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.
$1,450
Stanton Macdonald-Wright "Departing Spring" Woodblock Print c.1966
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stanton Macdonald-Wright Woodblock on Laid Paper 1966-67 Departing Spring Hesitates Appears to be an artist proof. The pencil text and signature a...
Woodcut
Korè-Paonazzo by Mattia Bosco - 65 In High Marble Sculpture, Abstract
Located in Paris, FR
Korè-Paonazzo is a unique monumental sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of Paonazzo marble, dimensions are 165 × 41 × 85 cm (65 × 16.1 × 33.5 in). ...
Marble
$8,717
Palimpseste- Large Black Abstract Library Painting – Oil on Canvas –Contemporary
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Title: Palimpsest Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 100 x 100 cm 39.37 x 39.37 in (canvas only), 107 x 107 cm 42.12 x 42.12 in framed Year: 2025 Framing: Black wooden floater frame ...
Canvas, Oil
Speedy Snoopy (Original Artwork On Wood Panel)
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** ***EVERYTHING MUST GO BY DECEMBER 31ST!*** >>The artist is moving to a new full time venture in 2026<< _________...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Capriccio #2 - painting, acrylic on panel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
In this expressive work by modernist Burton Kramer multi-coloured geometric shapes appear to dance rhythmically across the canvas. A capriccio is a short, lively, free-form piece of ...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
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
Joan Miró - MARAVILLAS CON VARIACIONES... Lithograph Contemporary Art Abstract
By Joan Miró
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Joan Miró - Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró III Date of creation: 1975 Medium: Lithograph Media: Gvarro paper Edition: 1500 Size: 49,5 x 35,5 cm Condition:...
Lithograph
$1,184
Abstract composition
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 63 x 72 x 5 cm
Oil
Monet's Pond at Giverny, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Reflections on the water in Monet's pond at Giverny. Onelio spent some time there taking in the splendor of the setting. "Each view of the place was a paintin...
Oil
Bronze Table I
Located in Dallas, TX
Bronze & Steel Table
Bronze, Steel
Leopard on the tree
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting depicts a leopard resting on a wide tree branch against a backdrop of lush greenery and a bright blue sky. The composition is horizontal, with the animal’s body stretche...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,500
Bopping at Birdland (Stomp Time) from the Jazz Series Signed Limited Edition
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist : Romare Bearden Title; Bopping at Birdland (stomp time) Year: 1979 Size: 33 ¼ x 24 inches Lithograph on Arches Paper Edition; Signed in pencil and marked 114/175 (Gelburd/Ros...
Lithograph
Treasure Trove: Colorful, Still-Life, Flowers in Orange Vase, Acrylic, 2010+
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Treasure Trove in Bloom Still-life Painting Floral Vase Colorful Flower Original Contemporary Investment One-of-a-kind Original Artwork You can buy yourself flowers! This ...
Stretcher Bars, Wood, Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Design for form', C. 2007 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
Aura IV /// Abstract Geometric Contemporary Painting Circles Pattern Striped Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Aura IV" Series: Aura *Signed by Graves lower left. It is also signed, dated, and titled on verso Year: 2022 Medium: Original Acryli...
Canvas, Paint, Acrylic
$3,801Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Horses Spanish School, signed 'Santos' early 21st century acrylic painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 48 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection, So...
Acrylic, Canvas
Abstract Oil Painting by Mirko Baricchi – Minimal Contemporary Composition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirko Baricchi (born 1970) is an accomplished Italian painter who currently lives and works between Vicenza and La Spezia, regions located in Veneto and Liguria, Italy, respectively....
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Original Abstract Textured Oil Painting by Alena Kalen "Totem" Framed, COA
Located in Palm Coast, FL
“Totem” is an original abstract composition by contemporary American artist Alena Kalen, executed in oil and mixed media on canvas. The work presents a symbolic, vertically structure...
Mixed Media, Oil
$3,600
576 Circles V.5 - Original Contemporary Blue Tone Abstract Geometric 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...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
EXPLOSION
Located in Zofingen, AG
That moment when everything inside refuses to stay quiet. Color, feeling, energy — breaking out like a flash. It’s not destruction. It’s becoming. That’s how Midnight Swim begins. ...
Canvas, Oil
Ky Anderson "Land 25.4" 2025 acrylic on watercolor paper
By Ky Anderson
Located in New York, NY
Ky Anderson Land 25.4, 2025 acrylic on watercolor paper 30 x 44 in. (and504) Artist Statement: My work falls somewhere between abstraction, formalism and narrative painting. I see...
Paper, Acrylic
Sea Cliffs Diptych II ( Pair abstract cyanotypes each framed to 25 x 15)
Located in Oakland, CA
Though it resembles a giant abstract watercolor painting owing to its soft gradations and luminous quality, this is a form of photography called a cyanotype, photogram or sun print. ...
Paper, Archival Paper, Rag Paper, Monotype, Photogram
$426Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary vivid expressive figurative dog's portrait on paper "Goofy eyes"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Goofy Eyes” is a contemporary acrylic painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created on heavyweight Italian paper as part of her expressive series of character-driven animal po...
Paper, Acrylic
$10,650
"umbrella girl in the rain " RK5D, 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. König combines modern painting with acrylic with old techniques and in this way, h...
Clay, Acrylic
Systems #3 - modern, contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract painting by Milly Ristvedt is expressed in geometric form. The power of pure colour and minimal form is masterfully displayed in this abstract painting by...
Canvas, Acrylic
"It's the Rest of the World That is Moving" (2024) by Amy Hutcheson
Located in Denver, CO
"He Opened His Hand And I Put My Stories Into It" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting on canvas, by Amy Hutcheson, that depicts an abstract painting with colorful geometric ...
Canvas, Oil
Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Monumental NYC Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract expressionist oil painting. No signature found.
Canvas, Oil
F (Cherry II) Monotype Print, Abstract Style, 21st Century, Signed
Located in Bristol, GB
Monotype Unique Signed, numbered, dated and titled on the back Artwork in excellent condition. Some minor imperfections visible only on the reverse
Monotype
$108Sale 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: 12.75 x 10 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we ha...
Oil
Abstract Oil Painting by Mirko Baricchi – Minimal Contemporary Composition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirko Baricchi (born 1970) is an accomplished Italian painter who currently lives and works between Vicenza and La Spezia, regions located in Veneto and Liguria, Italy, respectively....
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$525
The Red Dress 12 - Abstract Flowy Minimalist Figurative Ink Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses dynamism and sensuality in her paintings: “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, flowers, and people in motion, capturing th...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media, Graphite
$825
"The Sun Shines All Over", Vintage Geometric Abstract Landscape Screen Print
Located in Soquel, CA
"The Sun Shines All Over", a bold minimalist vintage abstract landscape print by the renowned printmaker Shiou-ping Liao (Taiwanese, b.1936). A perfectly circular, high voltage rainb...
Paper, Printer's Ink, Screen
Vineyards and Mountains, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Suren Nersisyan shows an inviting view of a vineyard that draws the eyes further towards a scenic mountain range lining the distance. Rows of grapevine...
Oil
XXV 82 363 (Abstract Print)
Located in London, GB
Unframed. Edition of 1 copy, numbered 1/1. Dated, numbered, and signed by the artist in pencil. The copy offered for sale is No. 1/1. This work will be shipped rolled in a tube. Fo...
Paper, Engraving, Ink
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Bee (Lucio Fontana slash oil painting abstract contemporary impasto yellow art)
Located in Quebec, Quebec
keywords; materiality, texture, oil painting, contemporary painting, ooze, perforation, Lucio Fontana, process-based, repetition, abstract painting, patterns, impasto, yellow, bee, p...
Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Spanish artist original 1975 lithograph on canvas book cover for Rafael Alberti
By Joan Miró
Located in Miami, FL
Joan Miro (Spain, 1893-1983) 'Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró (cobertura para el estuche)', 1975 lithograph on canvas 21.5 x 32.25 x 21 in. (54 x 82 cm.) Edition of 1500 Unframed ID: MIR2001-014 It is documented in Cramer, P (1992). Miró Litographer V (1972-1975). Maeght Éditeur, pp 162-163. No. 1051. Artwork history: At the end of 1971 Rafael Alberti wrote from Rome to Joan Miró in the following terms “(…) I think I have news that you liked my folder...
Lithograph, Canvas, Ink
$2,275Sale Price|20% Off
Geometric Landscape – Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Agrigento, AG
Artist: Marilina Marchica Title: Geometric Landscape Year: 2024 Medium: Mixed media on canvas Dimensions: 100 x 100 x 3.5 cm Condition: Excellent Frame: Not required Ready to hang: Y...
Canvas, Pastel, Oil
$397Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary expressive seascape ocean waves acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This artwork " "Waiting for calmness on the ocean waves" "is a vibrant and dynamic depiction of a seascape, masterfully capturing the essence of a lively and tumultuous ocean. The...
Paper, Acrylic
$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
Abstraction - Oil Paint by Aldo Moriconi - 1967
Located in Roma, IT
Abstraction is a beautiful and colored oil on canvas realized by the artist Aldo Moriconi in 1967. Hand signed and dated lower margin. 100 x 100 cm. Very good condition.
Oil
Leopard
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork, painted with acrylic on canvas, is executed in a minimalist, almost graphic style. The bright orange silhouette of a sleeping leopard stands out strikingly against a ri...
Canvas, Acrylic
Minimalist Abstract Painting with Black Linear Forms by Alicia Gimeno 2025
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, Ink, Acrylic
$2,807Sale Price|23% Off
Original-Constable’s Clouds, Van Gogh’s Blue-Brit Awarded Artist-oil-gold leaf
Located in London, GB
Constable’s Clouds, Van Gogh’s Blue is Shizico Yi’s latest series—an exploration of landscape reimagined through memory and material experimentation and emotional resonance. In this ...
Gold Leaf
Autumn impressions
Located in Zofingen, AG
Autumn impressions. In this piece, I poured my passion for vibrant color and movement into every brushstroke. The rich reds and purples evoke the fiery heart of autumn, while the su...
Canvas, Oil
Henriette "Yetti" Stolz Abstract Oil Painting Colorado Modern Framed
Located in Denver, CO
A striking original abstract oil painting by Colorado artist Henriette “Yetti” Stolz, known for her bold use of color and expressive modernist compositions. This dynamic work feature...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Landscape - Field of Green, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sage green stretches across the foreground, evoking a lively abstract field. Blue, rust, and black tones shape the horizon in the distance. Expressive strokes a...
Oil
Le Bouquet, 1955 - oil paint, 110x83 cm, framed
Located in Nice, FR
Oil on canvas, signed lower left. Gérard Altmann, né à Paris le 23 septembre 1923 et mort à Paris le 19 avril 2012, est un peintre français. Il est le ...
Oil
AWH 338 - Abstract Minimalist Textured Layered Colorfield Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer produces deeply layered, subtly textured abstract paintings that contain diametrically opposed elements—order and chaos, abstraction and representation, boldness and ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Madeline. Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Contemporary abstract painting by Welsh artist Peter Rossiter. Artists comments on the painting "The painting is an exploration of warm relationships between colours and choreograph...
Oil
$1,480
Turquoise and Nocturnal Marina, Modern Seascape Diptych in Blue Tones, Organic
Located in Barcelona, ES
This diptych draws on the visual language of the seascape, using flowing, interlaced lines to evoke the movement of water and shifting currents. Contrasting tones of turquoise and de...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Basket Series, Dale Chihuly
By Dale Chihuly
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Dale Chihuly (1941) Title: Basket Series Year: 2001 Medium: Acrylic on Arches Aquarelle Rag paper Size: 42 x 30 inches Inscription: Signed by the artist Notes: Hand painted b...
Acrylic
"Untitled" Calvert Coggeshall, Abstract Expressionism, Subtle Color, Blue-Grey
Located in New York, NY
Calvert Coggeshall Untitled, 1956 Signed and dated twice on the reverse Oil on canvas 26 x 30 inches Calvert Coggeshall worked as an abstract painter and interior designer primaril...
Canvas, Oil
#106, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece in this size More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket ...
Pigment
Brown abstract painting MP632, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Radek Smach
Located in Yardley, PA
Radek Smach - Original abstract acrylic painting on canvas. Mixed media. My works are part of many private collections all over the world. Ready to hang. No framing required (i...
Acrylic
$1,042Sale Price|20% Off
Autumn Lands– Original Textured Abstract landscape , Oil Paint, Contemporary
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Size unframed : 15.75 x 15.75 in (40 x 40 cm) Size Framed: 18.5 x 18.5 in (47 x 47 cm) – Choice of black or natural wood floater frame Year: 2025 Signed lower right Certificate of ...
Oil
$14,000
A870 - Original Large Scale Minimalist Contemporary Expressive Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss-born artist Marco Schmidli creates large-scale minimalist paintings reminiscent of color field studies with a contemporary edge. Placing emphasis on process, he lets the medium...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,820Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 19th Century French Impressionist Nocturnal Cityscape River Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early European impressionist cityscape painting. Framed. Oil on board. Image size, 11H by 8L.
Canvas, Oil
Duck flight
Located in Zofingen, AG
Original portrait painting by the German artist Ljubow Jung. Jung is a professional artist and clothes designer. Romantic female images, nature, flowers, and birds - this is the wor...
Acrylic
Miracle De La Vie - Green Teal Abstract Floral Painting
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
$3,400
Tondo Arboretum - Circular Contemporary Abstract Sage Green Botanical Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic