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.
Jute II
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923-2002) is arguably the most successful post-war abstract painter from Canada. While Americans have traditionally favored Jackson Pollock as the most influen...
Lithograph
Stripe Series, Untitled #14
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic abstract artwork from the 1990s East Village scene. Robert Petrick Strip Series #14 57 x 41 inches Acrylic on Canvas New York geometric ges...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,132
pink Landscape – Original Oil Painting on Canvas 60 × 90 cm Contemporary Art
Located in Agrigento, AG
pink Landscape is an original oil painting on canvas created in 2026. Soft transitions between deep and warm luminous tones evoke a quiet horizon suspended between sea, sky, and memo...
Canvas, Oil
$1,128
Abstract composition
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 63 x 72 x 5 cm
Oil
Abstract Expression - Oil paint by Giorgio Lo Fermo - 2021
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Expressionism is an original contemporary artwork realized by the Italian artist Giorgio Lo Fermo in 2021. Original Oil painting on canvas. Hand-signed and dated on the b...
Oil, Canvas
$1,083Sale Price|20% Off
Abstraction 5. 1965, paper, gouache, 83, 5 x 59, 5 cm
By Gunars Klava
Located in Riga, LV
Abstraction 5. 1965, paper, gouache, 83,5x59,5 cm Gunars Klava (1933 – 1989) Gunars Klava was born in 1933 in Priekule. 1953 - graduated from J. Rosenthal Art School 1964 - began t...
Paper, Gouache
#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
$3,120Sale Price|21% Off
FANTASTIC ANIMAL Signed Lithograph 1978, Abstract Creature, CoBrA Artist
By Karel Appel
Located in Union City, NJ
FANTASTIC ANIMAL is a hand drawn limited edition lithograph by the Dutch artist Karel Appel printed using hand lithography techniques on Arches paper, 100% acid free. FANTASTIC ANIMA...
Lithograph
$3,600
14th New York Film Festival, Pop Art Screenprint by Allan D'Arcangelo
Located in Long Island City, NY
14th New York Film Festival Allan D’Arcangelo, American (1930–1998) Date: 1976 Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 107/144 Size: 40 x 59 in. (101.6 x 149.86 cm)
Screen
“PDP393ct09” Collage on Canvas By Cecil Touchon ( 33 x 44.25 )
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
signed verso, custom framed and ready to hang Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa ...
Acrylic
Abstract 2550
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I poured my emotions into soft pastels and flowing textures, capturing a dreamlike essence. The sweeping brushstrokes express a sense of calm and subtle movement, inviting serenity into your space. This work radiates gentle energy, transforming any room into a soothing sanctuary where imagination and tranquility coexist beautifully. ⭐ Artist : Alex Senchenko Title: Abstract 2550 📐 Size: 120cm. x 100cm. 🖌️ Medium: Professional Gallery Canvas, Acrylic Paints Original Painting on a 4cm. Deep "GALLERY WRAP" Stretched Canvas 🎨 Style: Abstract Contemporary Modern Wall Art...
Oil, Acrylic
$4,500
City Feet - Abstract Energetic Expressionist Spontaneous Contemporary Painting
By Jonas Fisch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"City Feet" is a large original mixed-media abstract painting by Swedish contemporary artist Jonas Fisch. The 41 by 58 inch painting on canvas combines abstract expressionism with Fi...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$880Sale Price|20% Off
"Aero" Abstract Geometric Screen Print, 7/30
Located in Soquel, CA
Whimsical and bright limited edition abstract silkscreen print with fun colors and bold geometric shapes arranged in a lively, dynamic composition by Harvey Daniels (English, 1936-20...
Paper, Ink, Screen
Untitled #1
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is part of the series “Inside and outside”, which explores the connection between a person’s inner world and what is happening around them. The series speaks about thoughts...
Paper, Mixed Media
And suddenly being loved by you - K Husslein Botanical Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of a dark background. Reminding us of old master paintings, this is a brand new painting full elegance and ...
Canvas, Oil
Floating Silence by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spac...
Acrylic
Viktor Kobylianski Large Scale Abstract Diptych Red Rose Palette 2025
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
$850
Color Field Triptych, Squares Coral Transitions, Geometric Minimalist, Limited
By Cyd Fontaine
Located in Barcelona, ES
This minimalist triptych by Cyd Fontaine explores chromatic transition through a sequence of nested geometric bands that shift from deep blue to warm coral. The composition recalls a...
Photographic Paper, C Print, Giclée
$1,054
Original-Impasto-Moonlit Dahlias-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Gold leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while longing for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en plein...
Gold Leaf
$540Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Asian Modernist Abstract Signed Original Minimalist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century Asian abstract painting. Oil on board. Signed verso.
Canvas, Oil
$451
Contemporary abstract expressive floral painting on paper "Blooming petals"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In "Blooming Petals", French artist Natalya Mougenot expands the tradition of floral painting into a powerful exploration of color, emotion, and authenticity. Part of her ongoing ser...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,275
blaze your own trail - Original Abstract Framed Mixed Media Sculptural Paper Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Krista Reuter's contemporary paper sculpture artworks unfold like a quiet study in light, shadow, texture, and dimensional abstraction. Hand-cut and layered with meticulous precision...
Paint, Paper, Mixed Media, Color Pencil
"Untitled" Rollin Crampton, Abstract, Brushwork, Gestural, Mid-Century Work
Located in New York, NY
Rollin Crampton Untitled, circa 1950 Signed lower right Oil on paper laid on Masonite 24 x 36 inches Provenance Eleanor Kron Stefan Kuczinski, White Plains, New York Rollin Crampt...
Masonite, Oil
$5,500
"Kodama" extra large painting on linen canvas, forest, dark green, flowers
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness." — Eckhart Tolle There is a...
Canvas, Linen, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"First Glance" Abstract Geometric Oil Painting
By Ned Martin
Located in Westport, CT
This abstract geometric painting by Ned Martin is made with oil on aluminum and board, and features a cool blue-grey palette. It is signed by the artist on the back of the board and ...
Metal
'The Dancers', French Late Mid Century Gouache on Textured Paper
Located in Cotignac, FR
Late Mid Century French watercolour and Gouache on handmade paper of a pair of dancers by Damien Hermellin. Signed and dated bottom right. Pres...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper
Blue, Red, and Brown Abstract Impressionist Painting of a Cowboy on a Horse
Located in Houston, TX
Blue, red, and brown abstract impressionist painting by Texas artist Fred Darge. The painting depicts a cowboy wearing a blue shirt and a red hat as he sits on a brown riding horse. Signed by the artist at the bottom right corner. Unstretched and unframed but framing options are available. Artist Biography: Friedrich Ernst (Fred) Darge was born in Rendsburg, Germany March 1, 1900, and died in Dallas, Texas April 10, 1978. He entered the U.S. at Port Arthur, Texas in 1923. By 1924 he was in Chicago...
Canvas, Oil
Horizon No. 2
By Iryna Bondar
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This contemporary semi-abstract landscape from the Horizon series transforms a familiar coastal scene into a place somewhere between memory and imagination. Broad areas of blue, sand...
Acrylic
Gold Spot Vines #2, Original Painting, Abstract art
Located in Deddington, GB
Lots of burgundy again with bright and old golds within it - be lovely in a cream interior. Framed in white. Acrylic, Gold Paint, Spray Paint on Canvas 1.6 H x 1.5 W x 3.5 D cm (0.6...
Canvas, Acrylic
Light Over the Fjord. Oversized abstract landscape painting, blue, blush
Located in Oslo, NO
"This painting was created intuitively, based on my emotional perception of the fjord landscape and my experience of living in Norway. I am deeply inspired by the way light changes t...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Abstract Oil Painting by Mirko Baricchi – Minimal Contemporary Composition
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirko Baricchi (born 1970) is an accomplished Italian painter who currently lives and works between Vicenza and La Spezia, regions located in Veneto and Liguria, Italy, respectively....
Oil, Wood Panel
POCH 176 Portrait Acrylic Painting, framed, 120x120 cm
By Ramon Poch
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
21 Couple with Cats 115 x 90 cm-96. acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company...
Acrylic
New York Winter Scene
By Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972
Located in Bryn Mawr, PA
Johann Berthelsen began his career as a professional singer. Graduating from the Chicago Musical College in 1905, Berthelsen toured the United States and Canada, performing in operas...
Oil, Board
1969 Signed Limited Edition Etching Abstract Nude
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist Name: Barbara Kwasniewska Year: 1969 Medium Type: etching Size-Width Size-Height: 22.5'' x 30" inches Signed Edition Size: Signed, Titled, and Numbered 2/75 Barbabra Kwas...
Etching
Guardian X, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Budd Hopkins
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Budd Hopkins Title: Guardian X Year: 1979 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: AP 45 Paper Size: 40 x 26 inches (101.6 x 66...
Screen
$789Sale Price|25% Off
French 20th Century Shapes in Motion Abstract Seascape at Dusk Moody Horizon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: overall very...
Canvas, Oil
Lineto I (Abstract Encaustic and Collage Painting on Linen)
Located in Hudson, NY
"Lineto I" made by Hudson Valley artist, Alaina Enslen, in 2025 Encaustic, dyed fabrics, and paper mounted on panel 36 x 48 x 2 inches unframed, sides reveal raw panel and wrapped fa...
Fabric, Encaustic, Linen, Monotype
Nautilus - Wind Kinetic Sculpture, Copper and Steel
Located in Bloomfield, ON
The uniquely magical kinetic sculptures of American artist Lyman Whitaker translate an unseen force of nature-the wind into a visible, graceful and mesmerizing dance. As a master in...
Copper, Steel
Power of Dreaming - Large Moody Abstract Textural Acrylic Painting on Canvas
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
"Untitled #1" Large mixed media
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Untitled #1" c.1990, is a large mixed media on paper by noted Mexican/American artist Gustavo Ramos Rivera, b.1940. It is hand signed and numbered E.V. 1/2 in pencil by...
Mixed Media
Sweet Patch of Joy: Large Painting, Floral, Impressionism, 76x101 cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sweet Patch of Joy Sweet Patch of Joy - Painting Floral Delight Impressionism Maximalism Unique Joy One-of-a-kind Butterfly In creating this piece, I poured my heart into vi...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Mid-Century Abstract Expressionist Gouache on Paper, Signed, 41x55 cm
By Joseph Levin
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid-century abstract expressionist geometric gouache on paper by Russian artist Joseph Levin. Signed to the bottom right and presented in a black passepartout. This artwork is a str...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
"Dream" Abstract Aluminum Metal Sculpture in Red
Located in New York, NY
"Dream" by Kevin Barrett Red automotive paint on aluminum Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall reliefs. Aluminum Metal Sc...
Metal, Bronze
$1,805
Contemporary Mixed-Media Abstract Painting on Canvas by Emma Labattaglia 2025
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection includes a Certificate of Authe...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Titulado "Airo XII" - Acrílico sobre tela - Firmado y enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra va firmada por el autor en la parte inferior En la parte trasera, va nuevamente firmado y titulado Se presenta enmarcada la pintura Buen estado de conservación el de la pi...
Acrylic
$789
Modern abstract Impressionist still life floral painting "Roses in silence"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Roses in Silence” is a contemporary floral still life by French artist Natalya Mougenot, whose bold compositions transform vibrant color into quiet emotion and expressive gesture in...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Sidera (Harmony) -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expression, Love, Couple
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
$7,500
Unchartered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chen Yu’s art started with lacquer painting. On this foundation, her materials experiments and conceptual extensions have developed in two directions; she is serious and measured, an...
Canvas, Lacquer, Mixed Media
Tranquil Blue - Modern Abstract Seascape, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
“Tranquil Blueâ€
Acrylic
Color metamorphoses
Located in Zofingen, AG
This abstract composition combines fluid acrylic painting with precise graphic linework. Organic fragments of flowing color — turquoise, gold, blue, coral and earthy tones — emerge a...
Cardboard
Original IV Congres Mondial Tauromachie linen backed 1980 sports - exhibition
Located in Spokane, WA
IVe Congrès Mondial de Tauromachie — A Historic Gathering of Bullfighting Culture Experience an authentic piece of Spanish and French bullfighting heritage with this rare 1980 vinta...
Lithograph
Poch . 146 Dos Con Copas, Abstract Expressionist Acrylic Painting
By Ramon Poch
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
146 original acrylic painting Born in Badalona (Barcelona). Photographer and advertising film director. Founding partner of the advertising production company La Cosa de las Pelicul...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Unframed 29.5 x 39.3
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The process of creating a painting leaves behind a series of elements that become the starting point for a new piece. A mark, a line, color and shape become elements of a new paintin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
"Lotus" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Lotus,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 11 x 11 x 8.5 in. “Lotus” is a delicate vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the collaborative practice of Nancy Wu and J...
Glass, Resin
Playtime
By Maura Segal
Located in Westport, CT
Maura Segal’s abstract works conjure a delicate simplicity. Blocks of color languidly splay behind thin meandering lines and freeform fluid curves. Yet upon closer investigation, the...
Canvas, Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Waves - Original Lithograph by Claude Cléro - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Waves is a colored artwork realized during the 1970's. Mixed colored lithograph. Numbered on the lower left (26/35). Hand-signed on the lower right. Good conditions exc...
Lithograph
Concrete Geometric Abstract in 3D (Blue and Black)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Gottfried Honegger Concrete Geometric Abstract in 3D (Blue and Black) 3D-construction, Screenprint on Hahnemuhle Velvet 2015 Size: 21.5 x 18.75 inches on 31.25 x 23.875 inches (54.61...
Archival Paper, Screen
Flowers_01
By Simon Gaon
Located in New York, NY
“Between chaos and beauty, Gaon finds the pulse of life.” His work is often described as expressionistic, energetic, and deeply tied to the experience of the city, nature and human e...
Oil
$825
Rainy Apartment 2 - Abstract Figurative Cubist Colorful Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Valerie Etitinwo's unique approach to abstract figurative painting celebrates the unconventional beauty found in imperfection and awkwardness. The Nigerian-Swiss artist uses bold col...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic