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.
Madeline. Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Contemporary abstract painting by Welsh artist Peter Rossiter. Artists comments on the painting "The painting is an exploration of warm relationships between colours and choreograph...
Oil
Mémoire Obscure - Large Abstract Oil Painting, Signed, 2026, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Artist Presentation Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter whose work explores abstraction through memory, architecture, and the silent presence of objects. Working primaril...
Canvas, Oil
Alexander Calder: From Mobiles to Critters - Lithograph by Alexander Calder-1976
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph realized in occasion of Calder's Exhibition at Galleria Rondanini, Rome, 1976. Not signed and not numbered, as issued. Edition of 500. Excellent condition
Lithograph
Abstraction 100-299 24 4 by Nicolas Galtier - Abstract Painting, Golden
Located in Paris, FR
Abstraction 100-299 24 4 is a painting by French artist Nicolas Galtier. The artist uses a mixed technique combining pigments, binders, glues and various metal powders and sheets. Th...
Linen, Mixed Media
"Silhouetting ll" Acrylic on Raw Canvas, Framed
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Ali Enache (b. 1985, Washington, D.C.) is a Los Angeles-based abstract painter whose minimalist, textural works are characterized by warmth, subtle movement, and tonal depth. With a ...
Canvas, Acrylic
ISIDRO CAHUE sea original abstract paper acrylic painting
By Isidro Cahue
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
sea- original abstract paper acrylic painting Mixed technique on paper. Perfect state . The personality of the artist is reflected in different fields of art. His concern for the s...
Acrylic, Cardboard
$569Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract Impressionist floral bouquet of roses painting "Red bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Red Bloom " is a vivid contemporary floral painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing still-life series devoted to flowers. For her, roses embody beauty, love, ...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Royal Curtain, Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Gene Davis (1920-1985) Title: Royal Curtain Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen on Arches paper Edition: 41/250, plus proofs Size: 30 x 21.5 inches Condition: Good Inscription: Sig...
Screen
Systems #3 - modern, contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract painting by Milly Ristvedt is expressed in geometric form. The power of pure colour and minimal form is masterfully displayed in this abstract painting by...
Canvas, Acrylic
Forever Hope - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, 1980s
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This modern abstract is a Harold Feist 'spoke' painting. Early in his career, Canadian artist Harold Feist was mentored by the famed New York Art critic, Clement Greenberg and the f...
Canvas, Acrylic
$426Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist floral painting on paper "Floral Radiance"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This painting makes part of my series dedicated to the scenes of a summer period. This abstract vibrant floral painting called "Floral radiance" is done in a modern contemporary exp...
Paper, Acrylic
$52,000
Immigrant V3 - female, figurative, bronze, stainless steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This figurative outdoor sculpture in female form is forged in bronze and stainless steel. Galina Stetco used her own body as a model for the mould of this compelling and poignant l...
Bronze
$8,657
ABSTRACT Artwork Landscape by Contemporary Artist Italian Giorgio Petracci
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...
Gesso, Wood, Acrylic
"Everyone deserves happiness"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Everyone deserves tenderness and love Coziness. The warmth of childhood, spring warmth, the first sip of morning coffee, hugs Spring is always about tenderness, fragility, elusivenes...
Canvas, Oil
Composition IV - abstraction art, made in black, orange, yellow and white
By Lena Cher
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Interior design paintings. Abstraction art, made in black, orange, yellow on white foam board. Can be as a single independent painting, diptych or 4-pieces art composition. Also, we...
Epoxy Resin, Foam Board
Summer Sheep By Natalie Bird
Located in Deddington, GB
original Oil on board Image size: H:14 cm x W:18 cm Sold Unframed Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look Oil on board
Oil, Board
"Echoes" (2023) By Danny McCaw, Original Abstract Portrait Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
Danny McCaw's (US based) "Echoes" is an original, handmade oil painting with impasto brushstrokes that depicts an abstracted female figure. Bio/artist statement: Danny McCaw is the ...
Oil, Board
Azurite Gossamer-original modern abstract oil painting- contemporary Art artwork
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
ARCHANGEL (XL Size)
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm ARCHANGEL (XL SIZE 36" x 48"). Limited Edition #22 of 25. Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW - Unopene...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Miracle De La Vie - Green Teal 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
$1,500Sale Price|40% Off
Landscape with Orange Sky
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
James Earl Ray (1928-1998). Landscape with Orange Sky. ca. 1975. Oil on masonite panel measures 6.5 x 8.5 inches, 10.5 x 12.5 inches framed. Signed lowe...
Masonite, Oil
Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance, Abstract Floral Painting on Canvas, Unique
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance and Stillness - In Pink Floral Flowers Abstract Unique Exclusive One-of-a-kind Striking Abundant Meadow Landscape Nature We all need to feel...
Acrylic
Ky Anderson "Land 25.4" 2025 acrylic on watercolor paper
By Ky Anderson
Located in New York, NY
Ky Anderson Land 25.4, 2025 acrylic on watercolor paper 30 x 44 in. (and504) Artist Statement: My work falls somewhere between abstraction, formalism and narrative painting. I see...
Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Oil Painting by Mirko Baricchi – Contemporary Color Field Composition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirko Baricchi (born 1970) is an accomplished Italian painter who currently lives and works between Vicenza and La Spezia, regions located in Veneto and Liguria, Italy, respectively....
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$35,000
Convergence - abstract, geometric, corten and stainless steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract outdoor sculpture is forged from steel. The dynamic, eclectic sculptural work of Quebec artist Claude Millette is highly regarded for its innovation in bo...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Green Composition - Etching by Nino Cordio - 1995
By Nino Cordio
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 14.7 x 10 cm. Green Composition is an original mixed colored etching realized by Nino Cordio in 1995. Hand signed and dated on the lower right margin. Numbered on the lower left margin. Ed. 57/65. Nino Cordio (Santa Ninfa, 10 July 1937 - Rome, 24 April 2000...
Etching
Savage Garden ll, Abstract Painting
By DL Watson
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An abstract floral painting emerges through layered muted and metallic paints, collage elements, and textured surfaces. Organic shapes suggest flowers and folia...
Acrylic
An American Farm at Sunset by S. Salomon
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an American Impressionist landscape painting featuring a vibrant sunset casting a glow over a farm setting. The work depicts a figure walking down a dirt path through a m...
Canvas, Oil
Autumn impressions
Located in Zofingen, AG
Autumn impressions. In this piece, I poured my passion for vibrant color and movement into every brushstroke. The rich reds and purples evoke the fiery heart of autumn, while the su...
Canvas, Oil
$407Sale Price|25% Off
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Impasto , oil, gesso on paper
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...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
The Blue Rider
By Max Papart
Located in San Francisco, CA
Max Papart (1911-1994) "The Blue Rider" Original Etching with Aquatint, circa 1973 This is a rare artist proof. The artist proof is pencil signed and titled by the artist. The regu...
Etching, Aquatint
"Geostructure XII Abstract, Colors, Geometric, Primary Shapes, Acrylic
Located in Detroit, MI
"Geostructure XII" is an intensely colorful painting of the primary shapes of the circle, square, and triangle. Though the shapes are repetitive their mixed juxtapositions and the creative use of color moves the eye around the canvas with constant interest. This painting is an extraordinary example of Franklin Jonas...
Acrylic, Linen
$3,280Sale Price|20% Off
Out of the Blue, blue abstract expressionist painting on canvas, textured
Located in New York, NY
Lisa Fellerson’s paintings provoke an interplay and tension between line, shape, and color. With no preconceived idea in mind, she begins by dripping, scrapping, and gouging acrylic ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Squared Harmony
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork, created on a black canvas, captivates with its minimalist form and refined texture. The surface is adorned with clay squares painted in an elegant ivory color. The soft...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
Fletcher Benton - Balanced/Unbalanced #120 watercolor signed titled 25/25 framed
Located in New York, NY
Watercolor on paper Pencil titled, editioned and signed with name and printed signature Pencil numbered 25/25 This work is floated in it's original vintage wood frame under UV plexi...
Watercolor
Mid-Century Abstract Expressionist Gouache on Paper, Signed, 41x55 cm
By Joseph Levin
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid-century abstract expressionist geometric gouache on paper by Russian artist Joseph Levin. Signed to the bottom right and presented in a black passepartout. This artwork is a str...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
$616Sale 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
No title
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1966 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 31/80 Printer : Fratelli Pozzo Catalog : Mason-Putman 36 94.00 cm. x 62.50 cm. 37.01 in. x 24.61 in. (paper) 66.50 c...
Lithograph
Untitled Abstraction
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Abstrraction Gouache, watercolor and pigments on paper, c. 1960 Signed lower right in pencil (see photo) Image: 17 x 22 inches Sheet: 25 1/4 x 29 3/4 inches Frame: 25 1/4 x ...
Watercolor
Colored circles, abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting shows an abstract composition of interwoven colorful forms set against a dark background. The background is painted in deep burgundy tones. Broad, semi-transparent brus...
Canvas, Acrylic
P2
Located in Denver, CO
This painting by Florida - based artist Jason Hackenwerth from the features a bright yellow background, gestural black pigment, and bold configuration. Hackenwerth's expressive mark-...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Joan Miró, "Le Permissionnaire", etching and aquatint
By Joan Miró
Located in Chatsworth, CA
Joan Miró "Le Permissionnaire", 1974 Original etching and aquatint From the edition of 50 on arches paper, hand signed and numbered 3/50. Image measures: 45 x 29 inches Sheet measure...
Etching, Aquatint
$6,360Sale Price|20% Off
Composition, Float Series, Dale Chihuly
By Dale Chihuly
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Dale Chihuly (1941) Title: Composition, Float Series Year: 2014 Medium: Intaglio and acrylic on Waterford paper Edition: 63/175 Size: 37 x 25 inches Inscription: Signed and n...
Acrylic, Intaglio
Red Abstract OiI Compostion by Lee Reynolds
By Lee Reynolds
Located in Pasadena, CA
Modern Abstract Year: 1960-1970 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed lower right Size: Abstract oil on canvas by Lee Reynolds was a popular artist in the 1960s known for oversized, color...
Oil
Portrait Painting Longing Africa Bold Flow Desire Striking Invest Gold Sensual
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: My African Dream - The Longing Portrait Painting Contemplation Africa Bold Flow Dream Striking Investment Color Gold Abstract portrait in Acrylics and Oil sealed with high qu...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"It's the Rest of the World That is Moving" (2024) by Amy Hutcheson
Located in Denver, CO
"He Opened His Hand And I Put My Stories Into It" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting on canvas, by Amy Hutcheson, that depicts an abstract painting with colorful geometric ...
Canvas, Oil
$107Sale 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 thick board unframed: 8 x 8 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have fo...
Oil
Abstract Composition - Oil On Canvas by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2021
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Painting is an original artwork realized by Giorgio Lo Fermo (b. 1947) in 2021. Original Oil Painting. Hand-signed, dated and titled on the back of the artwork. Hand-sign...
Canvas, Oil
American Contemporary Sculpture by Scott Troxel - Spinnaker
By Scott Troxel
Located in Paris, IDF
Spray acrylic, latex, black cherry, MDF & matte varnish Scott Troxel has exhibited his work at numerous fairs and exhibitions across the United States, including The Other Art Fair ...
Acrylic, Latex, Spray Paint
Pirouette White 5/50 - polished, abstract, engineered white marble sculpture
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Smooth surfaced, engineered white marble flecked almost imperceptibly with grey and black, sparkles gently in the light. The sinuous shape seems to spin dynamically on its narrow bas...
Marble
Abstract Oil Painting by Mirko Baricchi – Minimal Contemporary Composition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirko Baricchi (born 1970) is an accomplished Italian painter who currently lives and works between Vicenza and La Spezia, regions located in Veneto and Liguria, Italy, respectively....
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Aura - Chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hand-pitched chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture vessel by Jessamyn Go. White Stoneware, Bronze Metallic Glaze, 8" x 7 x 3.5 inches Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
$3,600
Large Modernist French Abstract Expressionist Colorful Bird Painting Roger Lersy
By Roger Lersy
Located in Surfside, FL
Roger Lersy, French (1920 - 2004) Oil on canvas Signed, R. Lersy, dated 1961 lower right Measuring 35 X 31 Matted and framed. sight 26 X 21.5 Roger Lersy was born in Paris, France ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$9,000Sale Price|62% Off
Three Totems - Large Oversized Abstract Modern Textural Grey Steel Sculptures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. His original artworks capture the essence of Abstract Expression...
Metal, Steel
Harmony of Textures. Abstract
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artwork, created on an 8 mm plywood base, captivates with its textures and interplay of materials. The upper part is crafted from high-quality faux leather, resembling soft, flow...
Plywood, Mixed Media, Leather, Acrylic, Panel, Putty
$326Sale Price|20% Off
Sandstill No.3 - abstract mixed media photography, Limited edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Sandstill No.3 London, United Kingdom 2021 From limited edition of 20. The photograph is signed front bottom right corner and comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed dat...
Giclée
Home Run: abstract modern minimalist color field drawing with rainbow colors
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow shades shine in this abstract, color field print. Vibrant red, yellow, orange, purple, and green lines take on the organic quality of handmade paper, resulting in this subtle...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Donald Judd
Located in New York, NY
Created by Donald Judd as an aquatint on wove paper, Untitled, 1978-79 is hand-signed and numbered "28/175" in pencil, measuring 40 x 29 ½ (101.6 x 74.9 cm.), unframed, and is from t...
Aquatint
Whisper In A Hurricane
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is part of a series titled Wander, Wonder and Recall. The series is about movement. The movement of wind and water in nature. Have you ever just stopped and listened t...
Canvas, Acrylic
AWH 338 - Abstract Minimalist Textured Layered Colorfield Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer produces deeply layered, subtly textured abstract paintings that contain diametrically opposed elements—order and chaos, abstraction and representation, boldness and ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil