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.
$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
Untitled CIX by Frédérique Domergue - Large abstract painting on metal leaves
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled CIX is a unique painting by French contemporary artist Frédérique Domergue. This painting is made with oxidized zinc and bronze leaves on honeycomb aluminium panel, patina f...
Metal, Bronze
Don't Let Them Burst your Bubble: Clear 81425 - Blown Glass Sculpture, 35x15 IN
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary wall sculpture features bubbles of clear glass. Each work is individually hand-formed in glass, so slight variations in colour, shape, and texture from the images ...
Metal
Mémoire du Rivage Contemporary Coastal Abstract Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont is known for her textured oil paintings exploring memory, landscape, and the passage of time through layered abstract compositions. Born in P...
Oil
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
Blue convergence, Abstract oil paint, Expressionism, Contemporary art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas, 2026 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in) Framed dimensions: 47 x 47 cm (18.5 x 18.5 in) 3 differents colors (collerctor's choice) Available with a brown or black or light wood...
Oil
Pub and Bus-original modern London cityscape oil painting-contemporary art
By Lisa Bisbee
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, 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
$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
$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
$840Sale Price|43% Off
Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Blue (~44% OFF LIST PRICE)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Gottfried Honegger Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Blue 3D-construction, Screenprint on Hahnemuhle Velvet 2015 Size: 20.9 × 21.1 on 24.2 × 23.8 inches Edition: E.A. of 5...
Archival Paper, Screen
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
Smokey Forest - Contemporary Abstract Landscape Oil Painting
Located in East Quogue, NY
"Smokey Forest" Oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches (unframed) Christopher Charveriat works in oil on canvas, moving fluidly between portraiture, abstraction, and mixed media, including p...
Canvas, Oil
Metal squares. 3D textured.
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting is made up of individual squares on canvas, creating a unique and intriguing geometric composition. Each square, crafted using clay, represents an individual element, im...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
Blush of Spring II - Impressionistic Painting on Linen Canvas, floral art
Located in Zofingen, AG
Blush of Spring II captures a quiet moment of early bloom. Delicate pink buds and soft white petals emerge along slender branches, floating gently across a pale green background. The...
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
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
avp_1219 - Original Color Drenching Contemporary Abstract Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Breeze - Abstract Sculpture in White Felt, Contemporary, Handmade, 2010+
By Chung-Im Kim
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary white sculptural wall hanging was handmade. For more than three decades, internationally acclaimed artist Chung Im-Kim has woven two worlds together. The Canadian...
Felt
$11,500
Golden Moments - 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
Quiet Horizon, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Layered palette knife strokes form a rhythmic horizon where a soft, light-filled sky meets deep, shifting water. The textured surface suggests the quiet movemen...
Oil
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
$1,725Sale Price|25% Off
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
Pearlescent Drapery. 3D textured
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artwork, created on 1 cm thick plywood, is a unique combination of textures and natural elements. The upper part of the painting is made from faux leather with a pearlescent tint...
Plywood, Mixed Media
$16,000
"Catching the Light" Colorful Mixed Media Abstract Painting, Textured Impasto
Located in Carmel, CA
Sveta Hessler (Russian, born 1973) "Catching the Light" 2026 Oil and mixed media on stretched canvas Signed and dated on verso. "Catching the Light" is a commanding work that reward...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Stretcher Bars
The Shambles in York City England Medieval Street Framed, Acrylic on Board, 2007
Located in Preston, GB
The Shambles in York City England Medieval Street Framed, Acrylic on Board, 2007 - a rare early work by leading British Contemporary Artist, Angela Wakefield. This colourful & energe...
Gesso, Paint, Varnish, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Board
$371Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting "Inner light"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing exploration of emotional identity, inner truth, and the human s...
Acrylic, Paper
$297Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Impressionist oil painting on cardboard "Blossoms of the almond tree"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary floral expressionist piece with a touch of impressionism was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and belongs to her evocative series dedicated to the beauty o...
Oil, Cardboard
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
Pedro Friedeberg "Ciudad de un millón con 25 huevos duros" Silkscreen
Located in Cuauhtemoc, Ciudad de México
WE WILL SHIP THIS ARTWORK WORK TO YOU WITH A COURTESY PEDRO FRIEDEBERG STYLE BLACK AND GOLD STRIPED FRAME . . . . Pedro Friedeberg is an Italian-born Mexican artist and designer kn...
Etching
Abstract Expressionist Painting on Panel 40 x 60
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
Redeemed Bull Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed, 60x70 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
$1,302Sale Price|20% Off
The Vanguard Series Nr. XV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions by JG
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XV: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by JG (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgotten studios and ...
Oil, Board
'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
Don't Let Them Burst your Bubble: Blue 61425 -
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary wall sculpture features bubbles of blue glass. Cheryl Wilson Smith is known for her uniquely beautiful glasswork—its form, colour and texture is often inspired by...
Metal
Tides Out (Abstract Painting in Blue, Orange & Metallic Gold)
By Bruce Murphy
Located in Hudson, NY
Gestural abstract expressionist painting on canvas in colorful hues green, blue, and orange on a gold and silver background "Untitled Green", 2022 by Bruce Murphy 40.5 x 40.5 inches...
Enamel
$1,030Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract with Spires in Teal Purple and White
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract with Spires in Teal Purple and White by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French Acrylic and gouache on artists paper, unframed Size: 25.75 (height...
Ink, Gouache, Acrylic
Gas Station Attendant (African American artist)
By Earl Hill
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Earl Hill (1927-1985). Gas Station Attendant, 1966. Oil on masonite panel, 10.5 x 13.5 inches, 15 x 18 inches framed. Signed and dated lower right. Inscribed...
Masonite, Oil
#200, 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
Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures), Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures) Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculptures Sculpture Size: 4 × 3.5 x 3.5 inches, each Insc...
Epoxy Resin
Dominance, Contemporary Large Abstract Geometric Oil Paint, 34 x 34 in
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Accords Intérieurs Oil on canvas, 80 x 80 cm (31.5 x 31.5 in) Framed dimensions: approx. 87 x 87 cm (34.3 x 34.3 in) Floating frame available in black or natural wood. Sophie Dumont...
Canvas, Oil
$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
Red fish
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
The red fish is a symbol of confidence, stable good fortune, and abundance. It represents moving in one’s own rhythm, trusting intuition, and inner stability. The red color emphasize...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Set of Twelve Marc Chagall, Biblical Series, 1956, Framed Heliogravures
By Marc Chagall
Located in Barcelona, ES
Discover a stunning set of black and white heliogravure prints by the renowned Marc Chagall, capturing his unique interpretation of a biblical theme with his signature dreamlike styl...
Paper
Rêver Ensemble - Soft Green Abstract Floral Landscape Painting
By Vè Boisvert
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
Quiet Hour
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This painting captures a moment of absolute peace and cozy domestic...
Canvas, Acrylic
Spring. Awakening
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll “Spring. Awakening” reflects the first quiet shift of the season — a moment when light, color, and space begin to open. Soft layers of pale tones, subtle pinks, and g...
Canvas, Acrylic
$241Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract impressionist floral acrylic painting on paper "Morning's rose bloom"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary expressive impressionist floral piece with a touch of abstract and art brut, Morning’s Rose Bloom, was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot in her Lyon studio ...
Paper, Acrylic
"I Want To Believe", Abstract Expressionist, Figurative, Red, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "I Want To Believe" is a 69 x 58 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas, representing stylized human figures in vivid red, orange and black tones, with bold ...
Canvas, Oil
$98Sale Price|38% Off
Untitled Composition (Poligrafa, Redfern, Spanish, Abstract, 38% OFF)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Josep Guinovart Untitled Composition from "Ediciones Poligrafa, Barcelona at Redfern Gallery, London" Original Color Lithograph Year: 1979 Size: 10 x 7.325 inches (25.4 × 18.61 cm) E...
Lithograph
Persian Morning II (Abstract expressionist mid-century Indiana artist painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mary Ann Robertson (1923-1911). Persian Morning II, 1964. Oil and paper on canvas. 25 x 36 1/2 inches. overall frame size 37 1/2 x 26 inches. notes: Nashville, IN woman artist....
Oil, Handmade Paper
Mediterranean Garden (Under the Mandarin Trees)
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work emerges at the intersection of a personal journey through Italy and the universal image of the garden as a space of harmony and inner order. The Mediterranean garden here i...
Canvas, Acrylic
Echoes of the Flow
Located in Zofingen, AG
This piece from the *"Silhouettes"* series presents a bright abstract landscape where hints of a river, fields, and sky can be discerned. It continues the exploration of the connecti...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
A Moment Together, Contemporary Figurative Painting, 80x60 cm, New
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and settin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,206Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist still life painting "Dialogues in stillness"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary vivid abstract-expressionist still life painting depicting everyday objects and red apples has been created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Known for her express...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,020
Earth to Sky - Tall Impasto Inspired Colorful 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, Glitter
Soft Summer - Large Contemporary Abstract Textured Cool Tone Landscape Art
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring is a contemporary painter specializing in vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday m...
Canvas, Varnish, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Plate #4 from Album 19
By Joan Miró
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Plate #4 from Album 19" 1961, is an original color lithograph on watermarked BFK Rives paper by renown artist Joan Miro 1893-1983. It is hand signed (monogramed...
Lithograph
$2,007Sale 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
#269, 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
$4,800
Orchard (Abstract Painting on Canvas in Earth-Tones of Blue & Green, Framed)
By James O'Shea
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract painting on canvas in an bright, earthy blue and green palette "Orchard", made in 2010 oil on board 33.5 x 32 inches 35 x 33 x 2 inches with a natural maple floater frame S...
Oil, Wood Panel
$19,143
Another untitled Painting- 21 Century Contemporary Still-life of Abstract work
By Bart Koning
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Bart Koning & Lydia Mammes Another Untitled Painting 180 x 185 cm Oil on linen This unique piece of an abstract blue painting leaning against the wall is made by German artist real...
Oil