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.
#43, 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
Red/Blue/Black Diamond
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Ilya Bolotowsky Title: Red/Blue/Black Diamond Year: 1970 Dimensions: 25.75 in x 35.875 in Signed lower right Edition: 30/125 A striking example of Bolotowsky’s mature geomet...
Screen
$618Sale Price|20% Off
Pierre Montheillet, Composition in green and yellow, monotype on paper
Located in PARIS, FR
Pierre MONTHEILLET (1923-2011) Composition in green and yellow Mixed media on paper - monotype Signed and dedicated “pour mes amis Sallaz” lower right Dimensions of the work: 28.5 x ...
Watercolor, Gouache, Monotype
Homage to the Square - P2, F14, I2 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 14, Image 2" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
$2,741
The heart of humanity 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 setting...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,100
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
Ruz 12.31.2 Vertical Orange Black orignal abstract canvas acrylic painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work by Spanish artist Rafael RUZ. Acrylic on canvas in perfect condition. While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the...
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
1980 Italy Wood Abstract Kinetic Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
This sculpture is one of a kind piece, no other one exists, and it was realized in 1980 by the well known Italian artist Bruno Chersicla. This is a kinetic abstract sculpture, most ...
Wood
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Baquba', 2008 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Baquba' is a contemporary abstract glass by artist David Ruth. Created in 2008, it was a piece in a series about the David's views on the American invasion of Iraq. "In 2005, a fe...
Steel
Textured lihes. Abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artistic creation is a collection of four unique paintings, unified by an exquisite palette. Each canvas, enriched with texture through the application of spackling, possesses i...
Canvas, Acrylic, Paste
Balance Act IV 12 and Balance Act IV 10 Diptych, From The Balance Act Series.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This contemporary abstract diptych unites two pivotal works from the Love and Light series, creating a chromatic dialogue rich in architectural balance. The left panel features a viv...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Landscape In Morocco - Lithograph (Mourlot)
By Raoul Dufy
Located in Paris, IDF
Raoul DUFY (1877-1953) Landscape In Morocco, 1965 Lithograph (Mourlot workshop) Printed signature in the plate On vellum 30 x 24 cm (c. 11.8 x 9.4 in) INFORMATION : Lithograph cre...
Lithograph
Homage to the Square - P2, F24, I1
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 24, Image 1" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
Mindset, Monotype Print, Contemporary Abstract Art on Rag Paper, 2023, Signed
By a.muse
Located in New york, NY
The art Mindset, 2023 by a.muse embodies ideas on the mind as a fertile landscape for thoughts and emotions wandering freely. The colors, shapes, and textures within the monotype rep...
Ink, Gouache, Rag Paper, Monotype
$780
Window to the Sea, Abstract Expressionist Seascape, Mixed Media on Paper, 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Window to the Sea Medium: Acrylic Painting on Paper Size: 74x47 cm total ( 29.13 x 18.5 inches) Year: 2026 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,989
Contemporary large abstract expressionist floral painting "Just flowers"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Just Flowers" is a modern Expressionist floral painting with Fauvist-inspired color and gestural abstraction. Three vivid red blossoms rise against a luminous turquoise backdrop, ea...
Paper, Acrylic
Blue abstract no. 0125 large blue, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Edit „The sea! the sea! The endless sea! The deep, the wild, the eternally free!“ As the viewer gazes at the artwork, they can’t help but be transported into the artistâ€...
Acrylic
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
$1,255
Electric Dream - Original Abstract Palm Tree Still Life Blue Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Merciful" Abstract Calligraphy Painting 32" x 32" inch by Mohamed Hassan
Located in Culver City, CA
"Merciful" Abstract Calligraphy Painting 32" x 32" inch by Mohamed Hassan Medium: ink & gold leaf on paper Mohamed Hassan is a traditional Arabic calligraphist, he obtained his...
Gold Leaf
Color Revolution, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Nestor Toro
Located in Yardley, PA
- READY TO HANG - SIGNED CANVAS - BOLD STATEMENT PIECE - SIGNED CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY NOTE: This Original Fine Artwork Includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by N...
Acrylic
1960's French Huge Abstract Painting Layers Blue Abstract Textural Composition
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso dated 68' canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: ov...
Canvas, Oil
$1,136
Abstract composition
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 63 x 72 x 5 cm
Oil
Moody Blues in Bloom: Large Abstract, Floral, Painting, 101x76 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Moody Blues in Bloom Painting Floral Abstract Bold Freedom Contrast Statement Splashes In this piece, I abundantly layered vibrant blues, peaceful greens and passionate pink...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$318Sale Price|20% Off
Composición abstracta - Año 1983
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Firmado por la artista en la parte inferior y fechado del año 1983 Se presenta tal cual sin enmarcar Medidas totales: 50 cm. de altura x 69 cm. de ancho Estado bueno de conservaci...
Oil
Floating Silence 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
Abstract 2562
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I let emotions flow freely through sweeping layers of soft blues and warm beiges, blending impressionistic textures with abstract forms. The contrasts evoke a serene y...
Oil, Acrylic
Abstract impressionist floral acrylic painting on paper "Rose's embrace"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary expressive impressionist floral piece with a touch of abstract and art brut, Rose’s Embrasse, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot in her Lyon studio in 20...
Paper, Acrylic
French Expressionist Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract by Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016) dated verso and signed with initials oil painting on artists board, unframed painting measures: 13 x 16.25 inches Stunning original ...
Oil
$1,950
Calm and Quiet 2, 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
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Venetian Series, Dale Chihuly
By Dale Chihuly
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Dale Chihuly (1941) Title: Venetian Series Year: 2018 Medium: Lithograph, silkscreen and acrylic on Waterford paper Edition: 79/125 Size: 37 x 25 inches Inscription: Signed a...
Acrylic, Intaglio, Screen, Lithograph
$1,680
Sea to Sky - Turquoise Teal Color Field Abstract, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Sea to Sky is an original acrylic painting on canvas by Suzanne Vaughan. An abstract expressionist style painting with thick layers of acrylic paint in...
Acrylic
Abstract 2550
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions into soft pastels and flowing textures, capturing a dreamlike essence. The sweeping brushstrokes express a sense of calm and subtle movement, inviting serenity into your space. This work radiates gentle energy, transforming any room into a soothing sanctuary where imagination and tranquility coexist beautifully. ⭐ Artist : Alex Senchenko Title: Abstract 2550 📐 Size: 120cm. x 100cm. 🖌️ Medium: Professional Gallery Canvas, Acrylic Paints Original Painting on a 4cm. Deep "GALLERY WRAP" Stretched Canvas 🎨 Style: Abstract Contemporary Modern Wall Art...
Oil, Acrylic
$6,785
Knowing Of The Future - Original Minimalist Abstract Textured Painting on Canvas
Located in Manchester, GB
Henry Woolway, Knowing Of The Future, 2021 Acrylic on Canvas 122 x 92 cm (13.4 x 17.3 in) Artwork is set in a stained red wood frame with a 5mm shadow gap Hand-signed by the arti...
Canvas, Acrylic
$555
"A Colorful Afternoon" - Contemporary Mosaic Mountain Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Michelle Condrat (American, b. 1983) "A Colorful Afternoon," 2026 Oil on board 5 x 5 in (12.7 x 12.7 cm) Signed lower right Unframed, but ready to hang. A slope of trees runs from ...
Oil, Board
$350
"Straights" (Flora, Original Floral Contemporary Painting, Flowers, Dark, Black)
Located in Paris, IDF
Straights 2025 Paris, France This abstract oil painting depicts delicate botanical forms rising on slender stems against a deep black background. Natural and beige tones define the ...
Linen, Oil
Illusion, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Layers of vivid green, red, and orange create a bold abstract composition. Artist Maya Henaff uses a soft silicone knife to blend the paint. She then scratches ...
Acrylic
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American NYC School Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Oil on canvas. Framed. No signature found. Strong color and composition.
Canvas, Oil
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rompimiento 2.0
By Sergio Nates
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Nates Rompimiento 2.0, 2015 Acrylic on canvas Unframed dimensions: 18.75 x 18.50 inches Framed dimensions: 19.75 x 19.50 x 1.875 inches This one-of-a-kind acrylic painting on...
Canvas, Acrylic
Totem (medium) by Frédérique Domergue - Abstract metal sculpture, steel, orange
Located in Paris, FR
Totem (medium) is a sculpture by French contemporary artist Frédérique Domergue. The sculpture is made with oak slat, polished gunmetal-finish steel and oxidized steel on the sculpte...
Steel
$2,200
Circles of Strength: Original Extra-large Painting, Rhino, Geometric, Bold, Blue
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Circles of Strength Original One-of-a-kind Freedom Blue Extra-large Geometric Striking Elephant Unity Karnish’s 'Circles of Strength' masterfully merges a complex geometric ...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Engravin...
A Mexican Hillside Village Scene
Located in San Francisco, CA
The understated palette is the surprise here, given that it’s Mexico. No blinding white plaster walls. No bright green palms, hot pink bougainvillea and turquoise sea on the horizon,...
Canvas, Oil
Touched By Your Light - Large Flower Bouquet Textural Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by paintings created by old masters and the immersive nature she experienced in the Black Forest, German artist Katharina Husslein paints in a representational hyperrealisti...
Canvas, 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
*Azure serenity " Contemporary abstract Impressionist seaside beach oil painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Azure Serenity" is a contemporary expressive oil landscape painting on canvas, 30 × 40 × 1.5 cm (11.8 × 15.7 × 0.6 in), created by French artist Natalya Mougenot after a weekend spe...
Canvas, Oil
$1,136
Liberty
By Oksana Reva
Located in Zofingen, AG
Liberty is an oil abstract painting and minimalist abstract landscape shaped by the quiet meeting of a sky-blue horizon and warm ochre earth tones, creating a subtle dialogue between...
Canvas, Oil
$511
Contemporary Acrylic Painting of a woman's portrait "Woman in a Red Dress"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Woman in a Red Dress "– Contemporary Original Acrylic Painting on Heavy-Weight Paper Commanding attention with bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, “Woman in a Red Dress” is a ...
Paper, Acrylic
Large French 20th Century Painting Vibrant Bold Colours Dynamic Shapes Abstract
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed, inscribed verso oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 24 x 20 inches condition: overall ver...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled (2)
Located in Columbia, MO
Signed and dated '52 recto. John von Wicht (German-American, 1888 - 1970) was a painter and printmaker whose abstract works evolved from European modernism to dynamic, expressionisti...
Paper, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Francine Ledieu - Vacances à Tramery
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on paper Francine Ledieu is a French artist born in 1931 who lives and works in Paris, France. In the 50s, she was a student of Maurice Rocher who specialized in Sacred art. In the ’80s, Francine was a student of Jean Bertholle from the Saint Roch Academy. The artist had personal exhibitions at Maison Mansart from 1989 to 1993 and at Étienne de Causans Gallery in 1997. In 1998 & 2009 she exhibited at La Petite Galerie...
Paper, Oil
$4,500
French Abstract Contemporary Art by Francois Garros - Grande Electricité Bleue
Located in Paris, IDF
Acrylic on canvas Francois Garros is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Nieul-sur-Mer, near La Rochelle in the Charente-Maritime, France. He published several books o...
Canvas, Acrylic
Christina Gschwantner Spring Gestures Contemporary Abstract Painting Bright
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The work reflects the artist’s mastery of gesture and emotion, where each mark becomes a visual language. A striking piece that brings movement, depth, and intensity to any collectio...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Stripe Series, Untitled #14
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic abstract artwork from the 1990s East Village scene. Robert Petrick Strip Series #14 57 x 41 inches Acrylic on Canvas New York geometric ges...
Canvas, Acrylic
Thomas Whelan Benton Vintage Serigraph, White Snowflake & Red Moon, Mid-Century
Located in Denver, CO
This striking vintage original serigraph by Aspen artist Thomas Whelan Benton features a bold, graphic composition that captures the essence of the Colorado landscape through moderni...
Screen
Blue Poppies, Sept 7, 2022 (Ed: 22/50)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Donald Sultan is an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker. He is particularly well-known for large-scale still life paintings, and one of the first to employ a wide range of ind...
Screen
"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
Capitulo XIX, Signed Abstract Lithograph by Rufino Tamayo
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rufino Tamayo was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. He studied at the Academia de Bellas Artes in Mexico City and worked there until 1936 when he moved to New York, where he taught at the Dalt...
Lithograph
Giuseppe Capogrossi (1900–1972) - Color lithograph on paper - 1956
Located in Varese, IT
Color lithograph on paper, edited in 1956. Limited edition of 150 copies, numbered as 101/150 in lower left corner. Hand-signed in pencil by artist in lower right corner. Paper size...
Paper, Lithograph