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.
Nick Thomm - Loom (HYDRA) Standard
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'LOOM' (Hydra) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 305. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Worldwide Shipping. Sold Unframed.
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$1,302
Light of the Hills– Original Textured Abstract landscape , Oil, Contemporary
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In Light of the Hills, Sophie Dumont, a French contemporary painter, captures the serene rhythm of an abstract landscape built through subtle layers of oil paint. Soft greens, ochres...
Oil
$23,680
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY. Original work The Currency Project. Dots. Colors
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, Madrid
DAMIEN HIRST - THE CURRENCY: 6274. NOBODY SHOULD HEAR IT Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Enamel paint on handmade paper Edition: 5.149 unique works on paper Size: 21.5 x 30 cm Conditi...
Enamel
Venus - Ethereal Abstract Textural Floral Painting in Blush, Coral and Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sunchasers Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
Falling Reef. From the series Polyculture
Located in Miami Beach, FL
These works explore our relationship with the incredible biodiversity of our planet Earth. Visual representations of flowing colours, smells, sounds and the feeling of our life sourc...
Canvas, Acrylic
$5,500
Ellsworth Kelly - Handwritten signed note on card to renowned collector, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Ellsworth Kelly Handwritten, signed note on card to CBS cameraman and collector Dan Pope Ink on offset lithograph card Handwritten note signed and inscribed to Dan Pope. It reads, "D...
Ink, Lithograph, Offset
$3,800
Serie Visiones Sin Motivo, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 160 x 120 cm 2025 About the Artist Pilar de Ariño was born in Mexico City in 1992. She studied Industrial Design at Universid...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Hand Painted Large-Gladiolus Glorious-British Awarded Artist-Limited Edition#7
Located in London, GB
This rare X-large Limited Edition is 80% hand painted and highlighted with original paint and brushstrokes painted by artist Shizico Yi. Only 10 Limited Edition has been made, last ...
Gesso, Archival Ink, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée, Oil
$1,784Sale Price|20% Off
Mystique 7, blue, earthy, green, white, calm, atmospheric
Located in Cumming, GA
This abstract landscape radiates a sense of calm and renewal through its layered, atmospheric composition. A soft wash of aqua blue drifts across the canvas, suggesting open sky or...
Canvas, Acrylic
#139, 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
$5,000
Hope - Floral Landscape Storm Extra-Large Floral Showcase Invest Meadow Flower
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Hope - Floral landscape after the Storm Extra large floral showcase Investment Extra large Floral Showcase Investment Nature Landscape Joy Colorful Authentic Original One-of-a-kind ...
Oil, Acrylic
$3,433
l'Atelier en suspens, Abstract, Textured, Geometric, Contemporary, French art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In The Studio in Suspension, Sophie Dumont reimagines the atmosphere of a working artist’s studio, where canvases, color fields, and subtle objects appear to hover in a poised, quiet...
Oil
$4,520
Twilight - Muted Color Atmospheric Abstract 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
Barcelona I -1971
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1971 Edition : 75 Publisher : Sala Gaspar, Barcelone Printer : Damian Cuas, Barcelone Catalog : [Koelen 71018] 71.00 cm. x 50.00 cm. 27.95 in. x 19.69 in. (paper)...
Lithograph
#240, 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
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Expressionist Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 20 by 16 inches overall. Handsomely framed in wood m...
Oil, Canvas
$645
Plants in Pottery Pots - Original Abstract Colorful Botanical Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Krisanne Souter weaves together elements of nature and ancient feminine archetypes, such as the Mother and the Mystic. Botanical themes, playful elements, and unexpected surprises ar...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil
'Trajectory' colorful minimalist work on panel, wood grain, red, triangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This modular work features hues of red and blue. Three separate pieces hang together to create one piece. Nancy is inspired by the works of Carmen Herrera, Deborah Zlotzky and Grazi...
Latex, Wood Panel
Painting with linen, beeswax and natural pigments, yellow turmeric and brown
Located in Carballo, ES
The painting measures 77 x 39 cm and is an old linen sack filled with polyurethane foam. The pigments include beeswax, oxide vinegar, yellow turmeric, and natural graphite. The work...
Canvas, Wax, Graphite, Pigment
ABSTRACT 2565
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured vibrant emotion into layers of soft pastels, letting acrylics dance freely across the canvas. The swirling pinks, yellows, and blues express an uplifting ener...
Oil, Acrylic
$3,000Sale Price|25% Off
Untitled (abstract expressionist mid-century modern painting)
By Joseph Fiore
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Joseph Fiore (1928-2005) Untitled, ca. 1955. Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches. Measuring 25 x 31 inches in custom modernist frame. Signed lower left. Excellent condition. Joseph Albe...
Canvas, Oil
#232, 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
#63, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
The Peace Within - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel is a captivating exploration of figurative abstraction, defined by its dense, rhythmic arrangement of interlocking biomorphic forms. The composi...
Canvas, Acrylic
Spring Rain
By Manabu Mabe
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Spring Rain" 1981, Is a colors lithograph on Fabriano paper by noted Brazilian/Japanese artist Manabu Mabe, 1924-1997. It is hand signed, titled in Japanese and ...
Lithograph
Escapades - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This striking acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel is a compelling example of figurative abstraction, where the artist masterfully blends symbolic imagery with a complex, biomorphic stru...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,400
Shady Spot, Guatemala - Cool Tone Abstract Landscape Textural Impasto Painting
By Dana Cowie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Using an impasto, painterly technique Dana Cowie creates cubist-inspired farm and rural landscapes. Working within controlled color schemes, her artworks appear abstract up close and...
Canvas, Oil
$6,512
Dialogues geometriques, Abstract textured, French artist, Oil paint Contemporary
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas Unframed size: 100 x 81 cm (39.37 x 31.88 in) Framed size: 107 x 88 cm (42.12 x 34.64 in) Choice of natural oak or black floater frame Year: 2025 Signed lower right Cer...
Oil
1950's Mid-Century Abstract Expressionist painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Stunning abstract expressionist painting, ca. 1955. Oil on Canvas, measuring 36 x 40 inches. Some natural cracking and paint loss due to heavy impasto technique. Unsigned. Art su...
Canvas, Oil
The Open Door 1979 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: The Open Door Year: 1979 Print: Lithograph on Somerset Paper Paper size : 22'' x 30'' Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 4/175 Romare Bearden is r...
Lithograph
$6,400
Green Cathedral III - Large Contemporary Abstract Green Tone Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$238Sale 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
$1,090
Festival of Joy - Abstract Expressionism Maximalis Delight Joy Texture Statement
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Festival of Joy Abstract Expressionism Colorful Delight Joy Movement Texture Statement Vibrant Festivitas Laetitiae - Festival of Joy This vibrant artwork, set on a deep cr...
Oil, Acrylic
1990s Abstract Offset Print: Brown and Orange on Slate, Unframed
By (after) Mark Rothko
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This high-quality reproduction of Brown and Orange on Slate faithfully captures Mark Rothko’s signature exploration of color, light, and emotion. Rothko’s artistic process was deeply...
Offset
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Futurist Fantasy Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 51 x 38 inches inscribed verso condition: the work is in overall very so...
Canvas, Oil
Composed In Silence - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This striking acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel masterfully navigates the realm of figurative abstraction. Through a dense network of biomorphic shapes and interlocking lines, the art...
Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary Abstract Diptych Painting in Soft Grey and Neutral Tones, Minimal
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
#241, 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
#264 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
Emotion: Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Unframed, 70x50 cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
An abstract composition is presented on the canvas, created using the fluid acrylic technique. The work is filled with a sense of movement and layered flow, where streams of paint fo...
Canvas, Acrylic
$635
Glowing Sunset II - Original Vibrant Warm Tone Textured Abstract Artwork Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The delicate and poetic artworks of painter Frederic Paul reference his Asian roots in expressive and elaborate compositions. Inspired by the bold colors, spices, flora, and landscap...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Rice Paper
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Multicolour Gouache on Paper
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Multicolour Gouache on Paper by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French Signed with initials bottom right and name stamped verso Gouache and in...
Ink, Gouache
Abraham Walkowitz (1878-1965) Signed Antique Modernist Abstract Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist cityscape painting by Abraham Walkowitz (1878 - 1965). Mixed media on paper. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 20 by...
Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
Boats in Harbor (French Riviera painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Michel Colin (b.1934). Boats in Harbor, 1969. Gouache on paper, sheet measuring 16 x 20 inches. Signed and dated lower right. Sheet is unframed. Michel Colin, born in 1934, live...
Paper, Gouache
Louise Bourgeois - Horseshoe (with accompanying horseshoe), for Judith Solodkin
Located in New York, NY
Engraving by Louise Bourgeois, 2002, hand signed, numbered and inscribed to her longtime printer Judith Solodkin of Solo Impressions, accompanied by an actual horseshoe gifted by the...
Metal
$4,262
ABSTRACT textured Minimalist Handmade Paper Black Sand Tones by Alicia Gimeno
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...
Ink, Handmade Paper, Acrylic
Pablo Picasso Abstract Etching, Unsigned, 1971, Series 156
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Pablo Picasso Title: Femme au Fauteuil et Homme Accoude Medium: Etching Portfolio: Series 156 Date: 1971 Edition: 1/50 Frame Size: 19 1/8" x 16 7/8" Sheet Size: 12 7/8" x 9 7...
Etching
Abraham Walkowitz (1878-1965) Signed Antique Modernist Abstract Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist cityscape painting by Abraham Walkowitz (1878 - 1965). Mixed media on paper. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 20 by...
Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
$7,800
Matter and Antimatter - Italian Abstract Art, Gestural Abstraction, Blue, Yellow
Located in New York, NY
Materia et Antimateria by Ruggero Vanni is an exceptional example of abstract expressionism meeting sculptural sensibilities. This unique mixed-media painting blends pigments and tex...
Canvas, Oil
Pastel Grid (Spice) - contemporary, minimalist, abstract, pastel on paper
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This colourful contemporary pastel on paper in grid form is by Milly Ristvedt. The classic grid pattern becomes more than a ‘container’ for colour in the hands of master colourist M...
Paper, Pastel
$1,850
Sidera (Differentiation) -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expression, Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Sidera reflects that kind of radiant intimacy, the soul's longing to chart constellations in another person, to navigate the galaxies of their experiences, and to leave behind light,...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
#207, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
Papoose
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Papoose Medium: Color Lithograph Year: 1969 Framed Dimensions: 36"h x50"w 1.5"d Print Dimensions: 28 x 43 in Framed in bespoke black frame. Signed "Calder" lower right. Numbered 9/75 Published by Maeght, Paris Condition: Excellent. Very small tear to middle right side of paper, does not affect the image Edition of 75 Alexander Calder, Papoose, 1969, is a vibrant color lithograph that captures the playful lyricism and rhythmic balance central to Calder’s visual language. Floating organic forms...
Lithograph
Valeria - Abstract Mixed Media Sculpture, Modern Flower Design, 2010+
By Benny Katz
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This abstract pop art table top sculpture depicts flowers. The whimsical and playful minimalist sculptures of Benny Katz have attracted international collectors. Katz focuses on fo...
Mixed Media
Abraham Walkowitz (1878-1965) Signed Antique Modernist Abstract Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist cityscape painting by Abraham Walkowitz (1878 - 1965). Mixed media on paper. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 20 by...
Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
$3,907
Contemporary Minimalist Diptych Blue Abstract Painting Canvas by Tete Alurralde
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The artwork is conceived as a diptych. The total dimensions of the two pieces together are 80 × 180 cm, with each individual work measuring 80 × 90 cm. The overall dimensions are cal...
Acrylic, Cotton Canvas
$790
Still-life Painting Floral Vase Colorful Flower Original Gift Floral Invest Gift
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Treasure Trove in Bloom Still-life Painting Floral Vase Colorful Flower Original Contemporary Investment One-of-a-kind Original Artwork You can buy yourself flowers! This ...
Acrylic, Canvas, Wood, Stretcher Bars
Antique American Impressionist Floral Vase Signed Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American still life painting. Oil on board. Framed in an antique gilt wood frame. Measuring: 30 by 23 inches overall and 26 by 19 inches painting alone. Excellent condition,...
Oil, Board
Hand painted Edition#1-The Night-British Awarded Artist-Plein Air in the night
Located in London, GB
Sunset Song – The Night stands as one of the most iconic works featured in Modern Ancient – Summer Exhibition at GSY Studio Gallery, UK, 2025.—this Limited Edition ( only 5 available...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée