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.
original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1965 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 151-152) and published in Paris by Maeght. Size: 15 x 11 inches (378 x 277 mm). There ...
Lithograph
$355
Floral painting "Summer Blooming Flowers in a Blue Vase" Mixed Media on Paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Floral Artwork – "Summer Blooming Flowers in a Blue Vase" – Mixed Media on Heavy-Weight Acid-Free Paper (21 × 29.5 cm / 8.3 × 11.6 in), Unframed “Summer Blooming Flowers in a Blue Vase” is a contemporary floral artwork by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created with a vibrant mix of watercolor and acrylic paints on heavy-weight professional acid-free paper. Measuring 21 × 29.5 cm (8.3 × 11.6 in), this one-of-a-kind original painting is sold unframed, giving you the freedom to frame it according to your taste and interior. The composition captures a lively bouquet bursting with color and texture. Flowers in shades of pink, purple, and luminous white are rendered with bold, gestural brushstrokes, creating movement, depth, and vibrancy. The blue-checkered vase...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
$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
Cuerpos Magnéticos Autum. Wall sculpture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
From the series Cuerpos Magnéticos (Magetic Bodies) Cuerpos Magnéticos was born searching for the relationship between nature and our bodies, attraction and rejection. We see rocks,...
Epoxy Resin, Pigment
Paisence
By René Carcan
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Paisence" c.1960, is an original colors etching and aquatint on Wove paper by noted Belgian artist Rene Marcel Carcan, 1927-1993. It is hand signed, titled and n...
Etching, Aquatint
ABSTRACT Contemporary Earth Flora Oil Painting Emma Labattaglia 2025
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Due to its large dimensions, this artwork would be shipped rolled in a tube free of charge. If you prefer to receive it stretched on its stretcher, please let us know and we’ll be ha...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Arnaldo Pomodoro (1926–2025) – Disco – Bronze sculpture – 1995
Located in Varese, IT
Bronze sculpture created using the lost-wax casting technique, dated 1995. Work produced by Arnaldo Pomodoro for INDICOD. Limited edition of 50 copies, numbered as 41/50 on the base....
Bronze
$10,500
Return to Forever - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
А Quiet Еvening in Italy // oil original impasto 3d painting; impressionism.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil impasto painting was created in impressionism style. The artwork is dedicated to the beauty of Italian nature and the feelings of romanticism it evokes. It mast...
Oil
$23,600Sale 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
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Saturday Morning, Sailing
Located in New York, NY
Saturday Morning has translucent jewel tones and is beautifully painted. Done during the early 1960's it was a favorite subject for the artist to depict boats coming into harbor as ...
Oil
Lumiere Cassee, Signed Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Lebadang (aka Hoi)
By Hoi Lebadang
Located in Long Island City, NY
Lebadang (aka Hoi) is a lithograph by Vietnamese-French artist Lebadang (aka Hoi, 1922-2015), circa 1977, edition 108/325. The work presents an abstract composition in warm tones of ...
Lithograph
Evening, Stowe Community Church, Vermont, Oil Painting
By Doug Cosbie
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An autumn mountain meadow glows in evening light, presiding over a small town with a prominent chapel. "The Stowe Community Ch...
Oil
The Desire to Fly - Abstract Oil on Linen Seascape, Signed, 50x100 cm
Located in Silverthorne, CO
A sweeping abstract seascape and sky painting in deep blues, vibrant pinks, and hints of green. A gorgeous jewel-like surface and ever-changing movement. This painting was inspired b...
Linen, Oil
Apple Garden Latte
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll Apple Garden Latte (from the Inner Landscapes series) This work is a visual embodiment of a May morning, a moment when space fills with light, fragrance, and movement...
Canvas, Acrylic
Specimen of Purple Coral on Lucite
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare purple coral specimen with its ocean inspired form, textures and alluring violet color. Presented on a Lucite base to enhance the sculptural elements. Available only in the Uni...
Organic Material
Sezione Aurea-C1 by Mattia Bosco - Abstract sculpture, marble, gold leaf
By Mattia Bosco
Located in Paris, FR
Sezione Aurea-C1 is a unique sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of Palissandro marble and gold leaf, dimensions are 270 × 100 × 52 cm (106.3 × 39.3...
Marble, Gold Leaf
$4,200
Whispers of the Canopy 2, Original abstract painting in earth tones, 60x48”
Located in Cumming, GA
This abstract painting evokes a tender quietude, as if nature-inspired calm itself paused to exhale. Soft, interwoven shapes in muted earth tones drift across the canvas like memorie...
Canvas, Acrylic
$871Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century 1960's Original Colorful Abstract Woodblock Circles Geometric
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original Mid Century woodblock print titled "Three Suns" by American artist Toma Yovanovich. Hand signed in pencil and numbered 9 out o...
Woodcut
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Incredible Mid Century Abstract Artist Interior Studio View Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very impressive mid 20th century modernist interior view. So well painted with great color and bold expressive strokes. Signed illegibly. Housed in a period modernist frame. Oil ...
Canvas, Oil
Joan Miró, Abstract Color Lithography, Framed, 1969
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
High Quality Fine Art Color Lithography by Joan Miró. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1969. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful pati...
Paper
All the Matters
Located in Denver, CO
Jason Craighead (b.1971) is an abstract artist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. In his mixed-media works, drawing, painting, and writing fuse seamlessly together His surprising com...
Canvas, Paper, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Oil, Graphite
$9,003
l'odre du temps- Large Abstract Library – Oil on canvas –Contemporary, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas – Sophie Dumont Dimensions: Unframed: 100 × 100 cm (39.4 × 39.4 in) Framed (floating frame, natural wood or black): 107 × 107 cm (42.1 × 42.1 in) Sophie Dumont is a Fr...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Composition, large etching with aquatint
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Abstract Composition." c.1970 in an original color etching and aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 1912-1992. It is hand signed and num...
Aquatint, Etching
Valley Moon Abstract
Located in New York, NY
This Chinese ancestry, California based artist created collage layered paintings of remarkable quality and appeal. A great example of his best work and of good size. The layers and...
Dye, Acrylic, Board, Rice Paper
Untitled_2021 - painting, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
"This contemporary abstract painting by Paul Fournier captures the tropical colours of the Caribbean. For more than six decades, the brilliant, colourful artwork of Paul Fournier ha...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Large American Impressionist Abstract Framed Modern Flower Still Life Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive large American school modernist flower still life painting. Oil on canvas. Handsomely framed. Signed illegibly. Very nice impasto and color.
Canvas, Oil
$1,778
"Flower Echo" Large-format expressionist bouquet still life painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Flower Echo” by French contemporary artist Natalya Mougenot is a large-format contemporary floral acrylic painting on heavyweight professional acid-free Italian Fabriano paper (70 ×...
Paper, Acrylic
British Abstraction oil on paperboard Alec Cumming, Vase, Blue Orange Black
Located in Norfolk, GB
Artist: Alec Cumming Title: Forms Inside the Moment Medium: oil on paper Size: 69cm x 99cm (27” x 38”) Year: 2016 Alec Cumming Exhibited at Alec Cumming...
Oil, Rag Paper
$2,961
There is a language in the space between - K.Husslein flower Still life
Located in DE
'There is a language in the space between our breaths a quiet pull, stronger than gravity stronger than doubt' This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in f...
Canvas, Oil
$242Sale Price|20% Off
Eclipsed in Time - black and white abstract portrait, limited edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
"Eclipsed in Time" suggests a moment of transition, obscurity, or transformation—much like an eclipse where something is temporarily veiled yet still present. The title reflects the ...
Giclée
Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) – Return, O Shulamite – Etching on paper - 1971
Located in Varese, IT
Etching with stencil and gilding on paper, edited in 1971. Limited edition, numbered in lower left corner 80/250 Signed in pencil by artist in lower right corner. Paper size: 55.5 x...
Etching
Going Outside, Original Abstract Landscape Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Going Outside 48.0 x 60.0 x 1.75, 8.0 lbs Mixed Media Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "'Going Outside' is a 48x60 mixed media abstract landscape painting. The colors and the composition are an emotional response to beauty and energy found in moments of reflection in the natural beauty of the landscape." About the Artist: Maggie Jones Boudreaux...
Mixed Media
Bright & Vibrant Abstract Expressionist Composition in Blue Green & Orange Tones
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Vibrant Abstract Expressionist Composition in Blue, Green and Orange Tones Gilbert Pelissier (French, born 1924) signed Oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 22 x 18 inches Provenance: All...
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
Pink Theory, Contemporary Abstract Painting, original painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Rebecca's work is inspired by a lifelong love of nature, colour, and pattern. Growing up in Kew, she was deeply influenced by the beauty of Kew Gardens and its rich abundance of bota...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract 2454 - Acrylic Painting, Modern Expressionism, 150x100cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
This piece is a vivid dance of emotions, channeling the untamed spirit of expressionism with the playful edge of pop art. In this painting, I layered acrylics to evoke a cascade of c...
Acrylic
Best Moments - Viktoria Ganhao Abstract Contemporary Painting
Located in DE
This artwork is an exemplary manifestation of abstract expressionism, captivating audiences with its vigorous and spontaneous composition. Dominated by a harmonious blend of pastel h...
Linen, Acrylic
Abstract Stone Modern Black Sculpture Minimal Contemporary Signed African Artist
By Jezifous Jang (Van Damn)
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Windows of Opportunity" is an original serpentine sculpture by Van Damn. The artist signed the piece "Vandee" on the back bottom right of the sculpture. Sculpture Size: 9 5/8" x 9...
Stone
Let's Climb The Mountains - Large Colorful Abstract Nature Landscape on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maria C Bernhardsson's original artworks are influenced by the architecture and geometry of houses. Born in Sweden, Bernhardsson travels the world photographing and sketching houses ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ruz blue and Red abstract Landscapes Abstract Acrylic on paper
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original work of the artist RUZ.. framed Acrylic on paper Perfect state While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the same sense ...
Paper, Acrylic
$165Sale Price|20% Off
Colourful French Impressionist Oil Painting Pink Waterlilies
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Maggy Clarysse (1931-2011) Oil on board, unframed, 10.75 x 8.75 inches Signed ...
Oil
"Dawn, " Limited Edition Giclee Print, 48" x 48"
Located in Westport, CT
This abstract, limited edition print by Elwood Howell features a predominantly green palette, with a muted yellow area at the top of the composition. Subtle circle shapes and long ve...
Digital, Giclée
$9,500
Contemporary art, musician painting, oil painting on canvas, Koko Hovaguimian.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
Titled "Geometric Musicians". This vibrant oil painting by Koko features a lively group of stylized musicians rendered in a bold, contemporary abstract style. Faceted forms, sweeping...
Oil
Untitled
Located in PARIS, FR
This original painting by Sigismond Kolos-Vary, dated 1982, reflects the artist’s distinctive abstract visual language. The composition is built around a dynamic interplay of geometr...
Canvas, Oil
$260Sale Price|34% Off
Antoni Tàpies lithograph Derriere Le Miroir (Antoni Tàpies prints)
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Antoni Tàpies Lithograph 1967 from Derriere Le Miroir: Lithograph in colors; 1967. 11 x 15 inches. Very good overall vintage condition. Unsigned from an...
Lithograph
Woman Stainless Steel Sculpture, Figurative, Late 20th Century, 15x8.5
Located in Chesterfield, MI
“Woman” is a Stainless Steel Sculpture by the artist Marian Owczarski. It measures approximately 15 x 8.5 x 6 inches. The date of creation is unknown,...
Stainless Steel
$850
Proximity - Painting Maximalism Night-skies Shooting-star Flowers Dreams Invest
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Proximity In this one-of-a-kind abstract impressionism artwork by Karnish, the delight of closeness, stargazing and wishes that do come true is portrayed. Her signature style...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$15,000
Robert Natkin - unique early painting on historic Wells Street Gall. card Framed
Located in New York, NY
Unique historic work Hand signed and dated on the front An exceptionally early gouache from 1957, executed on the verso of a Wells Street Gallery invitation card - one of the first c...
Watercolor, Gouache
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American School Framed Modern Abstract Expressionist NYC Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Image size, 30L x 24H.
Canvas, Oil
$6,516
A source. 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. KLAUDIA LATA (born in 1993) Graduate of painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice. Diploma in 2017 in the stud...
Canvas, Oil
Daydream 1, Abstract Painting
By Pat Forbes
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A monochromatic abstract landscape hinting at rural fields dotted with homes. Artist Pat Forbes shares, "The daydream series evokes a sense of lost time and o...
Acrylic
$18,000
Sonia Gechtoff - Portico, painting on masonite, Signed, Ex- Andre Zarre, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Sonia Gechtoff Untitled portico, from the estate of gallerist Andre Zarre, 1977 Acrylic and graphite on masonite Signed and dated '77 in graphite on the front Unique Provenance: Acqu...
Masonite, Acrylic, Graphite
The Night Will Share Its Secrets, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
One of artist Agata Kijanka's earliest memories is watching - mesmerized and enchanted - as mysterious peaks and valleys of a moonlit landscape passed by as ...
Oil
$1,356Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Antique American School Abstract Expressionist Original NYC Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. No signature found. Framing is available.
Canvas, Oil
Large Abstract Acrylic on Panel Painting. 46 x 58
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Born in Havana, Cuba, in the late 70s during a well-documented time of religious and political oppression, abstract expressionist artist Mirtha Moreno, immigrated to the United State...
Oil, Acrylic
Untitled 19. From the Mexican Ryōan-ji Series.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Ryōan-ji is the Japanese Zen temple in Kyoto, a monastery that gave rise to the idea of the purely abstract Zen garden that inspired this series Francisco Larios’ works are done by...
Gold Leaf
$386Sale Price|20% Off
Bay Boys Giclée Print on Photographic Paper, Abstract, Limited Edition
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Bay boys' Dubrovnik, Croatia 2014 Limited edition of 20.
Photographic Paper, Giclée
A Short While, modern art, abstract, landscape
Located in Deddington, GB
A large original abstract painting with beautiful captivating blues, teals, greens and calming whites. Highlighted with brushes of warming gold. Painted on canvas and measuring 100cm square, this large scale wall art...
Canvas, Oil
$3,100
Suluk/Wanderings No 48 - gestural, abstract, acrylic and pigment on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This gestural, abstract, acrylic and pigment on canvas is by Montreal-based artist Shireen Kamran. Early in her career, Shireen Kamran’s enigmatic artwork was influenced by famed ab...
Acrylic, Pigment