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.
La Coupe de Fruits, Abstract Expressionist Print, Early 20th Century
Located in Belgrade, MT
Maria Sanmartin-Bodegon started painting in 1947. She was encouraged by her son Antoni Clave' who also was a great painter. She exhibited in salons throughout Europe including Paris,...
Ceramic, Paint, Lithograph
Absence Écrite, Large Textured Abstract Library, Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Framing included: the collector may choose a natural wood or black floater frame. The painting is delivered ready to hang. Unframed dimensions: 80 × 80 × 2 cm (31.50 × 31.50 × 0.79 ...
Oil
$908Sale Price|20% Off
Tranquil XXII Large Abstract Blue Gradient Painting European School Signed 2025
By SOOS TIBERIU
Located in Zofingen, AG
Elevate your space with this large original, gradient of blue, abstract painting! Made on stretched heavy canvas, the edges are painted for a polished look. The glossy varnish not on...
Acrylic, Varnish, Spray Paint
$52,000
Proposition (Set of Four) - large, colourful, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Milly Ristvedt is making a bold proposition in this dramatic series of four large paintings designed to be displayed together. Each of the four canvases offers a stunning visual dial...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,290Sale Price|40% Off
Colorful Squares #5
Located in Soquel, CA
Bold abstract geometric composition by Marc Foster Grant (American, b. 1947). Unsigned. but was acquired with a collection of other Grant pieces. No frame...
Acrylic, Canvas
Leo Castelli Gallery offset lithograph invitation, 1969
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster invitation Unframed and unsigned Published by Leo Castelli Gallery at 4 East 77th Street on the occasion of the exhibition in November, 1969 The artwork dep...
Lithograph, Offset
The Journey, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soft palette of blue-grey, cream, and pale orange shapes this textured abstract painting. Black line work winds across the surface, guiding the viewer’s eye...
Oil
$826Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Lifebuoy Mixed Media Wall Sculpture with Miniature Figure
By Vera Vizzi
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Blue Lifebuoy Mixed Media Wall Sculpture with Miniature Figure "Portami al Mare" is a unique mixed media wall relief by Italian artist Vera Vizzi. Created on a circular wooden panel,...
Acrylic Polymer, Wood Panel
Action - tall, dynamic, reflective, geometric, abstract, steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
With Action, Canadian artist Ryan Van Der Hout creates a sense of motion in rigid steel. Paying homage to Eadweard Muybridge's seminal photographs, which first captured frame-by-fram...
Steel
Limited Edition Dibujos de Picasso Color Franed Lithographic Poster, 1961
Located in Barcelona, ES
Step into the world of modern art with this remarkable 1961 exhibition poster, "Dibujos de Picasso", originally created for the renowned Sala Gaspar gallery. This authentic piece is ...
Paper
The Builders in blue - Signed Lithograph
Located in Paris, IDF
Fernand LÉGER (1881 - 1955)(After) The Builders in blue Colored Lithograph Signed on the plate Numbered / 250 copies (Sample photo of the number) On Arches vellum 65 x 50 cm (c. 25....
Lithograph
Large Antique American Abstract Expressionist Flower Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract still life painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed verso. Measuring: 48 by 56 inches overall, and 46 by 54 painting alone. In excellent origina...
Canvas, Oil
Jardins déserts peut-être
Located in Paris, FR
Engraving, 1976 Handsigned by the artist in pencil Edition : 115 Publisher : Galerie Schmücking (Braunschweig) Printer : Lacourière et Frélaut (Paris) 28.00 cm. x 37.50 cm. 11.02 in. x 14.76 in. (paper) 19.50 cm. x 25.50 cm. 7.68 in. x 10.04 in. (image) Original drypoint etching by Zoran Music...
Engraving
$3,368
Flying Dutchman -Original modern abstract-texture painting-Contemporary artwork
By Roman Goss
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs...
Canvas, Oil
$3,772
Walking On Air. An original abstract artwork by Diane, Painting by Diane Whalley
Located in Deddington, GB
Walking On Air is an original expressionistic abstract with several layers of paint and some mark making in charcoal and oil pastel with show through of underlying colours. After the...
Canvas
"Budding Flowering Ripening" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Budding Flowering Ripening,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 14 x 14 x 12 in. “Budding Flowering Ripening” is a radiant vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the ...
Glass, Resin
$3,750Sale Price|25% Off
Bailando en Azul, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 150x200cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naciona...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist Drawing - Contemporary Work in Colored Pencil, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Drawing - Contemporary Work in Colored Pencil, Signed Vibrant piece by David Ronce (American 20th/21st Century.) Abstract shapes rest against a dual-tone blue...
Paper, Color Pencil
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Period New York Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very impressive and amazing mid 1900s abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas. No signature found. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
A contretemps, French Contemporary Geometric Abstract Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
À Contretemps explores rhythm, interruption and displacement within a carefully constructed geometric composition. Vertical structures, rectangular planes and curved forms create an ...
Oil
$800
Blue and White Abstract Overlapping Shapes Fish Scribble Gestures, Mediterranean
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 and reminds us of its natural beauty and the importance of its preservation. Details: Title: Marina N31 Medium: Acrylic on Paper Size: 106 x 70 cm ( 41.7 x 28 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped carefully rolled and packaged in a tube. * Certificate of Authenticity provided. Enric Servera (Ciutadella de Menorca, 1970) lives and works between Barcelona and Menorca, Spain. His works explores the colors and forms of the ocean, inspired by the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean Sea. His work has shown in galleries across Spain, and is part of several public and private collections. Words that may describe this series of artworks are: Mediterranean-inspired art, abstract sea...
Acrylic, Watercolor
Renaissance
By Marina Stern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This work is part of our exhibition Marina Stern Luminary, the first retrospective of the artist since 2007. Marina Stern was a multifaceted New York-based artist whose works ranged...
Canvas, Oil
Passion in Pink: Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting
By Amy Dixon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Amy Dixon’s work has evolved over the past 35 years with true authenticity in developing her own voice on canvas. Her curious awareness is ever present and fueled by direct observati...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media
Replicas, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 100 x 80 cm Signed and dated on the back About the artist Alejandro Legorreta (Mexico, 1987) I studied Hispanic Literature a...
Canvas, Acrylic
Aleksandar Bezinovic Geometric Abstraction Black Grey Contemporary Minimalist
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The piece is signed by the artist on the reverse and includes a Certificate of Authenticity officially stamped by the gallery. At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the h...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$1,434
After Brassaï, Black and White, 1930s, Photographic Heliogravure Print, Framed
By Brassaï
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a journey through the nocturnal streets of "Paris de Nuit" with this exclusive rare heliogravure test print by Brassai. Prior to the publication of his iconic book, this ...
Paper
CC 100 - Blue red abstract geometric 3D wall circular sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Anna Kruhelska is a visual artist and architect working across fields of art and design. She creates abstract, three-dimensional paper wall reliefs that startle in their intricacy an...
Plywood, Acrylic
Blue VR779
By Kseniya Rai
Located in Zofingen, AG
Presented at Bakerhouse Gallery, Graz, Austria, this work was exhibited alongside another painting from the same series, which became a finalist in the ScanArt Prize competition. Phi...
Canvas, Oil
Ascend, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An abstract artwork blending textures and colors captures the balance between calm and vibrancy. Vibrant reds, blacks, and blues accentuate the muted grays an...
Acrylic
Andre Lanskoy Abstract Limited Edition Signed Print from La Genese
Located in San Rafael, CA
Andre Lanskoy (French / Russian 1902-1976) Untitled from the portfolio La Genese, 1966 Color lithograph on wove paper Signed 'Lanskoy' lower right Edition 11 of 30. Numbered lower ri...
Archival Paper, Lithograph
$716Sale Price|20% Off
American Large Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage modernist abstract painting. Oil on canvas. Image size, 36L x 36H. Signed verso, "Larry Glickman".
Canvas, Oil
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American School Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American school abstract expressionist painting. Oil on board. Signed. In excellent original condition. Nicely framed in a period wood molding. Excellent condition, read...
Canvas, Oil
Yellow Edge - Circus. Contemporary Abstract Oil painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Abstract expressionist recollection of a acrobat at a circus
Oil
Green Depth - Large Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas: 200x150cm.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Experience the captivating interplay of light, color, and texture with this original abstract painting. "Green Depth" is a visual metaphor for a positive and dynamic vision of life, ...
Oil, Acrylic
WORKING ON IT INCESSANTLY
By Mary Corita (Sister Corita) Kent
Located in Santa Monica, CA
CORITA KENT (Sister Mary Corita) 1918–1986 WORKING ON IT INCESSANTLY, ca. 1970 Color serigraph. Signed and numbered in ink 200/. In generally good condition. Image 22 3/8 x 11 1/2, sheet 23 x 12 1/4 inches. Provenance: Marjorie Kauffman Graphics on original period label. Sister Corita is highly important in the development of modern use of serigraphy with highly charged social and political content expressed in strong colors and dynamic composition. She often made biblical and well as literary references as a major part of the composition. She taught printmaking at Immaculate Heart...
Screen
Eternity Abstract Expressionist Painting, XXL Oil & Acrylic on Canvas
Located in London, London
full size 229x156cm full size canvas approximate stretched size 220x150cm All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. unframed, shipped rolled XXL, Extra-large pain...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$16,641
Petite Chouette 1949, Rare Picasso Ceramic Pitcher, Ramié Catalogue No. 82
Located in Eltville am Rhein, DE
Pablo Picasso Malaga 1881 - 1973 Mougins Petite Chouette, 1949 White earthware with engobe decoration, glazed interior 13 x 15 x 11 cm Impressed studio marke to undersite "EDITION P...
Ceramic
Ensign No. 1
Located in Columbia, MO
A native of Upstate New York, Matt Ballou was educated at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2001) and Indiana University ( MFA 2005) before coming to The University of ...
Mixed Media, Plastic, Permanent Marker
Golden Palms #4 - Tall Skinny Modern Textural Abstract Original Trees Painting
By Zabel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Guided by her passion for life and her spirit, French Canadian painter Zabel creates vibrant artworks filled with romance and immersive textures. With a belief that art is all about ...
Gold Leaf
Sand City, Construction Series, Abstract Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Sand City” presents a softly structured, abstracted urban grid built from warm ochres, saturated golden yellows, dusty blue-greys, pale blush pinks, and muted olive greens. Block-li...
Canvas, Oil
"Flor de membrillo"
By Elina Bilous
Located in Edinburgh, GB
My vision of quince blossoming is not about the details. It's about the feeling. About how the first warm rays paint the treetops in golden-green hues, and the air around turns pink ...
Canvas, Oil
Homage to the Square - P2, F14, I1 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 14, Image 1" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
Tuxedo Black
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Tuxedo Black" is an original color serigraph on black paper by American artist Fermin Landin Hernandez, 1949-2015. It is hand signed, titled and numbered 1/65 in...
Screen
Mai Tai #2
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,...
Canvas, Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic
Composition - Original Lithograph - Late 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is an original lithograph artwork on cardboard, realized in the late 20th Century. Hand-signed on the lower right. Numbered on the lower left, Edition II/XX. The stat...
Lithograph
$800Sale Price|46% Off
Reclining Nude
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Edwin Kosarek (b.1929). Reclining Nude, 1952. Oil on wood panel, 17 x 48 inches. Signed and dated on verso. Edwin Kosarek Born: 1929 Studied: The Cit...
Masonite, Oil
$31,274
No.061222 by Thierry Martenon - large wood sculpture, abstract, geometric
Located in Paris, FR
No.061222 is an abstract sculpture in wood by French sculptor Thierry Martenon. This large-scale sculpture weaves together richly textured geometric forms, establishing a dynamic int...
Wood, India Ink
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink color contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Photographic Paper
A Bunch of Joy: Acrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionist, Ready to hang
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: A Bunch of Joy Floral Gem Joy Flowers Nature Colorful Investment Energy Mother Earth This small-scale artwork, will shine light and joy in the collector's space. A Bunch of...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Floral Still-life Acrylic Painting, Abstract Expressionism, Original
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: It's Beautiful Floral Still-life Colorful Delight Invest Flowers Bouquet Joy Energy Captivating This small-scale painting will energize the collectors space with abundance a...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Sides 1, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
The principle that organizes the universe is movement between opposite sides. “Everything flows, nothing remainsâ€
Acrylic
$1,836
Held in Burgundy - Contemporary floral colorful large painting dark red
Located in Zofingen, AG
Burgundy earned its name from a wine region, and something of that heritage lingers in the color — the weight of grapes ready for harvest, the patience required before anything can b...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Françoise Gilot, Portraits of a Woman, 1951, Lithograph
Located in Barcelona, ES
Françoise Gilot original lithograph from 'Portraits of a Woman' series. from the poetry book "Pages d'Amour" by André VERDET, editions Raison d'être, 1951, printed by Mourlot in limi...
Paper
Françoise Gilot, Portraits of a Woman, 1951, Limited Editon Framed Lithography
Located in Barcelona, ES
Françoise Gilot original lithograph from 'Portraits of a Woman' series. from the poetry book "Pages d'Amour" by André VERDET, editions Raison d'être, 1951, printed by Mourlot in limi...
Paper
Gold Abstract Paintings, Gold Modern Art, Abstract Art-Grace 4024
Located in Delaware , OH
Gold Abstract Paintings, Gold Modern Art, Abstract Art-Grace All of Addison's text in her paintings are her journal. She uses it as an artist expressions and does not read them afte...
Gold
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
El Gozo de la Tribu, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 204x340cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 19...
Canvas, Acrylic
$880Sale Price|20% Off
United! Original Mixed Media Painting, Warm, Colorful, Maximalism, Large, Bold
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: United! Original Painting Colorful Conversation Bold Statement Invest Artwork Maximalism Best In this mixed media artwork, with the array of bright colors, unity is expresse...
Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Stretcher Bars
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (BLUE) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Blue) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #46 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Co...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Mid-Summer Beach Garden, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
New series :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: Signature Location: l...
Acrylic
Quiet Beauty in Nature, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This abstract painting invites quiet reflection, evoking the stillness of a misty landscape mirrored in calm waters. A gentle palette of greens and blues wash...
Oil