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.
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American School Female Artist Abstract Expressionist Cubist Oil Painting
By elsie orfuss
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique modernist abstract painting by Elsie Orfuss (Born 1913). Oil on canvas. Signed on verso. Nicely framed. `
Canvas, Oil
Color abstraction 2
Located in Zofingen, AG
This abstract artwork is created with alcohol inks on synthetic paper. Vibrant shades of pink, fresh green, violet, turquoise, and soft blue flow into one another, forming a rich and...
Ink, Synthetic Paper
$2,502Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Blue White Sails Wind
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition of Blue/ White Sailing Boats in the Wind signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45.5 x 35 inches condition: the...
Canvas, Oil
Helen Frankenthaler - original vintage 1960s Andre Emmerich gallery poster print
By (after) Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster published by the Andre Emmerich Gallery on the occasion of Helen Frankenthaler's 1965 exhibition. In good vintage condition with original folds as issued, wi...
Offset
$371Sale Price|25% Off
Original-Drawing Time-Rain Moonlight-British Awarded Artist-Ink and Gold Leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Ink and Gold Leaf on watercolour paper, named Rain Moonlight, is a part of Drawing Time Series by Award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She created the painting in her gard...
Gold Leaf
Textured Abstract Painting on Canvas by Serg Graff, "Magical Friends", COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This is an original textured acrylic painting on canvas by contemporary fantasy artist Serg Graff, titled “Magical Friends”. Medium: Acrylic on canvas Artist: Serg Graff (signed and...
Acrylic
$3,000
Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel (Prefatio) Poster /// Bauhaus Josef Albers Art
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: (after) Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel (Prefatio)" Year: 1957 Medium: Original Relief Print (Letterpress), Exhibition Poster on light wove paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel, Kassel, Germany Publisher: Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel, Kassel, Germany Sheet size: 24.75" x 17.63" Image size: 11.75" x 15.63" Condition: A few faint handling creases. Never framed, has been professionally stored away for decades. In excellent condition Extremely rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Nuremberg, Germany. Poster produced for a special exhibition of Albers' work "Early Pictures from the Twenties and New Works" at the Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel from May 28 - June 8, 1957. The image featured on this poster is Albers' 1942 lithograph edition "Prefatio", (Danilowitz No. 103, page 76), from his 1942 "Graphic Tectonics" series of 9 lithographs, (Danilowitz No. 100-108, page 74-79). Printer's imprint upper right. This is an extremely rare poster being if not the, one of the, earliest documented Josef Albers exhibition...
Paper
$2,200
"It Comes While Sleeping" (Abstract, Dream, Deep Red, Green, Text, Type, French)
Located in Paris, IDF
IT COMES WHILE SLEEPING 2018 An abstract, ominous, deep red shape hangs over handwritten, disconnected verbiage, in a mix of French and English, with a series of numbers and dates. ...
Canvas, Dye, Ink
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Original Painting on Canvas in a Fantasy Abstract Style by Serg Graff "LOOP" COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This vibrant and dynamic painting by Serg Graff, titled “Loop,” bursts with bold colors, energetic brushstrokes, and richly textured layers. The composition is alive with swirling or...
Acrylic
$1,150
Red Codec, Abstract Painting, Blue and Yellow Layers, Acrylic Paint on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Red Codec Medium: Acrylic Painting Monoprinting on Paper Size: 83x65 cm ( 32.7 x 25.6 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped c...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
Painting on Panel Titled: PDP698 44 x 66
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painting on Panel signed verso Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa Springs, Colora...
Acrylic
Port du Peche Oil Painting by Marcel Mouly, Signed, 18x25.5 Inches
By Marcel Mouly
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Marcel Mouly was one of the last student's of Picasso! This piece is stretched, and very collectible and has a COA. On the back it is reinforced with a wooden crossbar as in the pho...
Oil
Entrelacs 4, Contemporary French Abstract Landscape Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont creates abstract landscapes inspired by the changing light, coastal horizons and layered geography of Normandy. Working in oil through succes...
Oil
$2,224Sale Price|20% Off
Burrowed Beneath - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 40in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Burrowed Beneath" stands as a compelling study of figurative abstraction, where the artist navigates the liminal space between the tangible world and the internal landscape of the p...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Composition 1, '60s - oil paint, 43x56 cm., framed
Located in Nice, FR
Born in Leningrad (now Saint-Petersbourg, Russia) in 1937, Catherine Zoubtchenko lives in France since 1945. She was a student of the painter André Lanskoy, with whom she later share...
Oil
"The Comfort of Rituals", Original Abstract Painting
Located in Westport, CT
Bold yet tranquil, this original floral abstract "The Comfort of Rituals" by Sandy Palasti is an expressive exploration of color, gesture, and atmosphere. Inspired by the fleeting be...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
$1,590
Sepia Murmur 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
White folds 10. 3D abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting, created on canvas with clay, depicts soft, flowing folds that create the impression of draped fabric. The entire piece is rendered in a pure white color, giving it eleg...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
After the rain
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work continues the exploration of silence as an inner space — a state in which perception softens and boundaries dissolve. “After the rain” is not a clearly defined landscape, b...
Canvas, Mixed Media
NAR: Comp #6, Abstract Painting
By Craig Rouse
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Craig Rouse paints a simplified abstract environment composed of angled structures. Part of his NAR series, meaning No Assem...
Acrylic
$950
Sonderlust -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, Pop Culture, Anxiety, People
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
All of us can change the past. We cannot take back what has happened, who we love, what we have done. Just like we cannot change our current situation. I think life is a funny thing,...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$5,383
Abstract Minimalist Skyscape Painting in Neutral Tones by Viktor Kobylianski
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
Redemption: Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract Style, 21st Century
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract colourful painting by Paul Fournier has a red background. Paul Fournier received early praise from the distinguished NY art critic, Donald Kuspit, who des...
Canvas, Acrylic
Impermanence Series n16 and n20 Diptych. From Impermanence series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In the Kingdom of Transience, everything is temporary, subject to constant change. Everything is unstable and volatile like the wind. The precariousness of our existence reminds us t...
Paper, Mixed Media
$7,000
"The Swimmer" - Contemporary Bright Colorful Figurative Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Carmel, CA
Maura Petersen (American, born 1956) "The Swimmer" 2025 Oil Paint, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom right of the painting. "The Swimmer" radiates confidence and c...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Interior with Standing Dog
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Irvin Nahan (b.1927) Interior with Standing Dog, 1970. Watercolor and pencil on paper. Image measures 5 x 6.5 inches. Framed measurement: 10 x 12 inches. Signed and dated by ar...
Watercolor, Pencil
"Lunar Calendar VI" - wall sculpture, light, crystals, space
Located in Atlanta, GA
"Lunar Calendar VI" is a wall sculpture made of copper, paint, pigments & mica on wood + light LED lights are installed verso and there is an extension chord that needs to be plu...
Copper, Steel
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Figures in Purple and Green - Original Mixed Media Piece
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Figures in Purple and Green - Original Mixed Media Piece Bright and colorful abstract by Jennie T. Rafton (American, b. 1925). Two figurative shapes stand in front of a blu...
Paper, Oil, Mixed Media
"Organic Rhythm II" - Tall contemporary ceramic vase sculpture
By Jessamyn Go
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hand-coiled and pinched tall ceramic sculpture vessel by Jessamyn Go. Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the visceral, meditative experience of working with clay. Drawn to the t...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Pumpkin, Red/White, Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkin, Red/White Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculpture Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches Inscription: ©Yayoi Kusama, as issued Notes...
Epoxy Resin
Robert Natkin - Abstract Ex monotype, signed and inscribed with a heart, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Robert Natkin monotype (unique) on paper signed in marker on the front Pencil signed, and inscribed with heart doodle: "For Dorothy and Arthur with my Love Natkin" Provenance: collec...
Monotype
Hand-Gilded-Constant Gardener-the last Artist Proof-Rare X-Large-Awarded Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This is an unique one-off Artist Proof, in a rare Extra-Large square format. A special Proof that only 3 have been made with hand gilded Gold Leaf. The outstanding hand-painted qual...
Gold Leaf
Homage to Vasarely- mirror sculpture by artist and designer Oliver de Schrijver
Located in Schierensee, SH
With "Hommage to Vasarely" the renowned Belgian designer and artist Olivier De Schrijver has created a stunning retro-mirror wall sculpture honoring the art of Vasarely. The work is all hand-made, a unique series of only 6 works; signed and numbered on the back. Certificate. (3/6) Practical hanging mechanism on the back for easy handing on the wall. This Belgian designer reinvents the mirror by giving it a graphic role, like in his sought after "Hommage to Vasarely" whose projected lights create luminous tesserae onto walls and ceilings. His artwork invites you to escape into the imagination and the serenity offering a moment of intimacy. Through the subtle blend of poetry and fantasy on on head and the aesthetics and ergonomics on the other, Oliver De Schrijver could perfectly assume been gate design...
Mirror
$780Sale Price|35% Off
Abstract Expressionist mi-century modern painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful mid-century Abstract Expressionist color field painting. Oil on canvas, 16 x 20 inches; 16.5 x 20.5 inches in simple vintage wood strip frame original to the piece. Signed ...
Canvas, Oil
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Child in a Rooster Costume, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Mixed Media on Canvas 60 x 50 cm Signed About the artist Manu Jorquera (1986) is a Chilean visual artist whose work explores the mestizo popular ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$266Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century French Expressionist Tall Pine Tress in Moonlight Blue Forest
By Akos Biro
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Moonlight Blue Forest by Akos Biro (Hungarian 1911-2002) pastel painting on artist paper, unframed painting: 9 x 12 inches provenance: the artists estate, France Superb ...
Pastel
$1,006Sale Price|20% Off
Parisian Abstract Expressionist Original Oil Painting -
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Stunning original oil painting by the French abstract artist, Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016). oil painting on canvas, unframed signed and dated lower corner and verso canvas:...
Oil
$6,900
"Except for Then, " an Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas by Dierdre Schanen
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Except for Then" is a contemporary abstract painting of warm golds, pinks, peach and orange. Oil on canvas, signed on verso. 2010 48" x 36" canvas Deirdre Schanen artist statemen...
Canvas, Oil
$864Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Expressionist Painting by John Chambers, 1998
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Chambers (British, 1934-2015) Superb original painting by the British abstract artist, John Chambers (1934-2015). The work is signed with his initials to the front and also sig...
Enamel
Painting on Canvas Titled: "PDP409ct09" 30 x 40
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Painting on canvas signed verso Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa Springs, Color...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
"Untitled #1" Large mixed media
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled #1" c.1990, is a large mixed media on paper by noted Mexican/American artist Gustavo Ramos Rivera, b.1940. It is hand signed and numbered E.V. 1/2 in pencil by...
Mixed Media
Umbrella - Silent Rain No.14-1, Abstract Painting, 21st Century, Acryl, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Part of Roger König's iconic Umbrella Series, this original mixed media artwork explores themes of protection, memory, resilience and human presence. This work from Roger König’s Um...
Clay, Acrylic
Untitled
By Nabil Nahas
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Nahas’ paintings have made use of geometric motifs and decorative patterns inspired Levantine art architecture. Nahas also employs traditional Western abstract painting, pointillisti...
Watercolor
$1,065
avp_1072 - Colorful Pink Green Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Signed 1983 Limited Edition J'ai retrouvé mon père sur les rives du Jourdain
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Theo Tobiasse, French/Israeli (1927 - 2012) Title: J'ai retrouvé mon père sur les rives du Jourdain. Cat. Nahan Year: 1983 Medium: Aquatint Etching with Carborundum, signed i...
Aquatint
$2,175
Golden Slumber - Moody Abstract Atmospheric Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mark Acetelli’s oil and mixed media paintings awaken the viewer’s sense of exploration and adventure; they demand a new discovery. His artworks exhibit a chemistry of complexity and ...
Canvas, Oil
$41,236
Sezione Aurea-C2 by Mattia Bosco - Monumental sculpture, marble, white, gold
By Mattia Bosco
Located in Paris, FR
Sezione Aurea-C2 is a unique monumental sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of Cave Michelangelo statuary marble and 23.8-carat gold leaf, dimension...
Marble, Gold Leaf
$2,650
Diva - Original Medium Size Abstract Organic Form Redwood Sculpture on Wood Base
By Joe Garnero
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Garnero’s medium of choice for his winding abstract wood sculptures is reclaimed Redwood roots, which he finds along the northern California coast. The distinct curving shapes of...
Steel
Contemporary abstract Impressionist landscape on canvas "Summer's nature"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Nature’s Summer” is a vibrant celebration of movement, warmth, and color — a landscape that seems to pulse with the energy of a Provençal afternoon. The painting is built around the...
Canvas, Acrylic
Eduardo Arranz-Bravo HOUSE WITH BLUE SKY Lithograph Abstract Art Interior Design
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Eduardo Arranz-Bravo - Casa con cielo azul (House with Blue Sky) Date of creation: 1988 Medium: Lithograph on paper Edition: 75 Size: 56 x 76 cm Condition: In perfect conditions and ...
Lithograph
"Untitled" Edward Zutrau, Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Colorist Painting
Located in New York, NY
Edward Zutrau Untitled Signed and dated on stretcher Oil on linen 26 x 31 1/2 inches Edward Zutrau is among the American artists who worked within the whirlwind of diverse abstract...
Linen, Oil
$2,800
Art Card: Frank Stella The Fossil Whale (Hand Signed by Frank Stella), Framed
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph card Hand signed and dated '93 by Frank Stella on the front Gorgeous card depicting abstract expressionist artist Frank Stella's "The Fossil Whale" on the front cov...
Postcard
Line of Silence No. 7
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Line of silence” is an ongoing painting cycle that explores the fragile boundary between presence and dissolution. Through a restrained color palette, layered surfaces, and a soften...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,631Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French 20th Century Abstract Landscape with Soft Pastel Hues & Textures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed, inscribed verso dated 83' oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 22 x 18 inches condition: o...
Canvas, Oil
Fanfare, Contemporary Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 40 x 30 Unframed
Located in New York, NY
“Fanfare” is a contemporary abstract oil painting on canvas alive with spiraling forms, vivid color, and rhythmic movement. Sweeping curves, bold arcs, and bursts of color rise and u...
Canvas, Oil
"Pink reflections" Impressionist water lilies acrylic painting inspired by Monet
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Pink Reflections” — Original Contemporary Floral Acrylic Painting of Water Lilies, 80 × 80 × 1.5 cm (31.5 × 31.5 × 0.6 in), by French Artist Natalya Mougenot “Pink Reflections” is ...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Abstract Composition - Screen Print by Mario Radice - 1964
By Mario Radice
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Composition is a colored screen print on paper, realized by the Italian artist and pioneer of Abstract art Mario Radice (1898-1987), in 1964. Hand-signed and numbered in ...
Screen
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