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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
#202
#202

#202

Located in Dallas, TX

cold rolled steel, sparkle orange metallic powder coated wall sculpture

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Steel

"Some Surmount" (abstract, dynamic, flora, blue sky, clouds, fauna, blush, pink)
"Some Surmount" (abstract, dynamic, flora, blue sky, clouds, fauna, blush, pink)

"Some Surmount" (abstract, dynamic, flora, blue sky, clouds, fauna, blush, pink)

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

SOME SURMOUNT 2024 Paris, France This charming painting on canvas visually represents the notion of being unshackled from a burden, and an ascension from a darker place. A black, e...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas, Acrylic

Abstract Composition
Abstract Composition

Abstract Composition

By Louis Schanker

Located in Wiscasett, ME

Tempura on heavy paper, signed and dated 1945 lower left. The piece measures 23" x 30" including the frame and presents very well overall. Provenance: Willard Gallery, NYC Brad...

Category

1940s Abstract Art

Materials

Tempera, Watercolor

Artur Nikitin(1936-2022) Venice, paper/pastel, 49x60 cm
Artur Nikitin(1936-2022) Venice, paper/pastel, 49x60 cm

Artur Nikitin(1936-2022) Venice, paper/pastel, 49x60 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Arturs Nikitins (born 1936) - painter, graphic artist. 1962 – graduated from the Latvian Art Academy, Graphic Department with the diploma work “The workers of Novorosijsk” under th...

Category

1990s Abstract Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Phenomena: Prevailing
Phenomena: Prevailing

Phenomena: Prevailing

By Paul Jenkins

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Paul Jenkins (1923-2012) was a major American abstract painter who formally established his practice in post-war France. Along with artists such as Sam Francis and Jack Youngerma...

Category

1960s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Solar Imp
Solar Imp

Solar Imp

By Helen Frankenthaler

Located in New York, NY

Screenprint in colors on wove paper. Signed by the artist in pencil and also numbered 96/126 in pencil. Published by Lincoln Center List Poster and Print Program, New York. Second ...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Art

Materials

Screen, Color

Abstract Composition - Lithograph by Antoni Clavé - 1970s
Abstract Composition - Lithograph by Antoni Clavé - 1970s

Abstract Composition - Lithograph by Antoni Clavé - 1970s

By Antoni Clavé

Located in Roma, IT

Abstract Composition is original lithograph realized by the artist Antoni Clavè. Hand signed on the lower right margin. Numbered on the lower left margin. This original print is from an edition of 50. Good conditions. Antoni Clavé (Barcelona, 1913 – St. Tropez, 2005) Antoni Clavé was a Catalan master painter, printmaker, sculptor, stage designer and costume designer. Nominated for two Academy Awards as Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design for his work for a Andersen's movie in 1952. One of Spain's best known and most celebrated artists, he changed his style, evolving from baroque, ornamental style to a minimal aesthetic. He is best known for his lyrical abstractions, artworks combing paint...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Lithograph

Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White

Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract Starburst in Brown Blue and White by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on ar...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Ink, Acrylic, Gouache

French 20th Century Abstract Painting Seascape at Grey Whispers of Soft Hue
French 20th Century Abstract Painting Seascape at Grey Whispers of Soft Hue

French 20th Century Abstract Painting Seascape at Grey Whispers of Soft Hue

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 46 x 35 inches condition: overall very good, a few min...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Italian Mid Century Mod Large Brutalist Welded Copper Enamel Sculpture Wood Base
Italian Mid Century Mod Large Brutalist Welded Copper Enamel Sculpture Wood Base

Italian Mid Century Mod Large Brutalist Welded Copper Enamel Sculpture Wood Base

Located in Surfside, FL

Welded, brazed, copper (based on the weight, this might be iron or bronze) with colorful inset enamel plaques on a painted wood base. A studio handmade Brutalist sculpture in a mann...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Metal, Copper, Enamel

Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (MULTI) XL
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (MULTI) XL

Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (MULTI) XL

Located in FITZROY, VIC

Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Multi) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #85 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. C...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment

Untitled
Untitled

Untitled

By Geoff Rees

Located in Vancouver, CA

Geoff Rees (1930-2018) Untitled, 1990s Acrylic on canvas. Unstretched. 72 x 86 inches. Description Geoff Rees was a significant figure in West Coast modernist painting, known for h...

Category

1990s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Sky Holes  -  Colorful Wood Sculpture Organic Blue Red Abstract Wall Artwork
Sky Holes  -  Colorful Wood Sculpture Organic Blue Red Abstract Wall Artwork

Sky Holes - Colorful Wood Sculpture Organic Blue Red Abstract Wall Artwork

By Rebecca Klundt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This original geometric abstract wall sculpture by Rebecca Klundt is a 16-inch square mixed media artwork, constructed from reclaimed wood and finished with acrylic paint. Featurin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Abstract Composition

Abstract Composition

By Bill Parker

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Signed bottom left center and again verso along with title and date 1979. Bill Parker (from the Chase Gallery letter of December 6,1974) Born Texas 1922 Worked in Paris from 1951 o...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Oil

Small Abstract Graphite Drawing, 2000-2009, Unframed
Small Abstract Graphite Drawing, 2000-2009, Unframed

Small Abstract Graphite Drawing, 2000-2009, Unframed

By George Dannatt

Located in Bournemouth, Dorset

George Dannatt (1915-2009) Small Linear Composition on Graphite 1997 Image: 19.0 x 14.0 cm Mount: 27.6 x 20.5cm Reference number: 1345 George Dannatt’s long career as a painter and...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Art

Materials

Pencil, Graphite

Vintage American Framed Abstract Watercolor Painting
Vintage American Framed Abstract Watercolor Painting

Vintage American Framed Abstract Watercolor Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Vintage American abstract watercolor painting. Watercolor on paper. Framed. Signed and dated lower right. Measuring: 19 by 14 inches overall and 13 x 9 painting alone. Excellent con...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Otono Floral (Sexual Spring-like Winter)
Otono Floral (Sexual Spring-like Winter)

Otono Floral (Sexual Spring-like Winter)

By Julian Schnabel

Located in New York, NY

Otono Floral, 1995 Hand-painted, 15-color screenprint with poured resin 40 x 30 inches (102 x 76 cm) Edition of 80 signed in pencil and stamped on verso "Sexual Spring-like Win...

Category

1990s Abstract Art

Materials

Screen

"The Key" Abstract Mixed Media Painting 48 x 48 in by Yoram Katz
"The Key" Abstract Mixed Media Painting 48 x 48 in by Yoram Katz

"The Key" Abstract Mixed Media Painting 48 x 48 in by Yoram Katz

Located in Culver City, CA

"The Key" Abstract Mixed Media Painting 48 x 48 in by Yoram Katz Medium: Mix Media on board Size framed: 50 x 50 in ABOUT THE ARTIST: Born in Israel. Graduated from the Bazelel Ar...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Board

Bhutan Abstraction with Green - 1
Bhutan Abstraction with Green - 1

Bhutan Abstraction with Green - 1

By Ricardo Mazal

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by world renown artist Ricardo Mazal exists in an edition of 30. Paper size is 35 inches h x 30 inches w with an image size of 26 inches h x 27 inches w. Born in Mexico City in 1950, Ricardo Mazal moved to Barcelona Spain in 1986, and since 1990 has lived and worked in New York City, as well as Santa Fe New Mexico. Mazal’s work explores the process of visual perception as it takes form in the human consciousness. His paintings depict the passage of time, not by illustrating events but by leaving their residue to dissipate in space like a still photograph of a speeding object blurred to abstraction. In the last decade he has been honored with ten individual museum exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MARCO) in Monterrey. He has also shown at the Museo Nacional de Anthropologia, Mexico City and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. KORA follows the direction begun by La Tumba de La Reina Roja (The tomb of the Red Queen...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Words Of A Story
Words Of A Story

Words Of A Story

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

Long Wild Cat Acrylic on Canvas Painting by Lucie Sheridan, 2022
Long Wild Cat Acrylic on Canvas Painting by Lucie Sheridan, 2022

Long Wild Cat Acrylic on Canvas Painting by Lucie Sheridan, 2022

Located in Deddington, GB

Long Wild Cat by Lucie Sheridan [2022] Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look Lucie Sheridan is an illustrator and print maker, her works are available with Wychwood Art. She creates her work within her studio at Centrespace located in central Bristol, England, which is a long standing co...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"August 2020", Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

"August 2020", Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By June Johnson

Located in Yardley, PA

Movement of light and form through moment partially recognized. :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Black And White Abstract - Oil And Gouache On Paper
Black And White Abstract - Oil And Gouache On Paper

Black And White Abstract - Oil And Gouache On Paper

Located in Soquel, CA

Black And White Abstract - Oil And Gouache On Paper Black and white abstract painting by Felix Ruvolo (American, 1912-1992). Grey takes over the center of the paper with strokes of ...

Category

1950s Abstract Art

Materials

Paper, Oil, Watercolor, Gouache

Antique American Modernist Geometric Abstract Framed Oil Painting
Antique American Modernist Geometric Abstract Framed Oil Painting

Antique American Modernist Geometric Abstract Framed Oil Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Nicely painted American school abstract geometric oil painting in a period frame. Signed lower right "Flemming" but without an artist determined.

Category

1960s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Passing Through, Abstract Painting
Passing Through, Abstract Painting

Passing Through, Abstract Painting

By Julie Weaverling

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Vibrant colors and textures fill an abstract landscape. Red and yellow burst onto a gray and white backdrop. Dynamic brushstrokes add depth and movement. Fine...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

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Located in Firenze, IT

Artist: Anja Decker (German, 1908-1995) Medium: Felt pen on paper Period: Late 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition Notes: Mounted on original orange exhibition board, bearing per...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media

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.