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.
The Memory of Unknown Things 7(iii), Contemporary, Abstract
Located in Deddington, GB
The Memory of Unknown Things is a series of paintings exploring the experience of knowing something but not being able to retrieve it immediately from memory. Through the painting pr...
Canvas, Oil
Dreamtime: Portrait Abstract Contemporary Butterfly Soft Warm Freedom Invest
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Dreamtime Dreamtime Portrait Abstract Contemporary Butterfly Soft Warm Freedom Portraits through the eyes of Karnish. "DREAMTIME Follow her to a world of play and abundan...
Gesso, Canvas, Acrylic, Pastel, Wood, Stretcher Bars
Secrets of The World. Japandi, Minimalist, Wabi-Sabi, Contemporary, Shabby Chic
Located in Oslo, NO
This work fits seamlessly into the Japandi aesthetic—a rare blend of Japanese contemplative philosophy and Scandinavian understated elegance. It exudes a calm and visual quietude, pa...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Flowers - Colorful Contemporary Floral Painting on Canvas
Located in East Quogue, NY
Julia Scheuer’s "Flowers" is an exuberant meditation on resilience and the emotional promise of spring. Created after a long winter, the painting channels the artist’s anticipation o...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Blonde Waiting Offset Lithograph, Abstract Expressionist, Framed, 1994
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Blonde Waiting is an offset lithograph by Roy Lichtenstein, from a portfolio of six prints published by the Guggenheim Museum, now out of print. Capturing LichtensteinÕs fascination ...
Offset
Joan Miro Original Abstract Lithograph, 1956, Framed, Plate 3
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro Title: Joan Miro (Plate 3) Portfolio: Joan Miro Medium: Original lithograph Year: 1956 Edition: Unnumbered Framed Size: 16 1/4" x 22 1/4" Sheet Size: 9" x 15" Signa...
Lithograph
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Figurative Invest
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Free Spirit Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Bold Delight Invest Mixed Media One-of-a-kind This strikingly beautiful artwork by Karnish, depicts...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars, Mixed Media
$2,800
Large Aquatint & Etching with Collage, geometric abstraction Signed/N, Framed
By Alan Shields
Located in New York, NY
Alan Shields Untitled mixed media geometric abstraction collage, ca. 1979 Etching and aquatint in colors with collage Pencil signed and numbered 15...
Paper, Etching, Aquatint
Envie d'autre chose, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Emily STARCK
Located in Yardley, PA
Work of abstraction in a colorful palette. Realized in several layers with free and energic brush strokes. Professional and high quality painting with anti UV protection and velvet...
Acrylic
$1,850Sale Price|53% Off
Abstract Expressionist Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid Century Modern abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1960. Unsigned. Unframed.
Canvas, Oil
$840
"Talking Through It", Abstract, Modern, Geometric, Blue, Mixed Media Painting
Located in Franklin, MA
Deborah Drummond’s mixed media work “Talking Through It” is a composition of layered geometric and organic forms of mono printed collaged papers on a 12 x 12 inch panel. Deep teal, m...
Mixed Media, Wood Panel
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
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
Honesty - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 18in x 18in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Honesty" is an evocative contemporary abstract painting that masterfully explores structural intimacy, overlapping psychological dimensions, and fluid figurative abstraction. The co...
Canvas, Acrylic
Quiet Play
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This colorful abstract acrylic painting is inspired by the mid-century masters. Framed in a vintage gold wood frame, wired and ready to hang Signed on the back - Ilana Greenberg 9.5...
Acrylic
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American School Framed Modern Abstract Expressionist NYC Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Image size, 30L x 24H.
Canvas, Oil
Untitled
By Myron Kozman
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Screen print, 1941 Signed and dated in pencil lower right From an unnumbered edition of 6 Condition: Excellent Image size: 7 1/4 x 5 3/4 inches Sheet size: 10 x 8 inches Pr...
Screen
$704Sale Price|20% Off
Summer Waters in Cannes, Abstract Nautical Cyanotype in Blue, Seascape Triptych
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. This beautiful triptych is called "Summer Waters in Cannes" and it shows the water reflection of one of the most iconic ci...
Watercolor, Lithograph, Monotype
Composition - Woodcut by Luigi Spacal - 1970s
By Luigi Spacal
Located in Roma, IT
Composition is a contemporary artwork realized by Luigi Spacal (Trieste, 1907 - Trieste, 2000) in the 1970s. Original Colored woodcut print on cardboard. Image Dimensions: 18 x 14 cm Good conditions. Lojze Spacal...
Woodcut
$316Sale Price|20% Off
American School Modernist Large Abstract Expressionist Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist signed abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Image size, 36L x 36H.
Canvas, Oil
Sunset's Serenade 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 spac...
Acrylic
“Set Out”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The works from this series were exhibited at ART KYIV Fair 2026 and later presented as part of the artist’s solo exhibition “Points of View” at MODI Art & Wine Gallery, Kyiv. “Set ...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
#45, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
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
The Pulse of life
Located in Zofingen, AG
There are moments that cannot be named — only felt. A hand lifting toward another face not to possess, but simply to say: I see you. I am here. "The Pulse of Life" was born from that...
Canvas, Oil, Spray Paint
$650
Russian Ukrainian Abstract Oil Painting Alexander Pavlov Vilnius Landscape
Located in Surfside, FL
Alexander Pavlov Alexander Pavlov - artist. Born in 1939 in the city Kiev, Ukraine. Master of non-figurative art. His formalistic conception ґruntuye brightest achievements in the ...
Canvas, Oil
$7,000
"Untitled" Richard Serra, Black and White, Sculptural, Simple Abstracted Form
Located in New York, NY
Richard Serra Untitled, 1990 Signed and dated lower left, stamped Gemini G.E.L. on the reverse Screen-print on PTI Supra paper 26 1/2 x 19 1/2 inches 430/500 Known for large-scale ...
Paper, Screen
"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
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted American school abstract expressionist painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed verso. Measuring 30 by 30 overall and 24 by 24 painting alone.
Canvas, Oil
Purple Composition, Abstract Geometric Linocut by Larry Zox
By Larry Zox
Located in Long Island City, NY
Larry Zox, American (1937 - 2006) - Purple Composition, Year: 1971, Medium: Linocut, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 6/50, Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm), Framed Siz...
Linocut
$5,951Sale Price|40% Off
Floating Landscape 5500: Abstract Acrylic on Cotton Canvas, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Floating landscapes (interdimensional maps) I use the word landscape in a broad sense that encompasses internal and external perceptions, but not necessarily what is visible. The lan...
Acrylic, Cotton Canvas
Extra Large Black and White Giclée Print of Tranquil Water Patterns, Seascape
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive limited edition black and white giclée print, on 100% cotton Hahnemühle Photo Rag Fine Art matte paper. This series of black and white photographs captures the ...
Rag Paper
$2,014Sale Price|44% Off
Set of 10 Framed Rorschach Ink Tables, Abstract Prints, Excellent
By Rorschach
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Ten Rorschach tables, framed in high quality black frames under art glass. Could be purchased as one item all 10/or individually per pieces's. Price is different for the item 10 piec...
Paper
$431Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Impasto , oil, gesso on paper
By Shizico Yi
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
Soft Morning in Venice
Located in Zofingen, AG
Soft Morning in Venice from the Inner Landscapes series Abstract impressionist painting inspired by the quiet atmosphere of Venice in the early morning - a moment when the city app...
Canvas, Oil
"Sorbet" Abstract Watercolor Painting
Located in Westport, CT
This original abstract watercolor painting by Nealy Hauschildt features a warm pink, orange, and lavender palette, with three large organic planes of washy color layered over one ano...
Cotton, Paper, Watercolor
$8,355
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
$1,750
Graphic Tectonic: Prefacio - P1, F32, I1, Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
$1,450
Reflection: Painting Large Contemporary Striking Bold Invest Blue Abstract Alive
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Reflection Painting Large Contemporary Striking Bold Invest Blue Abstract Alive This work portrays Reflection... Going inward to find solitude in stillness and peace. Past...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Pastel, Acrylic, Pencil, Stretcher Bars, Spray Paint
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
$1,975
U Lights (Diptych) - Black and White Original Abstract Geometric Textured Art
By Tasha Jentel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tasha Jentel is an abstract sculptural painter with a deep love for minimalism and thick textures. Guided by her passion for exploring spatial tension, Jentel creates one-of-a-kind a...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
In the Sky, Abstract Expressionist Poster by Willem de Kooning
Located in Long Island City, NY
"In the Sky" is an original 1982 poster for the exhibition of "40 international aerial artists exhibiting over Purchase, New York, Aug 8, Washington DC, Oct 9, New York City, Oct 16, 1982". Produced and orchestrated by the Rainbow Art...
Offset
$2,589
Summer
$415
Memory - Muted Color Impasto Inspired Textural 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
“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
Blockchain #4, Blockchain, Abstract Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Blockchain #4 explores the intersection of structure, connection, and complexity through a network of layered geometric forms. Interlocking rectangles in deep blues, charcoal, soft p...
Canvas, Acrylic
Muted Woodland Soft Abstract Landscape Painting Earth Tones by Federica Furbelli
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Federica Furbelli (1988, Varese, Italy) is a visual artist based in Mallorca whose practice centers on psychogeography, exploring drift, movement, and the relationship between nature...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$2,022
#607, Original Painting, Abstract Art, Acrylic on canvas, Colourful pattern art
Located in Deddington, GB
Original abstract painting exploring the language of paint and colour. Additional information: #607 Jessie Woodward Original abstract painting Acrylic painting Sold Unframed 90 H x ...
Acrylic, Canvas
Harlequin, Cubist Screenprint by Anatole Krasnyansky
Located in Long Island City, NY
This surreal, contemporary-cubist screenprint by the artist is reminiscent of a harlequin kneeling before an audience, one hand raised. The piece is nicely framed and is signed and n...
Screen
$1,600
Abundance: Large Original Painting, Abstract Expressionism, Figures, Landscape
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Abundance - Garden of Delight Nature Figurative Colorful Invest Exclusive Free "Absolutely thrilled with the original, authentic and free style of Karnish's work! It transp...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Where Life Becomes - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This sprawling acrylic on canvas masterpiece, titled "Where Life Becomes," redefines contemporary surrealism through a captivating, dreamlike environment of fluid, biomorphic energy....
Canvas, Acrylic
'Untitled' - Vibrant Blue, Pink, & Earth Tone Layered Textured Abstract Artwork
By Kobi Raz
Located in Carmel, CA
Kobi Raz (Israeli, born 1959) "Untitled" 2022 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom right of the painting. Kobi Raz employs a soft palette dominated by blue...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Red Six - Lithograph by Lorenzo Indrimi - 1970 ca.
Located in Roma, IT
Red Six is a lithograph realized by the Italian painter Lorenzo Indrimi in the 1970s. The artist found inspiration in the most primitive human experiences. This print is a hand-si...
Lithograph
Joan Miró, M.987 from " Les Pénaltiés de l'enfer ou les Nouvelles-Hébrides"
By Joan Miró
Located in Chatsworth, CA
Joan Miró M.987 from " Les Pénaltiés de l'enfer ou les Nouvelles-Hébrides" 1974 Hand signed in white crayon From a signed edition of 50, annotated EA/50, folded (as issued) Mourlot 9...
Lithograph
Mini Moons, Abstract Steel Sculpture by Janet Indick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mini Moons by Janet Indick, American Date: 1980 Steel Sculpture Size: 19 x 13 x 9 in. (48.26 x 33.02 x 22.86 cm)
Steel
'Segments' — 1930s Geometric Abstraction
By Josef Albers
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Josef Albers, 'Segments', linoleum cut, 1934, edition 20, 25, plus proofs, Danilowitz 79. Signed, titled, dated, and annotated '(proof)' in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression on...
Linocut