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.
$750
Mid Century Modern Boats and Bridge, Abstracted Maritime Landscape Painting
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Modern Boats and Bridge, Abstracted Maritime Landscape Painting Wonderful mid-century modern abstracted maritime seascape by listed San...
Paper, Oil
Colored Abstract, Books, Oil on canvas, Expressionism, Geometric
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In this work (Inner Arrangement), Sophie Dumont continues her exploration of the stylized library as a mental and architectural space rather than a literal representation. The compos...
Oil
$4,698
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
"Duality of Color" - Bold Contemporary Abstract in Orange, Blue, and Black Oil
By Kobi Raz
Located in Carmel, CA
Kobi Raz (Israeli, born 1959) "Duality of Color" 2024 Oil paint, canvas, stretcher bars The artist signed the bottom left of the painting. “Duality of Color” is a striking abstract ...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Series 1, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Bolotowsky
Located in Long Island City, NY
A silkscreen print by Ilya Bolotowsky circa 1970. A retro modern piece with an abstract geometric design. Artist: Ilya Bolotowsky, Russian/American (1907 - 1981) Title: Series 1 Ye...
Screen
Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: BLUE - Insightful Intent Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series c...
Gold
“The Flower That Nourishes” Series: Flowers That Feed Us
Located in Zofingen, AG
The Flower That Nourishes” explores the connection between beauty and usefulness — the wisdom of nature we often forget. Nasturtium is a plant that nourishes and heals, yet remains a...
Canvas, Oil
$1,000
Untitled 4. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and ’90s-original...
Paper, Oil Crayon
Untitled #535 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #535 by Murray Duncan – Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper Size: 32" x 40" Unframed, signed on the back A striking exploration of form and movement, Untitled #527 by Murray ...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
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
$3,876
Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) - Le Demon Ailé - Drypoint etching on Japanese paper
Located in Varese, IT
Drypoint etching on Japanese paper, edited in 1969 Limited edition, numbered as 27/75 in lower left corner. Hand-signed by artist in pencil in the lower right corner. Paper size: 38...
Etching, Drypoint
Ultramarine Oval (Colorful Abstract Three Dimensional Wood Wall Sculpture)
Located in Hudson, NY
Large vertical abstract three-dimensional wood wall sculpture with colorful pops of acrylic paint in blue, red, yellow, and red "Ultramarine Oval" by Hudson Valley artist, Peter Hoff...
Wood, Acrylic
Entre Nous - original abstract painting on linen
Located in London, GB
Entre Nous 2023 by Christian Möller original abstract painting acrylic and oil on linen ships securely from London England. Christian Möller was born in...
Acrylic
The Hills - Impasto Thick Paint Tall Colorful 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, Mixed Media, Acrylic
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
Baie Rouge
Located in New York, NY
Created by Ellsworth Kelly in 1984, Baie Rouge is an original lithograph on Arches paper. Hand-signed in pencil and numbered from the edition of just 25, the artwork measures 51 x 52...
Lithograph
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
$4,200
Original Italian MCM Modernist Signed Abstract Lithograph Marino Marini 1969
Located in Portland, OR
A color abstract geometric composition titled "From Color to Form IV", executed in 1969, by the celebrated Italian artist Marino Marini (1901-1980). A rare artist's proof Marini was...
Paper
Contemporary abstract expressionist still life painting on canvas "Golden pair"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract still life of two golden apples was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, whose distinctive style merges abstract expressionism, impressionism, art br...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,350
Color composition
Located in Genève, GE
Canvas mounted on wood Golden wooden frame 89 x 73 x 5 cm
Oil
20th Century French Geometric Abstract Geometry in a Cosmic Green and Blue
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French oil painting on canvas, unframed size: 26 x 20 inches provenance: private collection, Paris, France condition: overall g...
Oil
Metope
Located in New York, NY
“Metope” was painted in 1996 with acrylic on canvas. The stretched canvas size is 56.25 x 46.25 inches. The artist's initials “M. D. C.” are in the lower left. Unframed. Between the...
Canvas, Acrylic
Silver Skull. Contemporary Neo-Expressionist Painting
By Sax Berlin
Located in Brecon, Powys
Sax Berlin's Skull series form part of his Neo-Expressionist works. Berlin works with speed on these pieces, gives them a sense of urgency. In "person" they are electric and magnetic...
Silver
$324
Hand Painted Limited Edition No 3-Tea Time Bloom-British Awarded Artist-aluminiu
Located in London, GB
Tea Time Bloom is a rare hand-painted Limited Edition by contemporary artist Shizico Yi, created on a deluxe matte-finish giclée aluminium panel. Each edition is 90% hand-painted wit...
Metal
Purple Fields and the Horizon 2, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by vast open fields and horizons that end in infinite skies, artist Srinivas Kathoju paints a colorful abstract landscape. He uses thick paint to cre...
Oil
$528
Contemporary abstract floral acrylic painting on canvas "Blooming in sunshine"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Blooming in Sunshine" is a striking, expressive contemporary painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, and it forms part of her Floral series. In this series, Natalya masterfully ...
Canvas, Acrylic
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: 15 x 11.25 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we ha...
Oil
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cannizaro The Veils, Abstract Glicée Print on Aluminum, Signed, 2018
By Damien Hirst
Located in New York, NY
'Cannizaro', 2018 Damien Hirst Glicée print on aluminum 49.6 x 36.5 in. / 126 x 92 cm. Edition of 75, Signed by the Artist Damien Hirst is a British contemporary master artist and e...
Archival Pigment
Unremitting Protraction
By Brian Jerome
Located in Philadelphia, PA
the unceasing and relentless lengthening or delay of an event, process, or physical state beyond its expected or necessary duration
Oil, Acrylic
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Exotic Blue Green Birds
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 46 x 35 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good con...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled (Abstraction)
By Jack Roth
Located in Astoria, NY
Jack Roth (American, 1927-2004), Untitled, Acrylic on Canvas, marked "JR-3804" verso with "Jack Roth Estate" stamp, unframed. 30" H x 30" W x 0.75" D. Provenance: The Estate of the...
Canvas, Acrylic
$25,000
Free More, Painting, ex Zabriskie Gallery & Reader's Digest Collection, Signed
By Pat Adams
Located in New York, NY
Pat Adams Free More, 1989 Acrylic and encaustic painting with varnish on paper laid down on canvas Hand signed and dated on the upper left front Original artist's frame included This...
Varnish, Mixed Media, Encaustic, Acrylic, Pencil, Graphite
$1,895
Circus Figure Holding Hoop In Vibrant Abstract French 20th Century Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition signed by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) oil painting on canvas, unframed dated 87' canvas size: 45.5 x 35 inches Inscribed verso condition: ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,450
'Abstract in Coral and Jade', Large Mid-century American Biomorphic Abstraction
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
A substantial, mid-century American Abstract oil comprising biomorphic and dimensional forms in shades of coral, jade and straw, shown gathered around a central, rectangular element ...
Canvas, Oil
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Ink Drawing on Paper
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Ink Drawing on Paper by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French Black ink on paper, unframed Size: 26 (height) x 19.75 (width) inches Provenance: ...
Ink, Gouache
Abstract Composition - Screen Print by Agostino Bonalumi - 1973
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is an artwork realized by Agostino Bonalumi, 1973. Silkscreen on paper. Edition of 600. cm 23x23. Good conditions
Screen
Dmitri Wright - Apple Blossoms Opus 3, Painting 2018
Located in Stamford, CT
WEIR FARM Series: “[This] series runs the full range from natural to post-impressionism, yet always having the themes of the American pictorial sense of place with an accurate drawin...
Linen, Paint, Oil
A little bird on a lettuce background.
Located in Zofingen, AG
An exotic bird is depicted on a 40×40 cm canvas, painted with acrylics. Its plumage shimmers with vibrant shades of green, blue, turquoise, and yellow, creating a sense of living ra...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Rhythmic Sanctuary" Abstract metallic glaze stoneware ceramic sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hand-pitched speckled stoneware ceramic sculpture with metallic glaze by Jessamyn Go. Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the visceral, meditative experience of working with clay...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
$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
Shimmering Quiet 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
$1,390
Wild Abundance: Large, Abstract, Maximalism, Painting, Mixed Media, 76x101 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Wild Abundance Wild Abundance - Abstract Maximalism Painting Show-stopper Unique Bold Symbolism One-of-a-kind This painting is a vibrant and colorful celebration in mixed me...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars, Spray Paint
Large Abstract Wall Sculpture in Organic Materials
Located in Sofia, BG
This abstract contemporary artwork titled “The Rhythm of the Invisible” is created from industrial hemp fiber and features an organic, flowing form with a strong contemporary presenc...
Organic Material, Ink
Noir and Luster Large Abstract Original Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Vahe Yeremyan Title: Noir and Luster Medium: Acrylic on Linen Year: 2025 Style: Contemporary Art Dimensions: 75" x 63" x 1" inch (190 x 160 x 3cm) Presentation: Unframed, Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$9,200
Glowing forest by 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
$4,500
City Feet - Abstract Energetic Expressionist Spontaneous Contemporary Painting
By Jonas Fisch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swedish artist Jonas Fisch’s imagery is vibrantly buzzing with colorful commentary on society - past and present - morphed into figures, words, and shapes. His heavily layered canvas...
Canvas, Mixed Media
"Ranunculus II" Large Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Blush Rose Abstract 84"x60"
Located in New York, NY
"Ranunculus II", 2024, 84" H x 60" W. Large-scale abstract painting in hues of blush crimson consisting of acrylic, pencils, and oil pastels on canvas by Argentine-born artist Karina...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Color Pencil
Untitled (Edition 7/75)
Located in New York, NY
Kyohei Inukai (aka Earle Goodenow), American (1913 - 1985), "Untitled" Edition 7/75, Abstract / 3D/ Modern Serigraph signed and numbered in pencil, 23.25 x 34.50, Late 20th Century ...
Screen
That House - Abstract Color Drenched Landscape Textural Impasto Oil Painting
By Dana Cowie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Using an impasto, painterly technique Dana Cowie creates cubist-inspired farm and rural landscapes. Working within controlled color schemes, her artworks appear abstract up close and...
Canvas, Oil
Red Floral
![Damien Hirst - Blizzard [H13-10]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/damien-hirst-prints-works-on-paper-damien-hirst-blizzard-h13-10-for-sale/a_21542/a_175212321769083382282/Damien_Hirst_Blizzard_H13_10_Laminated_Gicl_e_print_on_aluminium_composite_panel_2023_master.jpg?width=240)
![Damien Hirst - Blizzard [H13-10]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/damien-hirst-prints-works-on-paper-damien-hirst-blizzard-h13-10-for-sale-picture-2/a_21542/a_175212321769083414635/Damien_Hirst_Blizzard_H13_10_Laminated_Gicl_e_print_on_aluminium_composite_panel_2023_detail_master.jpg?width=240)
Damien Hirst - Blizzard [H13-10]
By Damien Hirst
Located in London, GB
Damien Hirst, Blizzard H13-10, 2023 Laminated Giclée print on aluminium composite panel 35 2/5 × 47 1/5 in 90 × 120 cm Edition of 500 Hand-signed on the label and numbered publishe...
Giclée
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
Raventos Vertical Big original abstract mixed media painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
El dia que es va crema el Liceo original abstract mixed media painting RAVENTÓS Mª Assumpció – (San Sadurní d’Anoia, Barcelona 1930). Raventos trained at the elite Sant Jordi School ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Robert Goodnough - Seated Girl, original signed Expressionist charcoal drawing
By Robert Goodnough, 1917-2010
Located in New York, NY
ROBERT GOODNOUGH Seated Girl, 1961 Charcoal Drawing on Paper 23 3/4 × 18 inches Hand signed in charcoal on the front Unframed Unique Signed, titled and dated on the front in black ch...
Charcoal
Diversions 1970 Signed Limited Edition Screen Print
By Ian Tyson
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Ian Tyson Title: Diversions Year: 1970 Print: Screen Print Size: 16'' x 15'' inches Edition: signed in pencil and marked 54/150 Ian Tyson, British painter, printmaker and...
Screen
$4,500Sale Price|43% Off
Banner (abstract expressionist sculpture, Tulsa OK artist)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Duayne Hatchett ((1925-2015). Banner, 1958. Welded metal, sculpture measures 11 h. x 9 w. x 3.75 d. inches. Measuring a total of 17.5 inch high on base. Base measures 5.5 x 5.5 by 6 ...
Metal
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Brainiac VII Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Large-scale abstract with multi-colored brains layered on a neutral background by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Unsigned, but was acquired with a collection of h...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
"Abraxus" - Bay Area Abstract Expressionist
By Conrad Alvarez
Located in Soquel, CA
Compelling Abstract Expressionist oil painting titled "Abraxus" by San Francisco Bay area Abstract Expressionist Conrad Alvarez (American, 20th centu...
Canvas, Oil
Black abstract painting GB467, 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
Lilac turquoise with gold abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
This is an abstract painting created using the fluid acrylic technique (fluid art), featuring expressive movement and a rich interplay of color. The composition is built on the free...
Canvas, Acrylic