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.
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
$3,779
Contemporary Minimalist Earth Tones Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde
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
Redeemed Bull, Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed 60 x 70 cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Redeemed Bull is a painting on canvas depicting an animal head integrated into a landscape constructed with planes of color. The composition is organized through distinct areas that ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$64,000
Murmuration - Large scale, smooth and polished, black granite outdoor sculpture
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Engineered black granite is sculpted by Jeremy Guy into an elegant swirling abstraction inspired by the flocking behaviour of starlings. Called a murmuration, this phenomenal aerial ...
Granite
Ways & Means, Abstract Painting
By Karen Hansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An atmospheric abstraction recalling the deep red walls of a towering canyon system. "This piece is an exploration in mark-making using a variety of tools inc...
Acrylic
"City Edge" (2022) by Jennifer Bobola, Mixed Media Abstract Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"City Edge" is an original, handmade mixed media painting, by Jennifer Bobola, that presents colorful abstract expressionism. Artist Statement: Let’s be honest, understanding abstra...
Mixed Media
$2,015Sale Price|44% Off
Set of 10 Framed Rorschach Ink Tables, Abstract Prints, Excellent
By Rorschach
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Ten Rorschach tables, framed in high quality black frames under art glass. Could be purchased as one item all 10/or individually per pieces's. Price is different for the item 10 piec...
Paper
$3,900
Endless Clarity (Gerhard Richter Style Abstract Painting in Gold, Blue, Orange)
By Bruce Murphy
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract expressionist painting in the style of Gerhard Richter in a gold and deep lapis blue palette with accents of orange, pink, and silver "Endless Clarity", made by Bruce Murphy...
Enamel
$687
Pale Bloom. Medium size abstract painting, floral, soft colors, muted rose, grey
Located in Oslo, NO
"Pale Bloom" explores a restrained yet luminous palette of blush, muted rose, warm beige and soft grey tones. The composition unfolds through layered, gestural brushstrokes that buil...
Canvas, Acrylic
Head Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed, Framed, 1960
By Gianni Dova
Located in Roma, IT
Head is an original contemporary artwork realized by Gianni Dova in 1960. Mixed colored oil and malta painting on canvas. Hand signed, titled and date...
Oil
Inner Relief
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Inner Relief” From the series “Between States” This work explores the landscape as a reflection of an inner state — a space where emotional, bodily, and psychological processes eme...
Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Platform 07 - original artwork - abstract art - contemporary painting
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Mixed Media
'Palm Desert Abstract', Large Framed Biomorphic Abstract, Automatism
By Gary Janis
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed, verso, 'G. Janis' for Gary Janis (American, born 1953), inscribed 'Palm Desert' and dated 2024. Framed in a strip wood frame. Framed dimensions: 37 H x 2 D x 37 W inches. A...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Original Abstract Painting on Canvas by Serg Graff, "Apocalypse" COA, framed
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
“Apocalypse: Lost Soul Catcher” – Original Painting by Serg Graff (2022) Step into the blazing vision of the apocalypse with this powerful and surreal original acrylic painting by Bo...
Acrylic
$960Sale Price|36% Off
The Night Follows Day (Hard-Edge, Geometric Abstract, Circular, Color Field)
By Susan Kiefer
Located in Kansas City, MO
Susan Kiefer The Night Follows Day Oil on Canvas 2020 Size: 24 x 24 x 1.5 inches (61 × 61 × 3.8 cm) Signed and dated verso COA provided *On premium stretcher frame with painted side...
Canvas, Paint, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Navy Signed SG
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Navy Signed SG by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on ar...
Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
Blue Pillars, Contemporary Art, Textile Art, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Blue Pillars Textile Art, Cotton, Handmade Free style weaving, framed 120x60cm 2026 About the artist Matthias De Vogel The Textile art studio Fault Lines is Founded in 2015 by Mat...
Textile, Cotton
$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
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
Journey Together. An original abstract painting by Diane Whalley
Located in Deddington, GB
Journey Together is an expressionistic painting by abstract artist Diane Whalley. This painting was revisited over a number of months resulting in lots of thick paint layers, show th...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Dream" Abstract Aluminum Metal Sculpture in Red
Located in New York, NY
"Dream" by Kevin Barrett Red automotive paint on aluminum Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall reliefs. Aluminum Metal Sc...
Metal, Bronze
$515
"Garden glow" Contemporary expressionist floral still life acrylic painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Garden Glow” is an original contemporary floral painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created in expressive acrylic on heavyweight professional acid-free paper, measuring 29.7...
Paper, Acrylic
Paese in Estate, Abstract Tempera Drawing on Cardboard, 1988, Signed
By Leo Guida
Located in Roma, IT
Paese in estate is an original Contemporary artwork realized in 1988 by the italian Contemporary artist Leo Guida (1992 - 2017). Original drawing in beautiful colored tempera on...
Tempera, Cardboard
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Movement Along a Horizon - Abstract Impressionist 2 Sided Oil Painting, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Movement Along a Horizon - Abstract Impressionist Oil Painting, Signed Vibrant abstract painting by Monterey, California based artist Vladimir Yerokhin (Russian b.1942 d.2019.) A ho...
Oil, Board
$7,500
Sean Scully - Munich offset print Germany SCARCE when Hand Signed by Sean Scully
By Sean Scully
Located in New York, NY
Sean Scully Munich 1996 (Hand Signed), 2001 Offset Lithograph print Hand signed and dated by Sean Scully in 2018 Boldly signed in black marker on the recto. Hand signed by Sean Scull...
Ink, Permanent Marker, Lithograph, Offset
$339Sale Price|20% Off
Original painting on canvas, portrait of Andrew Jackson signed Serg Graff, COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This bold and imaginative painting by Serg Graff, titled “Golden President Andrew Jackson,” is a rare and unique creation blending acrylic, oil, and mixed media on canvas in a naïve ...
Acrylic
Window Color Lithograph Print, Abstract Style, Mid-20th Century
Located in Belgrade, MT
Francis Tailleux was French born in Paris 1913-1981. He created his own style . He was influence by Gruber, Marchand and Tal-Coat. He ha many solo exhibitions in France, London and t...
Color, Lithograph
$7,500
"City Streets" Contemporary Outsider Urban Expressionism Painting Framed
By Purvis Young
Located in New York, NY
The painting is an expressive, abstract work by Purvis Young with a strong emphasis on dynamic brushwork and a limited color palette dominated by deep reds, off-whites, and subtle ac...
Found Objects, Mixed Media, Cardboard
Composition in Red, Yellow and Blue - lithograph - Mourlot, 1972
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander Calder Composition in Red, Yellow and Blue, 1972 Original Lithograph (4 color stones) Printed in Mourlot workshop On vellum 31 x 24 cm (c. 12,2 x 9,5 in) Edited by San Laz...
Lithograph
Niki de Saint Phalle - My Love We Wont, Rare whimsical 1960s silkscreen Signed/N
Located in New York, NY
Niki de Saint Phalle My Love We Wont, 1968 Lithograph and silkscreen on wove paper Signed and numbered 51/75 in graphite pencil on the front Frame included: elegantly floated and fra...
Pencil, Lithograph, Screen
Untitled - Expression no. 2 - Screen Print After Jackson Pollock - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
JACKSON POLLOCK (American, 1912-1956) Untitled, CR1093 (after painting Number 9, CR340), 1951–printed 1964 Screenprint, on Strathmore wove paper, numbered in pencil lower left, and with the Estate of Jackson Pollock 1964 blindstamp lower left(?) From the second posthumous printing of 50 authorized by his widow, Lee Krasner in 1964 (there was also a lifetime edition of 25) Published by Bernard Steffen...
Screen
Composition Abstract Expressionist Painting, Mixed Media, 1990s
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Born in New York on March 16th 1952, Lawrence Alexander Willette cultivated his prowess as an abstract expressionist and had since mastered several other genres of painting over the ...
Mixed Media
$885Sale Price|20% Off
La Piscine, Lithograph, Modern, 1958, Framed, Excellent
Located in OPOLE, PL
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) - La Piscine Lithograph from 1958. Dimensions of work: 103 x 35.5 cm. Publisher: Tériade, Paris. Each copy of this Lithograph was originally published w...
Lithograph
$4,466
Jonathan Freemantle Scorched Cedar Sculpture, The Dance of the Wind II
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Jonathan Freemantle’s The Dance of The Wind (II) is a contemporary abstract sculpture made from scorched cedar wood, beeswax and steel pins on a stone base. Its slender black form tw...
Stone, Steel
Contemporary abstract expressionist nature sea painting "Coastal silence"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist painting, "Coastal Silence", was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Bathed in the muted stillness of Mediterranean light, the piece c...
Paper, Acrylic
Sin Titulo Acrylic Painting, Abstract Expressionist, Framed, 2000s
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
sin titulo. acrylicc painting (CARLOS MENDEZ, ARGENTINA, 1943) Carlos Méndez is an Argentine plastic artist of great projection, based in Barcelona since the eighties. It uses a f...
Acrylic
Field Notes I, 2026 by Murray Duncan, mixed media on paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Field Notes I By Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" × 40" Unframed, signed A richly layered mixed-media composition built through gestural graphite, charcoal, and earth-to...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) oil painting on board unframed: 9.75 x 9.75 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have for sa...
Oil
$415
Memory - Muted Color Impasto Inspired Textural Thick Paint 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, Acrylic
$515
Contemporary abstract impressionist expressive floral painting "Meadow song"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Meadow Song" is a vibrant floral composition by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to flowers — a subject she approaches not as decoration or botan...
Canvas, Acrylic
Liberation II, Abstract Geometric Color Etching by Mark Tobey
By Mark Tobey
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mark Tobey, American (1890 - 1976) - Liberation II, Year: 1973, Medium: Color Etching on Richard de Bas, signed, numbered and titled in pencil, Edition: 96, Image Size: 10.75 x 9.2...
Etching
Huge French 20th Century Blue & Purple Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Marie Deloume (French born 1942) signed on back, inscribed verso oil on card stuck on canvas, unframed canvas size: 46 x 35 inches condition: ov...
Canvas, 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
"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
Composition in Black and Blue - Lithograph and stencil, 1956
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre SOULAGES Composition in Black and Blue, 1956 Lithograph and stencil (Jacomet workshop) Unsigned On wove paper 31 x 24 cm (c. 12.2 x 9.4 inches) Edited by San Lazaro in 1956 ...
Lithograph, Stencil
The Glance
Located in Zofingen, AG
A woman glances back over her shoulder, her golden dress catching the light against a garden in bloom. Rich blues and warm yellows create a striking, romantic contrast. Ready on a st...
Canvas, Oil, 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
Large Figural Abstract Late 1960s Painting, Mexican American Artist
By Miguel Conde
Located in Beachwood, OH
Miguel Condé (Mexican/American, b. 1939) Untitled, 1969 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right 39 x 33.5 inches Miguel Condé is a Mexican figurative painter, draughtsman, and pr...
Oil
$1,097
White flower garden, abstract art, landscape art, floral, impressionism
Located in Deddington, GB
White Flower Garden By Catherine Ruth Church [2021] original Acrylic, Gold Leaf, Pearlised Image size: H:64cm cm x W:43cm cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:60cm cm x W:40cm cm x ...
Gold Leaf
Tightrope: abstract modern minimalist color field drawing with rainbow colors
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow shades shine in delicate clusters of vertical lines, in this abstract, geometric lithograph. Vibrant yellow, green, magenta pink, blue and brown take on the organic quality o...
Lithograph
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
Flowing, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Layers of turquoise, red, and white build the surface of this abstract painting. The scratched texture captures the feeling of peaceful, flowing motion of water...
Acrylic
$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
#64, 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
$6,850
"Untitled" Acrylics, Pencils, Oil Pastels on Paper in Neutral Hues of Taupe
Located in New York, NY
"Untitled" 2019, 25" x 31" horizontal drawing on paper by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, the...
Glaze, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil
Sakura Wind: The Breath of Liberty
Located in Zofingen, AG
In "Sakura Wind," Tetiana Pchelnykova masterfully synthesizes the dramatic energy of English Romanticism with the delicate symbolism of Eastern aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from J...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
This is not a landscape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Life and growth are associated with the color green. Green is the color of freshness and naturalness and in a figurative sense of hope and confidence. The painting is bursting with ...
Acrylic
Pocket Gala Apple with Oil Paint on Canvas, Painting by Dani Humberstone
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Gala Apple [2023] Pocket Tangerine is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, with a...
Canvas, Oil
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful RainBow Epicenter II (Limited Edition of 30 Prints - BLACK BACKGROUND)
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**FALL SUPER SALE TIL OCT. 13TH - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** **THIS IS A LIMITED EDITION OF ONLY 30 PRINTS ON CANVAS: PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY** The print will look like as the first 3...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas