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.
1970s Abstract Expressionist Belgian Gouache on Paper.
Located in Cotignac, FR
1970s abstract expressionist gouache on paper by Belgian artist André Pierard painted in Provence in the south of France. A highly colourful and energetic abstract painting. The st...
Paper, Gouache
Restless Life
By Iryna Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
by Iryna Burda: The Depths of the Subconscious Iryna Burda’s work resonates with Jungian archetypes, particularly the fish as a symbol of the subconscious, intuition, and deep psyc...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Beacon - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This masterwork, titled "The Beacon," breaks entirely from traditional realism, with the artist dismantling an intricate, multi-character setting into an enchanting, surreal panorama...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
Untittle, 110x105 cm, acrylic, canvas
Located in Yerevan, AM
Untittle, 110x105 cm, acrylic, canvas
Paper, Pastel, Acrylic
$7,791Sale Price|20% Off
Seaport 1 1957 - British Abstract art oil painting Suffolk artist
Located in Hagley, England
This superb British abstract expressionist oil painting is by noted Suffolk British artist Robert Sadler. Painted as oil on board it was painted in 1957 and is entitled Seaport 1 on ...
Oil
Untitled 4 (Colorful Arches), Silkscreen by Jean Dewasne
Located in Long Island City, NY
French painter, writer and sculptor. He began painting at the age of 12 and was producing pointillist works at the age of 18. He studied architecture for two years at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris as a preparation for his painting. In about 1943 he began painting abstract works, and he remained an abstract painter for the rest of his career. He was associated with the group of abstract artists who exhibited at the Galerie Denise René in Paris, including Hans Hartung, Nicolas de Stäel and Serge Poliakoff, and he himself exhibited there from 1945 to 1956. Together with Sonia Delaunay, Hans Arp, Antoine...
Screen
The pink enterprise, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A pink enterprise, bold and bright, Built on dreams and neon light. Laughter hums through candy walls, Hope and wonder fill its halls. Soft yet strong, it dares to be, A vision ...
Oil
"Symbiotic" (2025) by Dan McCaw, Abstracted, Figural Oil Painting
By Dan McCaw 1
Located in Denver, CO
Dan McCaw's (US based) "Symbiotic" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts three abstracted figures in an interior setting. Artist Statement: Born: 1942 A solid founda...
Oil, Board
Sezione Aurea-C1 by Mattia Bosco - Abstract sculpture, marble, gold leaf
By Mattia Bosco
Located in Paris, FR
Sezione Aurea-C1 is a unique sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of Palissandro marble and gold leaf, dimensions are 270 × 100 × 52 cm (106.3 × 39.3...
Marble, Gold Leaf
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Untitled', c. 1990's by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Paper, Watercolor
untitled- abstract painting red , blue and yellow dominant
By Olivier Schneider
Located in New York, NY
OLIVIER SCHNEIDER Untitled (Abstract), 1995 32.0 x 32.0 acrylic on paper, mounted on wood board ink signed and dated verso Olivier Schneider delivers a unique and colorful abstract ...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
Fil du Temps
By Etel Adnan
Located in London, GB
Etel Adnan "Fil du Temps" 2021. Etching on wove paper. Edition of 100. A critical work by Adnan, the final etching in this series. Etel was unable to put pencil to paper due to her ...
Etching
Hand Painted+Drawn One Off-XL-Edition-Constant Gardener-British Awarded Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This stunning X-large hand drawn with original charcoal line drawing and hand painted with original oil and gesso paint; it is the No 2 of the only 10 Limited Editions; The colours...
Gesso, Charcoal, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée
Resolve, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This warm, contemporary abstract piece showcases a richly textured surface that captures the vibrant colors of spring. In her signature style, artist Janet Hami...
Oil
America Rising - Patriotic 9/11 Figurative Abstract
By Jocelyn Audette
Located in Soquel, CA
Vivid and evocative abstracted painting of 9/11 by artist Jocelyn Audette (American, b. 1952), circa 2001. Impasto adds texture and interest. Label on verso with artist's name. Pres...
Oil, Masonite
Ruz Square Lo inefable original abstract acrylic canvas painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
original abstract acrylic canvas painting Original work by the Spanish painter Rafael RUZ. Acrylic on canvas . Perfect state RUZ, Rafael (Barcelona 1956) While contemplating the pai...
Canvas, Acrylic
Three Poems: Mexico City Personages II, Abstract Lithograph by Robert Motherwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Three Poems: Mexico City Personages II Robert Motherwell, American (1915–1991) Portfolio: Octavio Paz Date: 1988 Lithograph on Japon with Chine Colle Edition of 750 Image Size: 13 x ...
Lithograph
Untitled Abstract Print, Embossing on Aluminum, Signed, Edition 32/90
By Hans Richter
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an abstract artwork realized by Hans Richter in 1970 Embossing on alluminum plate printed in 1 color on Umbria paper Hand-signed and dated on the lower right. Numbered...
Color
$1,050
"Super-position S1E1", Abstract Science Circles Yellow Pink Red Acrylic Painting
By Sandra Cohen
Located in Franklin, MA
"Super-position (S1E1)", abstract science texture yellow pink red gold white, acrylic painting. A snapshot of layered fluid multi-dimensional reality. Inspired by a glimpse of yellow and pink tv...
Wood Panel, Acrylic
$795
154 Squares V.3 - Modern Colorful Abstract Geometric Squares Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brandon Neher is a California artist whose original paintings embody a profound exploration of space, structure, and balance, infused with a touch of modern minimalism. Drawing inspi...
Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Faceted 26
By Ky Anderson
Located in Dallas, TX
Pigment & acrylic on paper
Paper, Acrylic, Pigment
Composite #6, Abstract Geometric Shapes, Mid-20th Century
Located in Beachwood, OH
Charles Fodor (American, 20th Century) Composite #6, 1969 Oil on canvas Signed, dated and titled verso 27.5 x 20 inches 29 x 21.5 inches, framed
Oil
Jackson Pollock Bearbrick 400% (Jackson Pollock BE@RBRICK)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Jackson Pollock 400% & 100% Bearbrick Vinyl Figure (set of 2): A rare highly collectible Bearbrick Jackson Pollock statue piece, splattered from head to toe in Pollock’s signature a...
Resin, Vinyl
$550Sale 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
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Untitled Abstract Geometric Sculpture
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Masatoyo "Kuki" Kishi (1924-2017) Untitled. 1995. Cast Stone, 19.75 x 19.75 x 3 inches. Depth of base measures 3 inches and gracefully tapers to 0.25 inch at top. Carved signatu...
Cast Stone
Swirl It Around - Original Colorful Thick Swirls Abstract Acrylic 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
Phantom of Opera
By Corneille
Located in Paris, FR
Silksreen, 1993 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annotated EA Artist proof 88.00 cm. x 65.00 cm. 34.65 in. x 25.59 in. (paper) 74.50 cm. x 54.50 cm. 29.33 in. x 21.46 in. (i...
Silk
Séptico I, Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
DNA is genetic information, hidden and encrypted in body fluids. Veiled data that we load, that we do not know and that someone knows how to decipher. Such specifications characteriz...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil Pastel
"Racine" Abstract landscape painting
By Wafaa Mezouar
Located in East Quogue, NY
Textural abstract landscape painting by Moroccan artist Wafaa Mezouar. Earth tones, Acrylic, mixed media on linen. Size: 40 x 40 inches. Offered unframed. Exhibitions include: Co...
Linen, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$636Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Earth Tone Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid century modern abstract expressionist oil on canvas in rusty earth tones blending with subdued dark blues and whites by S. Palmer (American, 20th Century), c.1960. Signed lower r...
Canvas, Oil
Whispers in Blue - Abstract Figurative Landscape Textured Impasto Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ekaterina Ermilkina’s original, abstract fine art paintings are created using a skillful combination of applying and removing oil paint with a palette knife on canvas. Her inspiratio...
Canvas, Oil
'Top Dog' original silkscreen print, Fabriano paper, animal print, dog
Located in Deddington, GB
Screen Print Edition number 20 Image size: H:28 cm x W:19.5 cm Sold Unframed Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look A quirky screen print of ...
Color, Screen
$1,795
Waves of Freedom - Abstract Gold Tone Textural Floral Acrylic Canvas Painting
By Vè Boisvert
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
$7,235Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Expressionist Abstract Oil Painting Beautiful Colors 20th Century
By Jean-Francois Pierre
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Absolutely stunning original French abstract oil painting on canvas, dating to 1961. The work is on a large scale, measuring 36 x 25.5 inches. It i...
Oil, Canvas
$667
Hand-Painted Canvas Proof#2-Purple Misty Alliums-British Awarded Artist-Last One
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Artist’s Proof is approximately 90% hand-painted with original oil paint and gesso by Shizico Yi, applied directly onto a premium Giclée canvas made from her original oil painti...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Giclée
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
$3,812Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled. Contemporary oil abstract painting by Polish Young Artist, Big format
By Klaudia Lata
Located in Warsaw, PL
Big scale abstract oil painting by Polish artist Klaudia Lata. Painting can be paired as a dyptich with another Untitled painting from ''transFORMATIONS" cycle. Artwork is colorful- ...
Canvas, Oil
Moshe Leider, Art 4, Mixed media on canvas
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
Moshe Leider, Art 4, Abstract painting, Mixed media on canvas, Israeli artist, Israeli art, art
Mixed Media
Winter Cover - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1990s, New, vertical
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract colourful painting is by Milly Ristvedt. Celebrated nationwide as a masterful colourist and gifted abstract artist, Milly Ristvedt’s artistic journey has ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Where the Light Falls, Elaine Fox, Contemporary Landscape Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Where the Light Falls [2022] Signed by the artist oil and oil pastel on canvas Image size: H:50 cm x W:50 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:50 cm x W:50 cm x D:4cm Frame Size: H:54 cm x W:54 cm x D:5.5cm Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look A painting completed in the studio after a visit to the Outer Hebrides, the unpredictable weather patterns and light played an important role in creating this piece. The weather on Skye is forever changing and the dramatic and mystical landscapes are what inspires me to try to capture the feeling of energy and atmosphere. This painting is framed in a white tray frame to fit with any decor. laine Fox - Artist - Painter Elaine Fox...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil
Zone, vibrant, jewel-like, diaphanous strips of fabric collages
Located in New York, NY
Linda Kamille Schmidt plays with emotional connections and memory in her smaller, framed works. In their encasements, each collage appears as a portal; a...
Fabric, Thread, Plastic, Pins
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
SHINE ON DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (pastels crystals realist oil painting canvas)
By Chloe Hedden
Located in Quebec, Quebec
Shine On: Diamonds Are Forever is a dazzling oil painting by Chloe Hedden that captures the radiant essence of a cut diamond in luminous, painterly detail. With a kaleidoscope of ref...
Canvas, Oil
"I Have Your Back", Abstract Expressionist, Portrait, Red, Blue, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "I Have Your Back" is a 30 x 30 x 2 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas. Abstract double-faced portrait in vivid red, blue, and yellow tones, bold brushst...
Canvas, Oil
$5,599
Balance Prusse Ultramarine Abstract Painting on Canvas Artist Gabriela Meunie
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, Acrylic, Pigment
No.020125 by Thierry Martenon - Monumental Abstract Wood Sculpture, Outdoor Art
Located in Paris, FR
No.020125 is an abstract wood sculpture by French sculptor Thierry Martenon. This monumental sculpture combines smooth geometric patterns with a highly textured surface. The artist ...
Wood
Charles Arnoldi 'Macchu Picchu 4' Limited Edition, Abstract Signed Print
Located in San Rafael, CA
Charles Arthur Arnoldi (b. 1946) Macchu Picchu 4, 2019 Woodcut in colors on wove paper Edition: 25/30 Signed, editioned, and dated in pencil along lower edge Printed by Peter Kosowicz, Thumbprint Editions, London Published by Harvey Bayer...
Woodcut
$960
Deep Shoal, Colorful Seascape Painting, Pink, Blue, Abstract Gestures Fish Shape
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...
Acrylic, Paper
Flourish Now! Large Abstract Floral Painting, Acrylic Oil Pastel, 101x76 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Flourish Now! Painting Floral Abstract Bold Freedom Contrast Statement Maximalism In this painting, I expressed the feeling of aliveness into vibrant pink blossoms bursting...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Pegasus - Lithograph Original Handsigned
Located in Paris, IDF
Michel BEZ (1951-2018) Pegasus Original lithograph Handsigned by pencil Numbered on 275 copies On vellum, 75 x 90 cm (c. 29.5 x 35.4 in) Very good condition, small defects on the e...
Lithograph
Green Giant, Minimalist Print by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Green Giant Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil verso Edition: 250 Paper Size: 26 x 28.5 inches
Lithograph
Ellsworth Kelly - Blue Yellow Red, Large Lithograph on Rives BFK paper, Signed/N
Located in New York, NY
Ellsworth Kelly Blue Yellow Red (Gemini 1524), 1991 Lithograph on Rives BFK paper with blind stamps Signed and numbered 24/80 in graphite pencil; bears publisher's and artist's blind...
Lithograph
Love surrounds you by Love by Gaetan de Seguin Figurative contemporary Painting
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and settin...
Canvas, Acrylic
Geometric Line Study C- 5 by Murray Duncan Mix Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geometric Line Studies C- 5 is an original mixed-media work on paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, part of his ongoing exploration of gestural geometry, spatial rhythm, and atmosp...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
$9,500
Contemporary art, musician painting, oil painting on canvas, Koko Hovaguimian.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
Titled "Geometric Musicians". This vibrant oil painting by Koko features a lively group of stylized musicians rendered in a bold, contemporary abstract style. Faceted forms, sweeping...
Oil
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Emil Kazaz, oil painting on canvas, Victory male and female figures energy.
By Emil Kazaz
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
Emil Kazaz Painting Description — “Victory” Scene. The painting size is 40"x32", oil on canvas. This powerful Emil Kazaz painting depicts a dramatic scene of victory and struggle, w...
Oil
Untitled (Concetto Spaziale Yellow and Gold)
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Tipped in color plate produced in 1962 for a rare official Lucio Fontana artist monograph published by famed art book publisher Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (not included), during the artis...
Paper
$3,600
14th New York Film Festival, Pop Art Screenprint by Allan D'Arcangelo
Located in Long Island City, NY
14th New York Film Festival Allan D’Arcangelo, American (1930–1998) Date: 1976 Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 107/144 Size: 40 x 59 in. (101.6 x 149.86 cm)
Screen
$662Sale Price|20% Off
Original 1970's French Abstract Composition with Dense Geometric Patterns
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: Claude Lagouche (French 1943-2020) Claude Lagouche was born January 2, 1943 in Naves, died January 16, 2020. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and his work, exh...
Ballpoint Pen
$3,900
Wall Composition 5.1 - contemporary, abstract, glazed, ceramic wall sculpture
By Bill Greaves
Located in Bloomfield, ON
The contemporary horizontal panels of this wall composition are handmade in ceramic. On his Instagram post, Bill Greaves has a series of photographs taken from the shoreline of his ...
Ceramic
Condition
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
Line as a symbol of life. Lines are filled with color just like the events we experience. Unique shapes — unique experiences.
Canvas, Acrylic