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.
Oak Tress #1
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Sandra Phipps MacDiarmid (American, born 1937) Title: Oak Trees #1 Year: Circa 1990 Medium: Acrylic on paper Paper: Thick wove Size, image: 29.5 x 39.5 inches Size, p...
Acrylic
$3,098
Quiet Serenade - abstracted figurative art - underwater expressive oil painting
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
Écru Oil Painting on Canvas, Textured Abstract Library Scene, Signed
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Écru Oil on canvas 19.7 × 19.7 in — unframed 22.4 × 22.4 in — framed American-style floating frame, available in natural wood or black In Écru, Sophie Dumont presents a pared-down ...
Oil
Bodies and Gardens I (Abstract Painting)
By Petra Schott
Located in London, GB
This artwork will be shipped rolled in a dent-resistant tube. German artist Petra Schott translates human emotions, memories, and sensory experiences into expressive, lyrical abstr...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil
$2,500
Multicolor Cubist Variation Gouache and Watercolor Painting by André Morin
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding post‑cubist geometric composition by André Morin (France, 20th Century), this dynamic work—executed in gouache and watercolor—showcases the artist's command of color, ...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
'Still Life with Three Oranges', Oil in Linen, by Robert Bonaparte
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This framed, 25 inch x 23 inch oil on canvas painting is by Robert Bonaparte, completed in 1980. The work is painted in an abstract manner with visible brush strokes and features a ...
Linen, Oil
Dream of William Burroughs 1972 Signed Numbered Lithograph
Located in Naples, Florida
An offset lithograph in colors by Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008), titled *Dream of William Burroughs*, created in 1972. This impression is hand signed, dated, and numbered 146 from ...
Paper, Lithograph
$780Sale Price|35% Off
Abstract Expressionist mi-century modern painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful mid-century Abstract Expressionist color field painting. Oil on canvas, 16 x 20 inches; 16.5 x 20.5 inches in simple vintage wood strip frame original to the piece. Signed ...
Canvas, Oil
Mix, colorful, abstract collage
Located in New York, NY
Bright and breezy, Linda Schmidt’s abstract mixed media hanging sculptures are filled with a sense of play. Vibrant, weightless shades weave through and ...
Fabric, Acrylic Polymer
$9,094
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artist French Rose Madone New Artwork forms earth colors
By Rose Madone
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 A...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pigment
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Important Early American School Abstract Geometric Precisionist Signed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Step into the enigmatic world of abstract art with this captivating original oil painting from 1945. This masterpiece, signed with a mysterious monogram by an unknown artist, embodie...
Canvas, Oil
Reconstruction, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Several shades of blue sweep across a lightly textured background. Bits of orange highlight the focal point, adding warmth to the composition. Sections of gray ...
Acrylic
Sketch of Carla at Age 12
By Jacquelinne White
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Jacquelinne White– American (1919-2008) Title: Sketch of Carla at the Age of 12 Year: 1957 Medium: Oil on canvas Sight size: 37.5 x 27.5 Framed size: 41 x 31 inches Signatur...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Composition - Oil Painting by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2023
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas realized by Giorgio Lo Fermo in 2023. Hand signed and dated.
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Expression - Oil Painting by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2023
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas realized by Giorgio Lo Fermo in 2023. Hand signed and dated.
Canvas, Oil
Existential Dance - Blue Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, 2010+
By Marc Raphael
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Marc Raphael is influenced by the New York abstract expressionism of the 1940s and 50s. After encountering Jackson Pollock’s work for the first time in the 90s, Ra...
Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary oil painting, Wisteria, still life .
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
The artist KOKO signed the painting in the lower right corner, and a certificate of authenticity accompanies the artwork. " For the longest time I’ve wanted to paint a series on land...
Oil
Composition Abstract Expressionist Painting, Mixed Media, 1990s
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Born in New York on March 16th 1952, Lawrence Alexander Willette cultivated his prowess as an abstract expressionist and had since mastered several other genres of painting over the ...
Mixed Media
Esmeralda - Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 1980s Colorful Art
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract colourful oil painting is by Milly Ristvedt. Glorious colour dominates the canvas in this expressive painting by one of Canada’s finest contemporary artis...
Canvas, Oil
$10,000
Dante's Summer - Vibrant Red Orange Atmospheric Abstract 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
Love surrounds you by Love by Gaetan de Seguin Figurative contemporary Painting
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
$440Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Blue Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) oil painting on canvas unframed: 16 x 11 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have for sale ...
Oil
$18,000
Sam Gilliam - Cuatro, Monoprint and collage acrylic stitching & embossing Signed
By Sam Gilliam
Located in New York, NY
Sam Gilliam Cuatro, 1994 Monoprint with screenprint, collage, acrylic, stitching and embossing in colors on handmade paper Hand signed, dated, titled and annotated P/P by Sam Gilliam...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Monoprint, Screen
$6,790Sale Price|30% Off
Contemporary Abstract Minimalist Original Large Scale Texture Painting
Located in Maricopa, AZ
This incredible large scale contemporary piece is an original by the late Svetlana Shalygina. It showcases artist’s unique technique in creating texture and depth using mixed media. ...
Mixed Media, Acrylic
$8,622
ABSTRACT Artwork Landscape by Contemporary Artist Italian Giorgio Petracci
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...
Gesso, Wood, Acrylic
$7,100
av_965 Colorful Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Natural Linen Canvas
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...
Linen, Acrylic
Abstract Landscape - Field of Green, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Sage green stretches across the foreground, evoking a lively abstract field. Blue, rust, and black tones shape the horizon in the distance. Expressive strokes a...
Oil
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
Dreamscape, Abstract Impressionist Painting, Pastel on Paper, 30x24 inches
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Escape into a world literally made from dreams by placing this 30x24 pastel piece into any room where you may find yourself needing a distraction - such as an office or work space. ...
Oil Pastel, Archival Paper
Abstract Expressionist Drawing - Contemporary Work in Colored Pencil, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Drawing - Contemporary Work in Colored Pencil, Signed Vibrant piece by David Ronce (American 20th/21st Century.) Abstract shapes rest against a dual-tone blue...
Paper, Color Pencil
$2,144Sale Price|20% Off
Retrato Fondo Negro, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 106 x 106 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naci...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,834
The heart of humanity by Gaetan de Seguin - Figurative contemporary Painting
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 setting...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,425
On Hansen Abstract Mixed Media Painting in Earth Tones with Gestural Marks 2025
By On Hansen
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...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
Expectation
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll ‘Expectation’ (from the series ‘Inner Light’) This work is about the quiet state between inhalation and exhalation, when nothing seems to be happening, but inside, n...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,313Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Train Track Tunnel Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45.5 x 35 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good c...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Composition - Screenprint by Wladimiro Tulli - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Screen print on paper realized in 1970s. Hand signed in pencil. Artist proof, aside of the edition of 100. Very good condition.
Screen
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Prediction (Contemporary Multimedia Abstract Painting)
Located in New Orleans, LA
Painted on deep-profile gallery-wrapped canvas, comes ready to hang. Artist's Statement: "A new take on an earlier series of paintings I did called "Aggregate," this time with fewe...
Wood, Paper, Tar, House Paint, Oil, Acrylic
avp_1633 - Original Abstract Red Tone Contemporary Acrylic 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
La Petición, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 150 x 200 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naci...
Canvas, Acrylic
All the Flowers /// Jack Graves Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "All the Flowers" Series: Abstract *Signed by Graves lower left. It is also signed, titled, and dated on verso Year: 2025 Medium: Or...
Canvas, Paint, Acrylic
Candycane Amaryllis, 531a, Stacked, Digital on Paper
By Marc Kittner
Located in Yardley, PA
The Candycane Amaryllis I purchased fell over on its side, revealing this intricate landscape. It is a composite of 20 different images, each with a slightly different focal length,...
Digital
La Cour (French Courtyard Interior with Birds and Birdcage)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Nobuku Koike (Japanese, b.1937) La Cour, 1974. Color etching on Arches paper. Plate measures 7.5 x 8.5 inches. Framed measurement: 12 x 13.5 inches. Signed, dated, numbered an...
Etching
Distant Lavender, Provence, Original Painting
By Janet Dyer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Janet Dyer displays an impressionistic landscape of lush lavender fields in Provence, France. Expressive strokes in bold shades of green and hints of g...
Acrylic
$4,750
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink dominant contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Photographic Paper
Day Break.. Contemporary Abbstract Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Lorraine was born in London and studied sculpture for several years before undertaking a Fine Art Degree. She currently spends much of the year in the French Alps, which is a great i...
Acrylic
Untitled - Screen Print After Jackson Pollock - 1964
Located in Roma, IT
Screenprint, from the posthumous edition of 50 printed in 1964 (first edition of 25 printed in 1951) With the blindstamp of the estate: “Estate of J. Pollock 1964” and “Strathmore us...
Paper, Screen
Mémoire Construite, Large Contemporary Abstract Library Painting, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Artist Presentation Sophie Dumont is a French contemporary painter whose work explores abstraction through memory, architectural structure, and the quiet presence of interior spaces...
Oil
Large Vintage American Modernist Geometric Abstract Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American geometric oil painting . Oil on canvas. Unsigned. Measuring: 22 by 48 inches overall. Excellent condition, ready to hang and enjoy.
Canvas, Oil
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American School Abstract Expressionist Forest Interior Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1950. No signature found. Image size, 24L x 20H. Framing available.
Canvas, Oil
$1,275
Spring Unfolding Diptych. Large size abstract painting, floral, texured, gestual
Located in Oslo, NO
This diptych explores the sensation of renewal and upward movement associated with early spring. Soft yet dynamic layers of blush pinks, muted greens and luminous light tones interac...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,370
Contemporary Minimalist Green Earth Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde
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, Acrylic, Pigment
$964
Original-New Abstract-Sunset Song-British Awarded Artist-LimeTrees over the Roof
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Sunset Song Series stands as one of the most iconic works featured in her Solo Exhibition - Modern Ancient, GSY Studio Gallery, London, UK. 2025; this is one of the latest in the ser...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink color contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Photographic Paper
Zia Rising - Geometric Steel Sculpture, Welded Steel, Hand Painted Acrylic
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic table sized sculpture is created from sheets of steel welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. While the work adheres to a rigid, rational geometry, this sculptures suggest lyrical movement, apparent weightlessness and improvisation as the title suggests. Chris Hill Zia Rising welded steel, acrylic paint 14.50h x 13w x 5d in 36.83h x 33.02w x 12.70d cm CHI022 Chris Hill is a Santa Fe based sculptor. Chris was born in Port Arthur, Texas but grew up in small town North Mississippi. He began welding at age 18 at the Tennessee Valley Authority...
Steel
German Contemporary Art by Harry Moody - Jarboe n°412
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Harry James Moody is a German artist born in 1952 who lives and works in Los Angeles, United States. He received his training as artist at the Frankfurt Stadel Fine A...
Canvas, Oil
Winter Blossoms, Original Painting, Abstract art
Located in Deddington, GB
I loved using the green greys from Farrow and Ball and mixing it with some golds and dark blues - Winter Blossoms still blooming in the dark! Additional information: Acrylic, Gold...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bayard Series #8, Signed Abstract Screenprint by Bruce Porter
By Bruce Porter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruce Porter's work addresses epic and mythological themes and juxtaposes them with pop and cartoon elements. Porter’s disparate imagery stems not from a contradictory variety of inf...
Screen
$7,900
Midnight Blue - Large Modern Abstract Textured Color Drenched Landscape Artwork
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
$12,000
Divergence II - modern, abstract, geometric, corten steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract outdoor sculpture is forged from Corten steel. Claude Millette often draws inspiration for his modern sculptures from the graceful movement of dancers. Th...
Steel
$4,370
"umbrella girl series" RK216, Abstract, Portrait Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Art measures 7.87 x 7.87 inches Frame measures 16.14 x 16.14 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color: antique patinated All art frames show signs of we...
Clay, Acrylic
$936Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract 20th Century Oil Painting Blaze of Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist composition by Andre Guillou (French 1925-2017) signed oil on board stuck on board, mounted mount: 25.5 x 19.75 inches board: 21.75 x 15.75 inches provenance:...
Oil