Aquatint on Arches, signed and numbered in penc...
Etching, Aquatint
$38,500
Frank Stella, unique paper collage signed and inscribed to museum curator Framed
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Frank Stella Homage, 1997, 1997 Mixed media with paper collage Signed, dated and inscribed " "Homage" to Dieter Honisch and many many good wishes, cheers again and again Many Many th...
Paper, Mixed Media
On the Bright Side, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Various shades of blue, with touches of purple and cream, create a soothing backdrop. A bold orange form adds contrast and visual interest without disrupting th...
Acrylic
"Sara's Morning" (2025), Female Portrait, Oil Painting on Copper and Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Lisa Fricker's "Sara's Morning" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a close up nude portrait of a woman in front of a earth toned , geometrical abstracted background. ...
Copper
Rather Be: Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2010s, New, 50x60
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Rather Be by Allison Rohland is a richly layered abstract mixed-media painting on canvas with a quiet, atmospheric intensity. Muted mauves, dusty pinks, olive greens, and charcoal to...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,174
Lisiere du silence, Abstract Seaside, Contemporary, Oil painting, French, framed
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Unframed dimensions: 35 × 27 cm (13.8 × 10.6 in) Framed dimensions: 42 × 34 cm (16.5 × 13.4 in) Choose the black or light wood frame Certificate of authenticity provided In Lisière ...
Oil
$6,461
Emma Labattaglia Abstract Large Contemporary Grid Painting in Earth Tones
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection includes a Certificate of Authe...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Untitled #537 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #537 by Murray Duncan – Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper Size: 32" x 40" Unframed, signed on the back A striking exploration of form and movement, Untitled #527 by Murray ...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
$492Sale Price|20% Off
Painting 1960, Abstract Gouache on Paper, Framed, 25.4 x 28.9 cm
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
George Dannatt (1915-2009) Painting 1960 1960 Gouache on paper Image: 25.4 x 28.9 cm Frame: 48.0 x 50.3 cm Provenance: The George and Ann Dannatt Estate, The George Dannatt Trust...
Gouache
Untitled I
Located in New York, NY
For over thirty years, Nozkowski has practiced his own form of idiosyncratic abstraction, foregoing a signature style or subject matter in favor of seemingly limitless variations in ...
Color, Linocut, Woodcut
$14,000
“Untitled”
By John Little
Located in Southampton, NY
Early, original oil on canvas painting by the well known American abstract expressionist artist, John Little. Signed and dated lower right, 1958. Signed and dated verso. Rose Fried...
Canvas, Oil
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
"Luctor Et Emerge" (Flora, Original, Contemporary, Floral, Flowers, Dark, Black)
Located in Paris, IDF
Luctor Et Emerge 2025 Paris, France This abstract oil painting features delicate white blossoms scattered across cracked natural linen branches against a semi gloss deep black backg...
Linen, Oil, Acrylic
Agora Project No. 7
Located in Burlingame, CA
Mexican-American contemporary visual artist and celebrated architect Javier Arizmendi-Kalb created this abstract painting with bold brush stokes creat...
Oil, Panel
$72Sale Price|20% Off
Grazia Offset Print by Gunter Blum, Abstract Expressionist, 1994
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This striking photograph of Grazia by Gunter Blum exemplifies the artist’s renowned ability to capture the female form in all its unabashed beauty and power. Grazia is depicted tilti...
Offset
Mountain Sun - bright, minimalist, abstracted landscape, acrylic on canvas
By Pat Service
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Bold, bright colours and clean lines capture the essence of a setting sun as it slips behind a mountain range. This is one of a series of minimalist paintings that celebrates the ‘ro...
Canvas, Acrylic
Original-To make a Garden-British Awarded Artist-oil and gold leaf on canvas
Located in London, GB
[To make a garden ] is a part of her "Landscape Memory" Series. Shizico explores forms, layers, and time onto canvases. In this outstanding painting, Shizico applied layers of mater...
Gold Leaf