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.
"Stripes" (2024) By Danny McCaw, Original Abstract Portrait Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
Danny McCaw's (US based) "Stripes" is an original, handmade oil painting with impasto brushstrokes that depicts an ambiguous human figure leaning against a bed. Bio/artist statement...
Oil, Board
Untitled Abstract Composition signed Joe Stefanelli
Located in New York, NY
This Untitled Abstract Composition in Oil on Canvas signed Joe Stefanelli is a gem of Mid-Century American Abstraction. This painting brilliantly exemplifies the approach and movemen...
Paint
Winter Tree in Moonlight, Abstract Lithograph by Hoi Lebadang
By Hoi Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Winter Tree in Moonlight by Lebadang (aka Hoi), Vietnamese (1922 - 2015) Year: circa 1970 Medium: Lithograph on Japon, mounted to Arches, signed in pencil Edition: EA Size: 25 x 39...
Lithograph
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
$2,177
Minimal Contemporary Abstract Painting, Soft Blush and Earth Tone Textured
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, Mixed Media, Pigment
$2,050
Midnight Tide, Encaustic Painting on Panel, Abstract, Framed, 21st Century
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Encaustic on panel. It's simple; I create art because it makes me happy. I try not to overthink the process of what I’m painting and let my intuition be my guide. I love laying do...
Encaustic
$1,730
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, ...
Line Breed - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1969, Signed, Large
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large contemporary abstract painting by Milly Ristvedt is one of her colourful ribbons series. In the late 1960s, abstract artist Milly Ristvedt had fallen in love with using r...
Canvas, Acrylic
Spring Is Coming
Located in Zofingen, AG
Spring Is Coming From the series “Infinity Map” We all journey through our own inner world. Along the way, we encounter images that cannot be explained literally. They may evoke fea...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, 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
Cubist Czech Architecture Cityscape
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Petr Zlamal (b. 1949) Czech Cityscape, 1971. Oil on linen, 20 x 28 inches. Unframed. Signed and dated by artist, lower right. A rare example of Zlamal's earliest mature work.
Linen, Oil
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
$750
Composed Calmness: Equestrian Horse Abstract Expressionist Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Composed Calmness Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borrowed f...
Gold
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
Large French 1970s Abstract painting in orange hues by Jean-Maurice Lasnier
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Jean Maurice Lasnier (French, 1922 – 2006) VILLE SOLAIRE, OCTOBER 1971 Signed ‘LASNIER’ (lower middle) Oil on canvas 62.1/2 x 31.1/2 in. (158....
Canvas, Oil
Original Drawing on Wood-Breakfast with Cat-British Awarded Artist-Large panel
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This special large drawing on wood board (ready to hang) created by Shizico in early autumn where her Cat and the garden take centre stage. The pictorial language in this series pays...
Wood Panel, Charcoal, Carbon Pencil
"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
$4,750
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink dominant contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Photographic Paper
"Birthday Party / Robert Motherwell / January 24. 1975" Robert Motherwell, AbEx
Located in New York, NY
Robert Motherwell Birthday Party / Robert Motherwell / January 24. 1975, 1975 Signed on the reverse Mixed media, lithograph and collage 10 x 24 inches Robert Motherwell was among t...
Mixed Media, Lithograph
Abstract R 2415
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Artist : Alex Senchenko © Title: Abstract R 2415 . Acrylic Paints. The painting was created on 100% cotton 340gsm Canvas made in Italy (Pintura). 2024 • Size of a painting: 2...
Acrylic
Anja Decker, Abstract Informal Painting on Paper, Munich, Late 1950s
By Anja Decker
Located in Firenze, IT
Artist: Anja Decker (German, 1908-1995) Period: Late 1950s Painting size: 29.5 x 21 cm With frame: 63 x 53 cm. Condition: Good vintage condition. This work was exhibited in 2024 a...
Tempera, Felt Pen
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
$3,400
"Avec Des Épines" (abstract, dark, floral, roses, red, black, antique linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
AVEC DES ÉPINES 2024 Paris, France The French title of the work translates in English to "With Thorns". The painting captures the rose’s mysterious allure, balancing beauty with an...
Linen, Dye
$1,975
Wild Skies 4 - Abstract Gold Leaf and Acrylic Landscape Painting on Wood Panel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adele Webster’s contemporary landscape paintings explore atmosphere, light, and the emotional presence of open space. Working with layered acrylic washes on wood panel, Webster creat...
Gold Leaf
$720Sale Price|40% Off
Andre Lanskoy Abstract Limited Edition Signed Print from La Genese
Located in San Rafael, CA
Andre Lanskoy (French / Russian 1902-1976) Untitled from the portfolio La Genese, 1966 Color lithograph on wove paper Signed 'Lanskoy' lower right Edition 11 of 30. Numbered lower ri...
Archival Paper, Lithograph
$2,500
Morandi 12 (Abstract Cubist Still Life Painting Inspired by Morandi Bottles)
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract cubist style still life graphite and acrylic painting inspired by Giorgio Morandi's bottle still life paintings "Morandi 12” by Hudson Valley artist, David Dew Bruner, made...
Paper, Graphite
Untitled L by Ferle - Large abstract painting, red and black, dark background
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled L is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 200 cm × 140 cm (78.7 × 55.1 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and co...
Canvas, Oil
King's Cross Station, London original vintage poster by Brendan Neiland
Located in London, GB
To see our other vintage posters, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want....
Lithograph
"Red Roses for Warhol, " Framed Limited Edition Giclee Print, 53" x 53"
By Sofie Swann
Located in Westport, CT
This abstract limited edition print by Sofie Swann features a square pattern composition in a deep red color, with abstracted, thin black line drawings of roses within each square. T...
Digital, Giclée
"Small Wind Disturbing a Bonfire" Bradley Walker Tomlin, Ab-Ex, Blue, White
Located in New York, NY
Bradley Walker Tomlin Small Wind Disturbing a Bonfire, 1949 Signed lower center Oil on canvas 23 x 44 inches Provenance Betty Parsons Gallery, New York Herbert Ferber, New York (acq...
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
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
Untitled #11 Two Forms Red Ground Abstract Expressionist Aquatint Etching
By William Brice
Located in Surfside, FL
Untitled #11 (Two Forms, Red Ground), Color soap ground and spit bite aquatints. Image size: 23¾ x 17¾"; paper size: 38 x 30". Edition 15. Published by Crown Point Press and printed...
Etching, Aquatint
$100Sale Price|20% Off
Art Chicago (No Text) Lithograph Print, Abstract, 1981, Unframed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally produced for the 1981 art show at Navy Pier in Chicago, these posters were part of an estimated edition size of about 2,000. The cropped version is particularly rare, as i...
Lithograph
Tapestry
By Ruth Leaf
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Tapestry" c.1990, is an original colors etching on Wove paper by noted American artist Ruth Leaf, 1923-2015. It is hand signed, titled and numbered 8/15 in penci...
Etching
Abstract R 2414 - Large impasto colorful abstract paintin on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Artist : Alex Senchenko © Title: Abstract R 2414 . Acrylic Paints. The painting was created on 100% cotton 340gsm Canvas made in Italy (Pintura). 2024 • Size of a painting: 2...
Acrylic
Abstract Expressionism - Oil Painting 2014 by Giorgio Lo Fermo
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Expressionism is an original artwork realized by Giorgio Lo Fermo in 2014. Oil on canvas applied on hardboard. This contemporary artwork was realized by the artist in 2014...
Oil
$26,300
Looking - tall, geometric abstract, powder coated outdoor steel sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
In this intriguing sculpture by Ryan Van Der Hout, a multitude of mirrors reflect the images of sky and land that surround it. Forged from powder-coated steel, each lens is mounted o...
Steel
Bikini Catenary: panel painting w/ multi-colored arc lines on yellow & green
By Paula Cahill
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Paula Cahill's linear abstract compositions are often comprised of a single, luminous line that meanders, changes color, and seamlessly connects back to itself. This piece combines C...
Acrylic, Vinyl, Wood Panel
Abstract 2631 - Original Acrylic Abstract Painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
This abstract composition pulses with raw energy. A symphony of warm peaches and gold clashes against deep, oceanic blues. The palette creates a striking visual tension. Each layer b...
Oil, Acrylic
$859
"Vase of light" Contemporary abstract expressionist still life floral painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Acrylic painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper, varnished for protection · 50 × 65 cm (19.7 × 25.6 in) “Vase of Light” is a vibrant contemporary floral painting by Fre...
Paper, Acrylic
$450
Bayard Series 13, Signed Abstract Screenprint with Hand Coloring by Bruce Porter
By Bruce Porter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruce Porter's work addresses epic and mythological themes and juxtaposes them with pop and cartoon elements. Porter’s disparate imagery stems not from a contradictory variety of inf...
Screen
"Summer Studio" Wolf Kahn, Vermont Landscape, Abstract Impressionist, Pastels
By Wolf Kahn
Located in New York, NY
Wolf Kahn Summer Studio, 2012 Signed lower center Pastel on paper 9 x 11 1/2 inches An important member of the second generation New York School, Wolf ...
Paper, Pastel
Storage for a Timeworn Minimum (Set of 5)
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic & pastel on paper
Acrylic, Paper, Pastel
$2,292Sale Price|20% Off
Natures Soft Touch
By Lloyd Tabing
Located in Jönköping, SE
Keeping with my passion of nature, this collection focusses on the movement and structure of nature. Primarily that from trees. I am fascinated by trees and their amazing beauty. Co...
Acrylic
$495Sale Price|25% Off
Red Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed, New, 28x24 Inches
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
This contemporary abstract painting explores red as a space of energy, movement, and transformation. The surface is built through multiple layers of red, crimson, and magenta, interr...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,828Sale Price|20% Off
1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso dated 85' canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: ov...
Canvas, Oil
Esperit Catala II, Abstract Expressionist Etching by Antoni Tàpies
Located in Long Island City, NY
Date: 1974 Etching, Aquatint, and Intaglio on Guarro paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 21/75 Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm) Frame Size: 26 x 34 inches Publisher: E...
Etching, Aquatint, Intaglio
Autumn Beauty, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bold, contrasting colors surround the dominating layers of orange and yellow. Animated marks and stains add energy and texture to the composition. The joyful wa...
Oil
Absence Écrite, Large Textured Abstract Library, Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Framing included: the collector may choose a natural wood or black floater frame. The painting is delivered ready to hang. Unframed dimensions: 80 × 80 × 2 cm (31.50 × 31.50 × 0.79 ...
Oil
$6,074
Prusse Blue H 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
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
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Large Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 24 by 36 inches overall. Excellent condition, ready to hang ...
Oil, Canvas
Abstract composition L1, 1940-50 - lithograph, 108x78 cm, framed
Located in Nice, FR
Large lithograph, signed lower right, number: 43/50 André Lanskoy He was born in Moscow. After 1905, the family moved to St. Petersburg, the capital in 1909. In 1918, he moved to Kie...
Lithograph
$8,435
Eroded horizon- Large Abstract Painting – Landscape –Contemporary, French art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
This original oil painting by Sophie Dumont, a French contemporary painter, reflects her distinctive approach to landscape through abstraction, structure, and material depth. Born i...
Canvas, Oil
Marina Coast, Abstract Art, Large Size, Original Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Abstract in Pearl Modern Art Large Size Original Painting, Ready to Hang Artist: Vahe Yeremyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Acrylic on Canva...
Canvas, Acrylic
$10,888
Resolved, Large Scale Abstract Expressionist Painting, Original contemporary art
By Lloyd Tabing
Located in Jönköping, SE
This large painting is part of my Sovereign Solitude collection where I have been exploring spatial restraint and composition tension where heavy gestural masses collide against vast...
Oil Crayon, 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
Quiet Yard
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll This work draws on personal memories of time spent with family. The image of a rural courtyard, animals, and the surrounding space is not merely a setting, but an i...
Canvas, Acrylic