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.
$13,700
Cloudstack - Large Oversized Red Contemporary Geometric Metal Steel Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
Where it is quiet, No.5
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the artist explores silence as a state of inner balance and presence. Drawing from the ощущення of natural landscapes, she creates a distilled, atmospheric space where ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,790
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Impasto, oil, goldleaf on Dahlias
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while savouring for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en pl...
Gold Leaf
Summer After Winter, Abstract Painting
By Kajal Zaveri
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Inspired by the transition from winter's stillness to the abundance of summer, this painting celebrates nature's renewal and vitality. Layers of vibrant green e...
Acrylic
Time of change
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting explores an inner sense of trust that is shaped through closeness, support, and growing up. It speaks about the moment when a person learns to find safety within themse...
Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary abstract expressionist floral painting on paper "Golden Sunflowers"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary Fauvist-inspired floral still life, expressive acrylic painting on heavyweight professional acid-free paper (50 × 65 cm / 19.7 × 25.6 inches), radiant bouquet compositio...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,900
The Guardians and the Carnival: Large Abstract Painting, Colorful, Joy, Modern
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: The Guardians and the Carnival Abstract Painting Modern Bold Invest Colorful Large Contemporary Joy Love the detail in this artwork by Karnish. This work is part of a serie...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Stretcher Bars
$600
"All Fours" (Animalia, Fauna, Contemporary, Original, Nude Figures, Raw, Horses)
Located in Paris, IDF
ALL FOURS 2025 Paris, France The painting shows four men on hands and knees in the foreground, their bodies merging in muted white and black tones against a plain ochre-brown backgr...
Acrylic, Dye, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Frozen Dreams - Large Colorful Impasto Abstract Painting: 120x100cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
Artist: Alex Senchenko Title: " Frozen Dreams " Size: Large 120cm x 100cm Depth: 4cm Deep. Medium: Professional Acrylics on Gallery- Wrapped Canvas Ready to Hang: Sides are pain...
Oil, Acrylic
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
$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
Lithograph, Joan Miro, Signed, 1964, Composition
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro Medium: Lithograph Title: Composition Year: 1965 Edition: 1150, unnumbered, as issued Sheet Size: 10" x 7 1/2" Framed Size: 17 3/4" x 14 1/2" Reference: Cramer 104...
Lithograph
Bark Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Resin and Pigment
Located in Miami Beach, FL
From the Series Reliefs Aquaresin and Pigment 79 H x 16.5 W in. This striking artwork features three elongated, vertical panels, each uniquely textured with a rugged, charred surf...
Resin, Pigment
$480Sale Price|54% Off
Park XV & XVI - SET (Berlin artist, Postwar, Contemporary, ~54% OFF - MUST GO)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Barbara Keidel Park XV & XVI - SET Mixed media, pastel on handmade, toned laid paper 1997 Size: 29.5 × 21.25 inches (75 × 54 cm) (each) Signed and dated in pencil (each) Addition...
Pastel, Mixed Media, Laid Paper
Exotischer Klang Exotic Sound, 1930 Oversize Archival Pigment print
Located in London, GB
Exotischer Klang (Exotic Sound), 1930 (after) Paul Klee (Original work) is Pen and ink, pencil, and watercolour on paper, mounted on card, 47 × 61.3/62.3cm. Dusseldorf, North Rhine-...
Archival Pigment
$900
Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
Mécanique Céleste Rouille V2 - (Celestial Mechanics Rust) - Outdoor Sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary outdoor architectural sculpture is forged from steel. Philippe Pallafray’s visually compelling monumental sculptures are widely collected around the world. The ide...
Steel, Stainless Steel
$1,655
Original Set of 2 Oil and Gold leaf-Golden Summer 2024-25-British Awarded Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This special set paintings include two oil and gold-leaf on canvas paintings by Shizico Yi from 2024 to 2025; the set is curated to highlight her painting practice with Gold leaf vs ...
Gold Leaf
"Forevermore 2" - Original Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Forevermore 2 by Dorothy Fagan is a 2023 oil on canvas measuring 48 x 36 inches, with a framed size of 49.50 x 37.50 x 2 inches. Professionally framed and ready to hang, this vibrant...
Canvas, Oil
Where it is quiet, No.1
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work emerged from an inner need to pause and enter a space where tension no longer exists. In a world where silence has become rare and fragile, painting becomes a way to briefl...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Untitled III by Antoine Vidal - Vertical abstract sculpture, light gray and gold
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled III is an abstract sculpture by French artist Antoine Vidal. Bronze, 19.3 × 5.9 × 3.5 in (49 × 15 × 9 cm). Limited edition of 8 + 4 Artist's Proofs. Vidal's works in bronz...
Bronze
Welcome drink
Located in Zofingen, AG
The “11 PM” series is an artistic exploration of human vulnerability and privacy through the lens of light voyeurism. What do we do when we’re left alone in the dark? While one perso...
Oil Pastel, Acrylic
London Sakura-Hand painted Limited Edition-British Awarded Artist-Edition #6/10
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This painting captures the early spring in Shizico Yi’s garden, where the Cherry Prunus stands as the season’s first joyful announcement. Painted en plein air, it reflects the raw fr...
Metal
$14,162
Couleurs en équilibre – Large Contemporary Geometric Abstract Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont (b. 1964, Paris) French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont has developed a distinctive body of work over the past two decades, exploring the intersection of memory, str...
Oil
$400
Flower in Bowl - Abstract Cool Tone Botanical Mixed Media 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
$55,000
Mobius H6 Mirror Polished Stainless Steel - abstract, contemporary, sculpture
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Jeremy Guy’s distinctive abstract sculptures grace the grounds of many public places the world over. This is a favorite form—elegant, and bodacious, the curves of Mobius are based on...
Stainless Steel
"Serie I: bleu sur vert et rouge" original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. The catalogue reference is Mourlot 282. Printed in 1961 in an edition of 1200 for the wrap-around dust-jacket cover of the "Miró 1959-1960" catalogue, pu...
Lithograph
$24,000
"Stone and Sage" Massive Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed Original
Located in Carmel, CA
Nan Van Ryzin (American, born 1952) "Stone and Sage" 2026 Acrylic paint on canvas, stretcher bars Signed and dated on verso. "Stone and Sage" is a work of rare quiet power - an epic...
Canvas, Stretcher Bars, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionism Riviera Nocturnal Twilight Modernist Signed
Located in Buffalo, NY
A one of a kind signed original painting . Many facets of chroma and texture and gem like luminosity . Multiple focal points dot the landscape emanating a mysterious glow. Excellen...
Canvas, Paint
$2,204
Fragments of Light - Large Impasto Abstract Painting, Textured Blue Pink Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
Experience the captivating interplay of light, color, and texture with this original abstract painting. "Fragments of Light" is a visual metaphor for the artist’s vision of life — po...
Acrylic
$2,300
Atmospheric Balance - Original abstract Abstract Painting, Soft Blue, pink
Located in Cumming, GA
Atmospheric Balance original painting captures a luminous, tranquil moment inspired by light, air, and natural equilibrium. Soft layers of pale blue, warm ivory, and subtle neutral t...
Canvas, Acrylic
Do Not Go Gentle Into that Good Night-Hand painted No 2 Limited Edition of Ten
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This striking large hand painted limited Edition is No. 2 of only 10 in existence. 90% of the painting is hand-painted in oil and gesso on giclee by Shizico Yi, the edition featuring...
Gesso, Ink, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Giclée
$22,000
EK Ib /// Josef Albers Orange Screenprint Homage to the Square Abstract Bauhaus
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "EK Ib" Portfolio: Homage to the Square: Edition Keller Ia-Ik *Monogram signed and dated by Albers in pencil lower right Year...
Screen
Gaia 59 - Clouds Sky Birds Murmuration Black and White Landscape Photograph
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 59 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 59 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size in a Limited Edition of 10 + 2 Artist's ...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
$10,000
Anish Kapoor - Flow (Pink), Abstract Color etching from the UK, Signed/N, Framed
By Anish Kapoor
Located in New York, NY
Color etching on wove paper Pencil signed and numbered 19/39 on the verso This work has been elegantly framed in a museum quality handmade wood frame by the prestigious fine art fram...
Etching
Sunchasers: Painting of Dogs, Modern Abstract, Gold Frame, 51x41cm
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
French Geometric Abstract Expressionist Circular Linear Composition Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French Geometric Abstract Expressionist Circular Linear Composition Oil Painting by Gilbert Pelissier (French, born 1924) French abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas, unfram...
Oil
$826
Modern abstract Impressionist still life floral painting on paper "Roses Trio"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Roses Trio” is a vibrant contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, whose intuitive, spontaneous brushwork transforms everyday blooms into a burst of emotiona...
Paper, Acrylic
Impermanence Series n16 and n20 Diptych. From Impermanence series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In the Kingdom of Transience, everything is temporary, subject to constant change. Everything is unstable and volatile like the wind. The precariousness of our existence reminds us t...
Paper, Mixed Media
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Presence-Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed, 78x78 cm, Color Fields, New
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
A painting on canvas depicting a head integrated into a landscape constructed from planes of color. The composition is organized through distinct areas that define a landscape struct...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Zephyr Monumental 2/7 Mirror Polished Stainless Steel - outdoor sculpture
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This sculpture is number 2 in an edition of 7 and can be purchased on a commission basis. Please allow 24 -30 weeks before shipping. It can also be created in smaller sizes, between ...
Stainless Steel
Marine Spectrum, Mixed Media Seascape, Art Brut Style on Paper, Light Tones
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
Fragments Monument XIII the Divided Sun, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Earthy tones and geometric forms create an imagined space suspended beyond time. The work explores architecture, memory, and silence through minimalist means. A...
Oil
$2,038Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Multi Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45 x 35 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good con...
Canvas, Oil
Picnic by the Cypress
Located in Zofingen, AG
Picnic by the Cypress Size: 140×97 cm (overall size with stretching 150×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled In this piece, a moment of calm and ease mee...
Canvas, Acrylic
Noteworthy - Original Contemporary Expressive Geometric Abstract Metal Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
$1,888
Held in Burgundy - Contemporary floral colorful large painting dark red
Located in Zofingen, AG
Burgundy earned its name from a wine region, and something of that heritage lingers in the color — the weight of grapes ready for harvest, the patience required before anything can b...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Modern City scape, London from St.Pauls in monochrome
Located in Woodbury, CT
William Yates (British, 20th Century) St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Oil on board, circa 1970 Signed on the reverse William Yates was a gifted British painter whose expressive citysca...
Oil, Board
Signed 1983 Limited Edition J'ai retrouvé mon père sur les rives du Jourdain
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Theo Tobiasse, French/Israeli (1927 - 2012) Title: J'ai retrouvé mon père sur les rives du Jourdain. Cat. Nahan Year: 1983 Medium: Aquatint Etching with Carborundum, signed i...
Aquatint
$1,593
Union VI, Plaster by Delphine Brabant - Geometric Abstract Sculpture, White
Located in Paris, FR
Delphine Brabant: Union VI, Plaster, 2025 25 × 7 × 6 cm / 9.8 × 2.8 × 2.4 in 4 kg / 8.8 lbs Edition of 8 + 4 Artist's Proofs Union VI, plaster is a sculpture by contemporary French ...
Plaster
$4,366
Teresa Vicens, Contemporary Minimalist Figurative Painting with Female Nude
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Contemporary figurative painting featuring a group of female nude figures in a minimalist composition. Created by Spanish artist Teresa Vicens, this large-scale work explores themes ...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
'Lily in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition 3 of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash. The charc...
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
Pumpkin, Red/White, Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkin, Red/White Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculpture Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches Inscription: ©Yayoi Kusama, as issued Notes...
Epoxy Resin
Joan Miro Color Etching, Signed, Abstract Style, 1966, Le Dedans Le Dehors
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro Title: Le Dedans & Le Dehors Medium: Etching and aquatint on paper Date: 1966 Edition: 16/60 Framed Size: 15 1/2" x 13" Sheet Size: 7 1/2" x 5" Signature: Hand sign...
Etching, Aquatint
$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
$524
Hand Painted Edition-Sunset Song with Blue and Green-British Awarded Artist-No.2
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Sunset Song with Blue and Green is part of Sunset Song Series, a major new body of work created by British awarded artist Shizico Yi for her solo exhibition Modern Ancient. Painted e...
Gesso, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
$23,668
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
$2,050
Deep Roots - Original Elegant Organic Abstract Redwood Sculpture with Maple Base
By Joe Garnero
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Joe Garnero’s medium of choice for his winding abstract wood sculptures is reclaimed Redwood roots, which he finds along the northern California coast. The distinct curving shapes of...
Steel
My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving
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...
Wire
$3,575Sale Price|35% Off
Maternity with Centaur (M.195) by Marc Chagall *Colorful Lithograph*
By Marc Chagall
Located in Santa Monica, CA
"Maternity with Centaur (M.195)" is a lithograph on Arches created by Marc Chagall . Printed in Paris by the renowned master printers Atelier Mourlot Frères, it was published by Édit...
Lithograph