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Abstract Art

ABSTRACT STYLE

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.

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Style: Abstract
Bird

Bird

By Robert Petrick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bird Just pure painting Series 2005 Acrylic on raw canvas 14X10 inches Signed, dated and titled on the reverse side Robert Petrick's artwork draws a link between the street culture...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Vintage American Abstract Framed Oil Painting
Vintage American Abstract Framed Oil Painting

Vintage American Abstract Framed Oil Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas laid down on board. Signed on verso. Measuring: 14 by 15 inches overall and 12 x 12 inches painting alone. Framed in a an antiq...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large Rigoberto Mena Contemporary Cuban Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Large Rigoberto Mena Contemporary Cuban Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting

Large Rigoberto Mena Contemporary Cuban Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting

By Rigoberto Mena

Located in Surfside, FL

"Yellow/Green" 2004. Oil/Acrylic on Canvas. Signed lower right Image: 34.5" x 47". Framed: 49" x 37". Rigoberto Mena Santana (Cuban, born 1961) was born in Artemisia, Havana in 1961, where he currently lives and works. He attended the Instituto Politecnico de Diseno Industrial, La Habana, and continued his studies at San Alejandro Fine Art Academy, Havana. He traveled extensively throughout Europe to study the great masters. Mena has had Solo Exhibitions in China, Germany, Netherlands, Mexico, Cuba, Spain, France, and Holland, and in the U.S. in Miami, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C, and California. Following the inauguration of his exhibition “Hablando en Lenguas”. In 2011, Rigoberto’s work was chosen to be a part of the permanent collection of the National Museum of Fine Art in Havana, Cuba. Through the eyes of an abstract expressionist, he draws inspiration from his home’s urban landscapes and the spirit of the people and the city. The start of the Cuban Abstract movement was through a group called Los Once or The eleven. Though Mena was not an original member the influence by this new outlet began to spread ideals that put his own practice into fashion. Rigoberto is considered an important painter of his generation. He is one of the few artists in Cuba who has to have a private art gallery. Mena's private gallery at the Plaza de Armas is adjacent to the neighboring government art gallery. His work has been exhibited in Mexico, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, and Holland. Contemporaneous with the controversial, "La Generacion de los 80s" - The 80s Generation of Contemporary Cuban Art also referred to as New Cuban Art. This new Cuban plastic arts movement, with an expression of conceptual and non specific conscience manifestation, addressed many burning issues of the time and unveiled what these artists felt was the true reality of Cuba. It was more than a moment of artistic inspiration; it was a reflection of critical self-awareness and the new social role of art - the fundamental essence of the movement. They included Rubén Torres Llorca, Jose Bedia Valdes, Ricardo Rodriguez Brey, Juan Francisco Elso, Rogelio López Marín (Gory), Gustavo Pérez Monzón, José Manuel Fors, Leandro Soto Ortiz, Israel León, Tomás Sánchez and Carlos Alfonzo. In the second half of the decade, other artistic groups were formed, including 4 x 4, Grupo Hexágono, Arte Calle, Grupo Provisional, the duet René Francisco Rodríguez and Eduardo Ponjuán González and ABTV. Grupo Puré, another new wave of young artists, graduates of the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) included Ana Albertina Delgado Álvarez, Adriano Buergo, Ciro Quintana, Ermi Taño and Lázaro Saavedra, all greatly influenced by the German Kitsch art movement. Additionally, a large number of talented creators excelled independently, such as Florencio Gelabert (sculptor), Arturo Cuenca Sigarreta, Rigoberto Mena, Humberto Castro, Gustavo Acosta, Kcho, Antonio Eligio Fernandez (Tonel), Adriano Buergo, Flavio Garciandía, Tania Bruguera, Juan Francisco Elso, Carlos Rodríguez Cárdenas, Quisqueya Henríquez, Glexis Novoa, José Toirac, Carlos García, Heriberto Mora, Segundo Planes and Pedro Vizcaíno, among others. Select Personal Exhibitions 2015 RBK 4200 ,La Cabaña,fortress. Bienal de La Habana, 2014 The shape without shape. Visual Arts Development Center, Bayamo, Cuba 2013 Allegro Ma Non Troppo. Lloyd’s Register, Havana. 2012 Spirit. Dennis Rosenthal Gallery, Chicago, U.S.A. 2011 Speaking in languages. Fine Arts National Museum, Havana. 2010 The places of time (with Alan Kleinmann). Orígenes Gallery, Havana’s Great Theater. 2009 The writing and the limit. 23 y 12 Gallery, Havana. 2007 The pleasure of absorb yourself. RAC Gallery, Veracruzan University, Xalapa, México. 2006 Coexistence. Public space, during the Ninth Havana’s Biennale. 2005 Ball change. La Casona Gallery, Havana, Cuba Das Unbestimmbare Selbst. Refugium Gallery, Berlin. 2004 From the nothing to the infinite. La Casona Gallery, Havana, Cuba 2003 The visual poetry of life. Refugium Gallery, Berlin. Rigoberto Mena. Recent Work. Habana Gallery, México DF. Recent graphic work (with Jo Ann Rothschild). Graphic workshop, Havana. Rigoberto Mena. Recent Work, Boston Art Institute, Lesley Boston University, 2001 Two plus one doesn’t make three (with Julio Girona and Angel Rivero), L Gallery, 2000 Cuba I, Space 12 Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Three abstract painters (with Jo Ann Rothschild and Julia Valdes...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Blue Harmony - abstract painting, landscape painting
Blue Harmony - abstract painting, landscape painting

Blue Harmony - abstract painting, landscape painting

Located in New York, NY

A drama of sea and sky, the sharp, swift brushstrokes gives the painting a sense of ceaseless wave-motion. You can almost hear the murmur of the waves crashing on the shore and feel ...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Not Everybody does have Flies in his Head
Not Everybody does have Flies in his Head

Not Everybody does have Flies in his Head

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

Etching on fine art paper, E.A. 1/1 from the cycle " Botanical Dream Nr. 11", recently presented in the Danubiana Meulenstein Art Museum in Bratislava.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Etching

"Bohemian Evening" floral large textured painting
"Bohemian Evening" floral large textured painting

"Bohemian Evening" floral large textured painting

Located in Zofingen, AG

Abstract textured acrylic painting on canvas 90x90x2 cm (35,4 x 35,4 x0,8inches). Mixed Media on gallery wrapped canvas. The work is ready to hang. No framing required. The sides of ...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic

"Black Gouache" lithograph

"Black Gouache" lithograph

By (after) Sol LeWitt

Located in Henderson, NV

Medium: lithograph (after the gouache). Printed in 1992 by l'Imprimerie Karcher and published by Nouvelles Editions Seguier in an edition of 1000 for the Sol LeWitt "Black Gouaches" ...

Category

1990s Abstract Art

Materials

Lithograph

Blue Vibrations (original vibrant blue abstract)
Blue Vibrations (original vibrant blue abstract)

Blue Vibrations (original vibrant blue abstract)

By Jane Burton

Located in Maricopa, AZ

Original vibrant abstract painting by Jane Burton. The artist uses a variety of techniques and mediums to layer unique texture and expressionistic strokes, creating movement and life...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Return to Forever - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas
Return to Forever - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas

Return to Forever - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas

By Bruce Rubenstein

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic

The Assembled Whole. 4
The Assembled Whole. 4

The Assembled Whole. 4

Located in Zofingen, AG

The painting from the The Assembled Whole series is created using mixed media, including artificial leather and texture paste. The composition is built on a combination of geometric ...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

Composition - Original Etching by Leo Guida - 1970s

Composition - Original Etching by Leo Guida - 1970s

By Leo Guida

Located in Roma, IT

Composition is an original etching realized by Leo Guida in 1970s. Good condition. Mounted on a white cardboard passpartout (50x35). Not signed and not dated. Leo Guida (1992 - ...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Etching

Post Metro, Ziggurat Series, Abstract Geometric Painting
Post Metro, Ziggurat Series, Abstract Geometric Painting

Post Metro, Ziggurat Series, Abstract Geometric Painting

By Robert Petrick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Robert Petrick's "Post Metro" is a fusion of meticulous geometry and bold abstract expression. From the artist's Ziggurat series, this piece is both timeless and contemporary, offeri...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Board

French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance

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: 10 x 6.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Oil

« Autumn trees» Original semi-abstract painting . Home decor
« Autumn trees» Original semi-abstract painting . Home decor

« Autumn trees» Original semi-abstract painting . Home decor

Located in Oslo, NO

This artwork is a vivid, abstract landscape bursting with dynamic colors and flowing forms. The composition is a harmonious blend of earthy tones—rich reds, deep greens, and soft blu...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Natures Soft Touch
Natures Soft Touch

Natures Soft Touch

Located in Jönköping, SE

Keeping with my passion of nature, this collection focusses on the movement and structure of nature. Primarily that from trees. I am fascinated by trees and their amazing beauty. Co...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

ORGANICS
ORGANICS

ORGANICS

Located in Zofingen, AG

“A study of the plasticity of forms and their interaction with the texture of time.”

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 2 - 1977
Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 2 - 1977

Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 2 - 1977

By Conrad Marca-Relli 1

Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Conrad Marca-Relli Composition 2 64/75 Mixed media on guarro paper Poligrafa Edition Numbered out of 75 and signed in pencil by the artist Circa 1977 76 x 56 Perfect condition 110...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Electric Green, Abstract Painting on Canvas, 2018

Electric Green, Abstract Painting on Canvas, 2018

Located in Boston, MA

Artist Commentary: Colors and songs contain memory. In some of my paintings, I use songs to change the way I paint. Songs are important in cueing the fast energy I produce with the b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Latex

Alexander Calder lithograph derrière le miroir
Alexander Calder lithograph derrière le miroir

Alexander Calder lithograph derrière le miroir

By Alexander Calder

Located in NEW YORK, NY

Alexander Calder Lithograph c. 1971 from Derrière le miroir: Lithograph in colors; 15 x 11 inches. Very good overall vintage condition; well-preseved. Unsigned from an edition of u...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

Square
Square

Square

By Max Bill

Located in Paris, FR

Silkscreen, 1970 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 125/200 70.00 cm. x 50.00 cm. 27.56 in. x 19.69 in. (paper) 39.80 cm. x 39.80 cm. 15.67 in. x 15.67 in. (image) A m...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Silk

Ruz  Yellow  Black  Tundra-  Abstract Acrylic  Painting
Ruz  Yellow  Black  Tundra-  Abstract Acrylic  Painting

Ruz Yellow Black Tundra- Abstract Acrylic Painting

By Rafael Ruz

Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL

Original artwork by Spanish artist Rafael Ruz. Acrylic in perfect condition. While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the sam...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

An Elegy of Rest
An Elegy of Rest

An Elegy of Rest

Located in Santa Fe, NM

Lynn Sanders is an artist excited by beauty: architecture, foliage, landscapes, seascapes, interiors. She finds palettes and shapes in her environment and propels them into her work,...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic

Untitled #SP-215, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric
Untitled #SP-215, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric

Untitled #SP-215, Mixed Media on Paper by Murray Duncan - Abstract Geometric

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Untitled #SP-215 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray D...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic, Oil Crayon, Paper, Paint

Composition No. 4
Composition No. 4

Composition No. 4

Located in Zofingen, AG

Composition No.4 from the series “Quiet Motion” This work explores the subtle movement of light and form. Soft transitions and layered transparencies create a sense of depth, while ...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media

"Abstract still life"
"Abstract still life"

"Abstract still life"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Anatoly Kost "Abstract still life" 2007 y. Canvas.Oil. Painting Flat: 79,5/60 cm Framed: 83,5/64 cm This picture is a transformation of music on canvas, so it is accompanied by: Vi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Summer Showers, Abstract Oil Painting
Summer Showers, Abstract Oil Painting

Summer Showers, Abstract Oil Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Shades of blue and turquoise create an impression of pelting rain and splashing puddles on a summer's day. Subtle accents of orange add warmth to the scene, whi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Oil

A little bird on a lettuce background.
A little bird on a lettuce background.

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...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Abstract art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Sumit Mehndiratta, Giorgio Lo Fermo, Francisco Nicolás, and Dadodu . Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Synthetic Resin Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract art, so small editions measuring 0.02 inches across are also available.