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.
Be Mindful - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This compelling acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel, titled "Be Mindful," serves as a poignant exploration of figurative abstraction, where the artist deftly intertwines themes of aware...
Canvas, Acrylic
$533Sale Price|20% Off
Large 20th Century Original French Expressionist Oil Painting
By P Vilette
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Original oil painting by P. Valetti (French, second half 20th century) oil on canvas, unframed size: 19.75 x 28.75 inches condition: very good provenance: from the artists estate, Fr...
Canvas, Oil
Huge Scandinavian Abstract Wool Tapestry Art Rug Asger Jorn Cobra Artist Denmark
By Asger Jorn
Located in Surfside, FL
Asger Jorn (1914-1973) Ege Axminster, Denmark. Danish Tapestry Rug Art-Line Etiquette de l'éditeur Ege Axminster (Danemark) titrée au revers. Les Emigrants 132 x 98 inches, Pure ...
Wool
$696Sale Price|20% Off
Liberty: Portrait Painting Renewal Flowers Striking Bold Exclusive Blue Red Life
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Liberty Portrait Painting Liberty Flowers Abstract Artwork Striking Bold Original Blue Red Life This abstract contemporary artwork takes one to a place of freedom and the fe...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
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
Color abstraction 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
This abstract artwork is created with alcohol inks on synthetic paper. Vibrant shades of pink, fresh green, violet, turquoise, and soft blue flow into one another, forming a rich and...
Ink, Synthetic Paper
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
De Ventanas, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Mixed media on canvas 180x180cm Signed About the artist Multidisciplinary Mexican artist living in Mexico City. He uses paint and sound as the ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
The Monster in the Forest (Tribute to Yves Klein)
Located in Paris, FR
Mixed media Silkscreen. Watercoloured proof, with collages, each work being unique and different, hand-enhanced by the artist. Handsigned by the artist in pencil Edition : 34/100 30....
Silk, Watercolor
Green Ceramic Seapod Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
"Green Seapod", Ceramic Sculpture Dimensions: 7 H × 6 W × 6 D Medium: Hand-built ceramic, glazed stoneware Hand-built ceramic sculpture finished in a green glaze. Adrienne Fierman’s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$2,400
Straight Into the Middle - Lively Impasto Thick Paint Colorful 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 a...
Canvas, Glitter, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Vintage Lascaux Caves Abstract Watercolor
By Les Anderson
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstracted composition inspired by prehistoric paintings in the caves of Lascaux, France by Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). Signed "Les Anderson" lower right. Fr...
Paper, Watercolor
Ross Bleckner Abstract Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
Ross Bleckner (American, b. 1949) Untitled, c. 20th century Oil on board 18 x 20 in. Ross Bleckner grew up in Hewlett, Long Island, New York; drawing all the time without being aware that other artists existed. He was the middle child between two sisters; his father manufactures electronic parts He attended New York University where Sol Lewitt, Chuck Close and others were his teachers. He graduated in 1972, then spent a year at the California Institute of Arts. His contacts in the next few years were very fortuitous; Sol Lewitt and Chuck Close, Carl Andre, David Salle, Julian Schnabel, etc. Bleckner is on the nervous side, beset by self-doubt, insomnia, and gloom. He is unpretentious, although he is bluntly handsome, with olive complexion, and a compact build. He is "10 percent that is superficial and 90 percent that has to do with the depths and that is threatened by living. He is a very complicated individual. He is a very, very morose, deeply feeling, hardworking artist- he takes a lot from within himself - but always, no matter how successful he is, he feels he is going to fall into those depths." 1 Bleckner first exhibited his work in New York in 1974. The following year he was given his first one-man show; he was included in the 1975 Whitney Biennial.. Since about 1985 has addressed many of his paintings to the subject of AIDS- both documenting it as a historical phenomenon and commemorating specific individuals who have died. Written and submitted by Jean Ershler Schatz, artist and researcher from Laguna Woods, California. Bio sourced from the Archives of askArt. Sources include: Ross Bleckner's Mood Indigo...
Oil, Board
Sinjerli Variation Ia
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
From the artist's Sinjerli Variations series created in 1977, Frank Stella created this original print as a lithograph and screenprint in colors on Arches paper. Hand-signed in penci...
Lithograph, Screen
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
“Meeting Point”
By Jacob Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “Meeting Point” captures a quiet moment of anticipation. In the foreground, a man in a cap leans calmly against a car, as if waiting for someone. In the background, anot...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,168Sale Price|29% Off
Neptune - Stormy Ocean Abstract Blue Sea Nature Invigorating Painting Art Energy
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Neptune Stormy Ocean Abstract Blue Sea Nature Invigorating Painting Art Energy In this painting, I've channeled the tempestuous power of the ocean's depths. While I creat...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Another Love -21st Century Contemporary Abstract Expressionism, Couple, Art Deco
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Love often gets caught in the crossfire of ego. We like the idea of romance, the gentle back-and-forth, the sweet anticipation, the playful dance of two people coming together. But w...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
"Out to Sea", Abstract, Expressionist, Red, Blue, White, Oil Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
Katherine Borkowski-Byrne’s “Out to Sea” is a colorful abstract oil painting, 36 x 60 x 1.5 inch, on canvas with very thick texture and spontaneous brushwork in saturated reds and bl...
Canvas, Oil
Vibrant High Gloss Painting by San Francisco Artist
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vibrant Mixed media abstract by San Francisco artist Bret Vanhorn AKA Lioti (leave it or take it) Enamel/resin on wood 2021 10" x 22"
Mixed Media
Blossoms for Autumn #1, Original Painting, Abstract art
Located in Deddington, GB
I wanted to create this piece with one focus in mind - trying to get this colour palette to really sing on the canvas! So gold, prussian blue, olive green, yellow ochre and browns an...
Canvas, Acrylic
Sunbird Serenade: Portrait Painting, Abstract Earth Tones, 101 x 101cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title A Beautiful Mind - Sunbird Serenade Portrait Painting Sunbird Color Earth Delight Contrast Abstract Soulful large portrait by Karnish. The earth reflects in her eyes, the Hu...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
"Pond Life" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish & Water Lily Oil Painting on Canvas
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic portrayal of Japanese Koi fish jubilantly depicted with movement and enthusiasm. In a burst of motion, the fish joyfully swim in the clear light blue waters, as th...
Canvas, Oil
$321Sale Price|20% Off
Expressive impressionist floral acrylic painting on paper "Spring's flowers"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressive Impressionist floral painting was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, whose signature style brings emotion and energy to every brushstrok...
Acrylic, Paper
Horses and Riders V
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1972 Handsigned by the artist in pencil Edition : 31/50 Publisher : Société Internationale d'art XXe siècle (Paris) Printer : Mourlot (Paris) Catalog : Guastalla L108...
Lithograph
$780
Pierre Montheillet, Composition in green and yellow, monotype on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre MONTHEILLET (1923-2011) Composition in green and yellow Mixed media on paper - monotype Signed and dedicated “pour mes amis Sallaz” lower right Dimensions of the work: 28.5 x ...
Watercolor, Gouache, Monotype
Dreamscape Colors, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original abstract textured painting ready to hang. Large original abstract painting inspired by nature painted in style between abstract and impressionist. It was painted in multip...
Acrylic
American Abstract Expressionist Framed Mid Century New York School Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Unsigned. Measuring: 31 by 31 inches overall, and 30 by 30 painting alo...
Canvas, Oil
Large Abstract Silkscreen by Raymond Parker
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Raymond Parker, American (1922 - 1990) Title: Untitled 14 Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 70 Image Size: 31 x 36 inches Size: 32 x 37.5 ...
Screen
$4,095Sale Price|20% Off
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Abstract Portrait Very Thick Impasto Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Portrait Expressionist work, painted with very thick impasto oil paint. unsigned but clearly by a very good hand. French School, mid 20th century oil on board, unframed 36...
Oil
$106Sale 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: 9.5 x 9.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we hav...
Oil
Untitled 41_24 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
This artwork will be shipped rolled in a dent-resistant tube. This method is especially safe for large works, and provides lower shipping costs as well. Rolled works can be easily s...
Canvas, Mixed Media
White Path - 3D small contemporary abstract round mural sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...
Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper
$14,000
Frank Stella - Line Up, from Jasper's Dilemma, signed/n, geometric abstraction
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Frank Stella Line Up, from Jasper's Dilemma (Axsom 85), 1973 Lithograph in colors on J. Green mould-made paper Signed, dated and numbered 56/100 in pencil lower right front 16 × 22 i...
Lithograph
Spiral - Lithograph by Roberto Crippa - 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph on paper realized in 1950s. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 75. Very good condition.
Lithograph
$14,927
Large Triptych Abstract Bookshelf Painting – Oil on Canvas, Modern Library
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Silent Chronicles: An Ode to Immobile Memory Triptych – Oil on canvas (3 panels) With "Silent Chronicles", Sophie Dumont invites us into a world where minimalist aesthetics meet the ...
Oil
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Modernist Shaped Geometric Abstract Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted American school abstract geometric painting. Oil on canvas. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
$620Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Framed Original Large Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century abstract cubist oil painting. Great color and composition. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
$850
Marine Mirage, Abstract Gestures School of Fish, Blue Yones Modern Seascape 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Marine Mirage ” is a contemporary abstract painting inspired by the fluid motion of ocean currents. Layers of blue tones intertwine with flowing yellow lines, evoking the depth and...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
$1,121Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Cubist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting by Ervin B. Nussbaum (1914 - 1996). Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. Dated 1950. Artist Bio: Ervin B. Nussbaum was born in Co...
Canvas, Oil
$509Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Abstract Cityscape with Towers. Circa 1970
Located in Firenze, IT
Cityscape with skyscrapers. Stylized and almost abstract representation of a city with skyscrapers, some of which have the shape of a sail. Oil on canvas. In a 1970´s aluminium / wood period frame. Signed lower right: Raimondo. Landscape appears at first glance as a series of abstract, geometric, very bright objects. Very good condition. Painting comes from a collection in Turin, Italy which had numerous signed works...
Canvas, Oil
1955 Exhibition Poster
By Paul Klee
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Original Exhibition Poster Paul Klee, Berggruen and Cie, Paris 1955. Measuring This poster is an original print, not a reproduction. The poster is in very good vintage condition wi...
Offset
Orange-magenta abstraction.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This abstract artwork is created with alcohol inks on synthetic paper. Vibrant shades of fuchsia, pink, coral, and orange flow freely into one another, forming translucent shapes and...
Ink, Synthetic Paper
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures), Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures) Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculptures Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches, each Insc...
Epoxy Resin
$175Sale Price|36% Off
Untitled Composition III (Gestural Abstraction, Lyrical, Tachisme, ~36% OFF)
By Otto Greis
Located in Kansas City, MO
Otto Greis Untitled Composition III Original Silkscreen on Fine Vellum Year: 1960 Sheet Size: 7.6 × 5.625 inches (19.30 × 14.29 cm) Mat Size: 10.6 × 8.125 inches (26.92 × 20.64 cm) F...
Vellum, Screen
$8,267Sale Price|20% Off
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
Minimalist Cubist Abstract, Signed Oil Painting by Female Artist Miriam Bromberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
Minimalist Cubist Abstract Miriam Bromberg Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 42 x 18 in. (106.68 x 45.72 cm) Frame Size: 47 x 22.5 inches
Oil
$8,382
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
$3,890
Submerged by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spa...
Acrylic
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Pastel Cloud Sketch Pink minimalist abstract sky painting
Located in COOMERA, QLD
"Pastel Cloud Sketch Pink" is a large original painting featuring soft pink and green hues that blend to create a dreamy cloudscape. Thick, descriptive strokes of acrylic paint bring...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ensign No. 3
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 ...
Plastic, Mixed Media, Permanent Marker
$3,416Sale Price|30% Off
Pleasure Chasers: Abstract Expressionist Painting on Raw Linen, 2000s
Located in Jönköping, SE
In keeping with my passion of nature, this collection focusses on the movement and structure of nature. I am fascinated in finding things in our environment that often go unnoticed....
Raw Linen
$6,500
Memory Wall 6: Maximalist Abstract Painting in Red, Peach, Pink, Teal, Green
Located in Hudson, NY
Large, brightly colored abstract geometric painting in various shades of red, pink, and peach with accents of mint green, teal, blue, yellow, white and black. "Memory Wall #6" made ...
Plaster, Wax, Acrylic, Panel, Pigment
Pridinol (Artist Proof) - Damien Hirst Spot Print
By Damien Hirst
Located in Manchester, GB
Damien Hirst, Pridinol, 2010, AP Medium: Woodcut print on 350gsm Hahnemühle paper Dimensions: 96.5 x 91.4 cm x (38 x 36) in Edition: 24, this being an Artist's Proof Signature: Hand...
Woodcut
$624Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist floral painting on canvas "Red Bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Red Bloom” is a vibrant contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to flowers. In this painting, roses gather in a genero...
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
$4,363
Fox I
By Anni Albers
Located in Paris, FR
Offset, 1972 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 123/150 Catalog : Weber & Danilowitz 29 60.50 cm. x 50.50 cm. 23.82 in. x 19.88 in. (paper) 38.00 cm. x 34.00 cm. 14.96...
Offset
Interior with Standing Dog
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Irvin Nahan (b.1927) Interior with Standing Dog, 1970. Watercolor and pencil on paper. Image measures 5 x 6.5 inches. Framed measurement: 10 x 12 inches. Signed and dated by ar...
Watercolor, Pencil
Reliefes Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Resin and Pigment
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Bark and Reliefs, 2018 By Carla Gimbatti From the Series Reliefs Aquaresin and Pigment Overall size: 79 H x 16.6 W in. Individual size:79 H x 8.3 W in. each _____ After graduating ...
Resin, Pigment
$1,384Sale Price|20% Off
Painting, Modern, Abstract, Colorful, Contemporary, Invest, Artwork, Original
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: The Guardians of Togetherness Painting, Modern, Abstract, Colorful, Contemporary, Invest, Artwork, Original The Guardians of Togetherness opens up the viewer to experience t...
Stretcher Bars, Wood, Gesso, Color Pencil, Acrylic, Spray Paint, Glaze, ...
Unified Energy 2 - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 30in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Unified Energy 2" is a striking mid-century style modernist artwork that beautifully captures the essence of contemporary figurative abstraction and surrealist design. The piece uti...
Canvas, Acrylic