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.
SCULPTURE Abstract Lighting LED Light Ray Contemporay Artist Mareo Rodriguez NEW
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This sculpture can also be made to order in the dimensions specified. Please contact the gallery for further details. At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest s...
Metal
Screen tbd7 (gold metallic abstract grid wood painting contemporary natural)
Located in Quebec, Quebec
In Melisa’s optical and pulsating compositions, the natural world acts as blue-print while she explores the notion of the sublime through blur and precision. The artist develops an a...
Spray Paint, Wood Panel
Regards sur le passé -Kandinsky original wood engraving abstract expressionist
Located in Hamburg, DE
"Ragards sur le passé" - is an original woodcut engraving of Wassilij Kandinsky which was edited by Nina Kandinsky from his work from 1912. The work is in the artist's characterist...
Woodcut
Beige Dream.Heat-haze vision
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is a contemplative abstract landscape, it is painted in oil on linen canvas using the lessirovka technique - this is when layers of paint let light through, and the lower l...
Canvas, Oil
$12,000Sale Price|52% Off
Civilisation Explained Print, Abstract Style, Archival Ink, 2010+
By Damien Hirst
Located in New York, NY
Damien Hirst is a British contemporary master artist and entrepreneur recognized for his iconic artworks that have defined the contemporary art world for over a decade. He is one of ...
Archival Ink
Alvar Sunol Pencil Signed Lithograph C.1970s
By Sunol Alvar
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alvar Sunol Pencil Signed Lithograph C.1970s Three women around a table Dimensions 21.5" wide x 12.5" high The frame measures 32.75" wide x...
Lithograph
"Liminal #3" - Acrylic on Canvas
By Kymm Swank
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Kymm Swank is a self-taught artist who works primarily in oils, acrylics and resins. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, she received degrees in theatre, psychology and communicat...
Acrylic, Canvas
$651Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Abstract Line Drawing Twin Female Figures Ink on Paper
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Abstract Line Drawing Twin Female Figures Ink on Paper Signed (initials) by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French Black ink on paper, unframed Size: 19.75 (height) x 12.75 (width) inches Provenance: private collection, Paris, France Condition: good and sound, light handling to sheet and faint age toning consistent with age; deckled edges present Description: An elegant and meticulously balanced ink drawing by French modernist Serge Guerin, this mid-century composition captures two mirrored female forms rendered in flowing black lines. The symmetrical structure and interwoven contours create a sense of duality and rhythm, merging sensuality with abstraction. Guerin’s precise yet fluid style distils the human figure into an almost architectural motif, evoking both Surrealist automatism and the graphic minimalism associated with the post-war Ecole de Paris. The subtle interplay between curved and angular forms reveals the artist’s deep understanding of balance and design. Executed in crisp black ink on textured wove paper, the work exemplifies Guerin’s refined linear technique and meditative control. The paired figures may be read as symbols of harmony, reflection, or unity—an exploration of femininity abstracted into pure form. Signed with the artist’s monogram in the lower right, this drawing would suit collectors of modernist works on paper, mid-century line art, or minimalist figurative compositions. Keywords for collectors and interiors: French mid century abstract, modernist nude, twin figures, symmetrical line art, Ecole de Paris ink drawing...
Ink
$756Sale Price|20% Off
Greys & Pinks French Expressionist Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract by Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016) dated verso and signed with initials oil painting on artists board, unframed painting measures: 16.25 x 13 inches Stunning original ...
Oil
$4,711
Listen
Located in Jönköping, SE
NOTE: THIS PAINTING CANNOT BE SHIPPED UNTILL THE END OF SEPTEMBER BECAUSE OF REQUIRED DRYING TIME. IT WILL BE SHIPPED IN A CRATE AND READY FOR HANGING. This painting is from my se...
Linen, Oil
$756Sale Price|20% Off
Geometric Study in Motion 1960s by Serge Guerin French b1916
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Geometric Study in Motion 1960s by Serge Guerin French b1916 by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French Black ink on paper, unframed Size: 25.75 (height) x 19.75 (width) inches Provena...
Ink, Gouache
$5,500
"Birds", Contemporary abstract painting on canvas, natural dark and golden tones
Located in Dallas, TX
"Birds" is an elegant and contemporary abstract pattern painting with dark tones and golden highlights. This compelling artwork features an intricate tapestry of overlapping, dark-hu...
Acrylic, Pigment, Cotton Canvas
Abstract Expressionist -- Figure in Motion
By Norman Liebman
Located in Soquel, CA
Bold brushstrokes of deep green, black, burnt umber, gold and more result in an exciting, dynamic abstract by Norman Liebman (American, 20th c.). Signed "Liebman" lower right. Unfram...
Canvas, Oil
$10,000
Skowhegan-Wesserunsett, signed, framed oil painting by protege of Hans Hofmann
By Paul Resika
Located in New York, NY
Paul Resika Skowhegan-Wesserunsett, 1976 Oil on board painting: Abstract Expressionist landscape Signed 'Resika' lower left, also signed, titled and dated on the reverse; verso also ...
Oil, Board
$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
Thoughts Fade Away, Abstract Painting
By Alicia Dunn
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soothing blend of muted colors evokes the mood, movement, and the endless ebb and flow of the serene waters. Layers of blue, gray, and brown blend together, s...
Acrylic
$475
Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Gestural Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Abstract Expressionist Black Ink Gestural Painting Medium: Black ink/ gouache painting on paper, unframed French, circa 1950's Size: 25.75 inches x 19.75 (h...
Paper, Ink, Gouache
$425Sale Price|20% Off
Tranquil 23 XL 80x80x2 cm Big Colorful Painting, Large Vivid Abstract Painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
A stunning ready to hang vibrating bold painting. READY TO HANG with the edges painted. Dimensions: 80x80X2 cm, 31.5x31.5x0.8 inches. The technique I used: gallery stretched canva...
Acrylic
$950Sale Price|51% Off
Abstract Figures
Located in Los Angeles, CA
UNIDENTIFIED "ABSTRACT FIGURE" OIL ON CANVAS, UNSIGNED AMERICAN, C.1960S 27.5 X 35 INCHES Fine Condition
Oil
$280Sale Price|20% Off
"For Granted I." (quiet, floral, soft, natural, abstract, antique French linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
"For Granted I.", 2024, Paris, France "For Granted I." is a quiet, rich and cerebral abstract painting using a subtle but powerful color palette of brown, magenta, purple, green and...
Oil, Acrylic, Canvas
$898Sale Price|20% Off
"Lotus or Movement to the Light". Abstract Uniqueness expressionism painting.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"All living beings strive towards the light" - so the great German poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe once said. Plants strive for light in order to grow taller and stronger. And the people...
Resin, Acrylic
$850
Joyous Turquoise Sea, Abstract Fish Patterns, Mediterranean Seascape on Paper
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...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
$1,575Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Blue Lisianthus Pink Lily at night-British Awarded Artist-Impressionist
Located in London, GB
This Still Life oil painting is a rare piece recently unveiled from the GSY Gallery Archive, making its market debut after six years since its initial release—a truly unique addition...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, 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
Light blue waves 2024 - geometric abstract painting
Located in New York, NY
This hand-painted piece by Lucchetta is part of the op art series where he is able to catch movement with his unique technique. Lucchetta is challenging himself. His precise stable h...
Wood, Ink, Acrylic, Cardboard
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Luz Basica (Framed Abstract Contemporary Mixed Media Painting)
Located in New Orleans, LA
You mostly see giclees or prints of Ivan Reyes' work around, not often an original like this one. I think it makes a real difference - the boldness of the p...
Mixed Media
Untitled (SF-351), Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sam Francis, American (1923 - 1994) - Untitled (SF-351), Portfolio: Papierski Portfolio, Year: 1992, Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 50...
Lithograph
ABSTRACT New Black White Artwork by Contemporary Artist Carsten Beck 2024
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...
Linen, Oil
Untitled - by Lucio Fontana - 1963
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original contemporary artwork realized by Lucio Fontana in 1963. Mixed colored photolithograph. Hand signed in pencil by the artist on the lower right margin. Numbe...
Paper, Lithograph
Morning Dew - Original Calm Soft Tone Abstract Blue Landscape Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Canvas, Latex, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$16,500
Untitled
By Geoff Rees
Located in Vancouver, CA
Geoff Rees (1930-2018) Untitled, 1990s Acrylic on canvas. Unstretched. 72 x 86 inches. Description Geoff Rees was a significant figure in West Coast modernist painting, known for h...
Canvas, Acrylic
Star Trek - Large Original Abstract Painting Ready to Hang
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and Los Angeles. Rubenstein's work has a rigid edge and strong composition but maintains organic shapes and soft colors as well. His works have a character that brightens a space. His paintings pull from abstract expressionism and cubism but maintain a contemporary edge that strikes the viewer. His work seems collectively new and timeless at once. This large affordable one-of-a-kind 42 inch high by 66 inch wide and 1.5 inch deep artwork is a mixed media composition on canvas. It is stretched, wired, and ready to hang. This large abstract painting is signed by the artist on the front and back of the artwork. The sides are painted and it does not require framing. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and worldwide shipping available. Provenance: Artplex Gallery. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. While the artist has chosen to keep the price upon request, this captivating piece embodies both sophistication and exceptional value. Bruce Rubenstein specializes in large-scale artworks, using huge canvases to tell his stories. Born and raised in New York, he moved to Los Angeles in 1985. His mixed media artworks defy categorization, blending abstract forms and organic shapes with subtle hints of figures and symbols. Adrien Brody and Mickey Rourke are among Rubenstein’s collectors. Bruce Rubenstein’s artistic influences include artists from Joan Miró and Jean Arp to Gerhard Richter and Pablo Picasso. “He is an artist, and that means someone who cannot restrain the flow of ideas,” says author David Rodgers. “He is someone who they just burst out of, who cannot help but communicate, and who sees no reason to stop. He’s a man not limited by media to communicate the stories that he needs to (and must) tell, through any medium he feels necessary.” His works are represented by Artplex Gallery Los Angeles and have been exhibited and collected worldwide, including exhibitions in Austria and Israel. REPRESENTATION Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2023 Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Beijing Contemporary Art Expo Crossing Art Collective Beijing, China 2022 Shenzhen Art Fair, Shenzhen, China Westbund Art Fair, Shanghai, China MAC Fine Art, Power Painters, Delray, FL Westbund Art & Design, Shanghai, China (solo) Context Art Miami, Miami, FL (solo) Crossing Art Gallery, NYC, NY (solo) 2021 “Space Time Fragments,” Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAC Fine Art, Jupiter, FL MAC Fine Art, Miami, FL (solo) 2020 MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL Wynwood Art Festival, Miami, FL Artspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL (solo) Gottling Gallery, Palm Springs, CA (solo) Castelli Art Space, Culver City, CA (solo) 2019 MAC Fine Art, Jupiter, FL Artspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Palm Springs Art Fair, Palm Springs, CA Glenn Dallas Gallery...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Spaces 9878: Abstract Landscape Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2010
Located in BARCELONA, ES
I use the word landscape in a broad sense that encompasses internal and external perceptions, but not necessarily what is visible. The landscape, in a space-time context, becomes a t...
Acrylic, Cotton Canvas
$12,000Sale Price|52% Off
Civilisation Exploding Print, Abstract Style, Archival Ink, 2010+
By Damien Hirst
Located in New York, NY
Damien Hirst 'Civilisation Exploding', 2024 Glicée print on cotton smooth rag 56.3 x 44.1 in. / 143 x 112 cm. The specific information regarding edition will be provided at the time...
Archival Ink
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Ellsworth Kelly, Red, Yellow, Blue, from Derriere le Miroir, 1964
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Ellsworth Kelly (1923–2015), titled Rouge, jaune, bleu (Red, Yellow, Blue), originates from the historic 1964 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 149. Publishe...
Lithograph
$412
Abstract impressionist portrait of Frida Kahlo "Dreaming with Frida" on canvas
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Dreaming with Frida" is a contemporary, faceless abstract portrait of Frida Kahlo by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Blending elements of impressionism and expressionism, the work reimagines one of the most iconic female figures in art with bold color, emotional depth, and symbolic detail. Frida is depicted with orange flowers in her hair and matching orange earrings...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary Big Abstract Vivid Strokes 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
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tectonic Heat, Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 2010s, New, 48x40"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tectonic Heat is built through a slow process of layering and revision over the course of several months. The surface developed through repeated applications of paint, removal, and r...
Canvas, Oil
"girlfriends in the rain " RK42, Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Artist: Roger König b. Dessau, Germany (1968) Master student of Kurt Schönburg, HWK Halle, Germany. The works are developed through a historically informed, proprietary material pra...
Clay, Acrylic
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
Evening Glow, Abstract Painting
By Lisa Carney
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A large-scale abstract beach scene explores light and shadow through sophisticated layers of colors. Soft greys, deep blues, and warm golden tones overlap and b...
Acrylic
$326
Stinchcombe Hill, Rupert Aker, Original painting, Impressionist style Landscape
By Rupert Aker
Located in Deddington, GB
Stinchcombe Hill by Rupert Aker [2022] original Oil on board Image size: H:30 cm x W:30 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:30 cm x W:30 cm x D:2cm Frame Size: H:33 cm x W:33 cm x ...
Canvas, Oil
Layers of Silence: Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, 100x100 cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
Elevate your interior with "Layers of Silence," a stunning original abstract painting by renowned contemporary artist Alex Senchenko. This piece is a masterclass in texture and depth...
Oil, Acrylic
$990
Pink and Blue Sea Diptych, Unique Monotype Painting of Fish Patterns, Art Brut
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...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
Weightless in Deep-original abstract figurative oil painting-CONTEMPORARY ART
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...
Canvas, Oil
$1,000
Alexander Calder - Transworld Art International Art Fair, Tel Aviv, 1977 poster
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster published by the Transworld Art Fair in Tel Aviv The work depicted in the image is Calder's "Boomerang", 1973 Plate (printed) signature Unframed ALEXANDER CA...
Lithograph, Offset
Pink-Orange
Pierre Alechinsky Derriere le Miroir original poster lithograph Maeght Editeur
Located in Miami, FL
"Pierre Alechinsky (Belgium, 1927) 'Derriere le Miroir, Maeght Editeur', lithograph on paper 34.7 x 23.7 in. (88 x 60 cm.) Unframed Ref: ALE100-201 Pierre Alechinsky Born in the im...
Lithograph
Nocturne - contemporary, gestural, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract painting by Paul Fournier captures the night sky. With a career spanning more than six decades, Paul Fournier has established himself as one of Canada’s m...
Canvas, Acrylic
Nature’s Flow. Abstract square painting in the wood gold frame
Located in Zofingen, AG
-The painting was created alongside my tropical series and does not depict a specific scene, but rather abstract forms and shades of nature. Contemplating these natural motifs always...
Canvas, Acrylic
Weeds of Eden, Abstract Color Woodcut Print, Signed, 1/5 Edition
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “Weeds of Eden” is a 16.25 x 22.5 inch color woodcut print utilizing 4 woodblocks in black, blue, and red on Okawara Japanese Paper. A Signature Member of the Copley So...
Color
Mémoire Construite, Large Contemporary Abstract Library Painting, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Artist Presentation Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter whose work explores abstraction through memory, architectural structure, and the quiet presence of interior spaces...
Oil
Somewhere Feeling Calm, Abstract Painting
By Kajal Zaveri
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Shades of blue, green, and white suggest a peaceful landscape. The painting reflects the quiet, expansive spaces in nature that always draw artist Kajal Zaver...
Acrylic
Hand painted Edition#1-The Night-British Awarded Artist-Plein Air in the night
Located in London, GB
Sunset Song – The Night stands as one of the most iconic works featured in Modern Ancient – Summer Exhibition at GSY Studio Gallery, UK, 2025.—this Limited Edition ( only 5 available...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée
$1,418
Literary Mosaic, Abstract Library, Geometric, Contemporary, Oil, Books, Modern
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Choose the color of the frame: Black or light wood "Literary Mosaic" is a captivating work that captures the essence of cultural and intellectual diversity. Sophie Dumont, through th...
Oil
$1,598Sale Price|23% Off
Earthly Pleasures (Geometric Abstraction, Minimalism, Josef Albers, Calming)
By Susan Kiefer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Susan Kiefer Earthly Pleasures Oil on canvas Year: 2023 Size: 30x24x1.35in Signed and inscribed by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1674 A lush composition of rounded geometric shapes...
Oil, Canvas, Stretcher Bars
Untitled mid century modern geometric abstraction
By William Fredericksen
Located in New York, NY
William Fredericksen Untitled mid century modern geometric abstraction, 1958-1959 Watercolor and Gouache on Board Hand signed and dated on the front 12 4/5 × 11 7/10 inches Unframed ...
Mixed Media, Watercolor, Gouache
Probe by Antoine Vidal - vertical bronze sculpture, dark patina
Located in Paris, FR
His works in bronze, very often marked by a verticality with totemic accents, reflect an aesthetic pursuit focused on the elegance of lines and forms, and where light plays a vital r...
Bronze
$880
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
Deux rouges
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Free shipment worldwide Acquired directly from the artist. Size without frame: 81x65 cm (Size with frame 88x73 cm) “With just a few strokes of his brush he conjures up an entire w...
Oil