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.
$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
Dancing with Dreams - original abstract expressive painting- modern art
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, Mixed Media
Untitled
Located in Summit, NJ
Gorgeous aquatint in reds and oranges by Piero Dorazio (Italian 1927-2005). This aquatint is on heavy "Umbria" Fabriano paper. It is signed and dated 1964 in the lower margin in penc...
Aquatint
The Guardians of Pathways - Large Abstract Painting, Original, Bold, Unique
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
The Guardians of Pathways is a large contemporary painting that explores the emotional terrain of abundance, freedom and the journey of life. Created with vibrant acrylics, charcoal,...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Charcoal, Acrylic, Color Pencil, Stretcher Bars
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
"Twilight (Just Before Dawn), " Mixed Media Kite
Located in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL, contemporary artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites, collages and mixed media works assembled from material fragments of past and present collected in his...
Fabric, Silk, Wood
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
Gemini, 1960s Op Art geometric silkscreen, mixed media paper, Signed AP, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Anne Youkeles Gemini, ca. 1969 Three-dimensional mixed media silkscreen on folded sheets of thin card Hand-signed by artist in pencil, titled and annotated Artist's Proof I from the ...
Paper, Mixed Media, Laid Paper, Screen
Untitled Composition (Chinese, French, Ink Painting Tradition, Abstract)
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in Kansas City, MO
Zao Wou-Ki Untitled Composition from "Ediciones Poligrafa, Barcelona at Redfern Gallery, London" Original Color Lithograph Year: 1979 Edition: 1000 Size: 10 x 7.325 inches (25.4 × 1...
Lithograph
$1,700
Into the Wave, Large Ocean Diptych, Abstract Fishing Net, Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Unusual Seascape is a striking mixed-media diptych that reimagines the ocean as an abstract cartography of color, texture, and movement. Layers of vibrant blues and orange tones coll...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
Untitled
Located in New York, NY
Artist Unidentified /Unknown, "Untitled" Edition 19/100, 19.75 x 25.50, Late 20th Century Colors: Grey, Blue, Red, Turquoise Note* Unidentified Artist signature on bottom ...
Lithograph
Mensch, Abstract Geometric Screenprint by Barbara Kohl-Spiro
Located in Long Island City, NY
Barbara Kohl-Spiro, American (1941 - ) - Mensch, Year: 1980, Medium: Screenprint on Arches, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: 100, Image Size: 29 x 21 inches, Size:...
Screen
$18,500
"Untitled" Milton Resnick, Abstract Expressionist, Green, Purple, Intense Color
By Milton Resnick
Located in New York, NY
Milton Resnick Untitled, 1975 Signed and dated lower left Acrylic on paper laid on Masonite 30 x 22 inches Provenance Vincent Melzac Collection, Washington, D.C. Private Collection,...
Masonite, Paper, Acrylic
$394Sale Price|30% Off
Double Blue Painting, Abstract Acrylic on Paper, Framed, 21st Century
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
The painting is acrylic on cartoon, according to my opinion evoking a good illusion of depth and imagination. Delivered in an easy frame - recommendation -leave it as it is and put t...
Paper, Acrylic
$4,000
"umbrella girl series"Gold Edition UMB-16, Abstract, 21st Century, Acrylic, Clay
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
A solitary figure beneath an umbrella emerges from a deeply textured dark surface, accented with expressive gold and subtle traces of color. The contrast between the restrained backg...
Clay, Acrylic
$556Sale Price|30% Off
Milky Way (Limited Edition Print)
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**HOLIDAY SEASON SALE UNTIL JANUARY 5TH - UP TO 60% OFF - PLEASE ASK** ***TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT*** Celebrating the universe with this colorful...
Cotton Canvas
Slow Soft Summer: Floral, Abstract, Contemporary, Nature, Soft tones, Original
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Slow Soft Summer Floral, Abstract, Contemporary, Nature, Soft tones, Original, Authentic, Investment In this gentle, though lively acrylic painting, I connected to the joys ...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Glaze, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$6,700
Desert Moon - Moody Blue Cool Tone Atmospheric 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
$16,400Sale Price|20% Off
My Country, 1995, Abstract Acrylic on Linen, Framed 83 x 78 cm
Located in Miami, FL
EMILY KAM KNGWARRAY 1916 - 1996 Country: Central/Eastern Desert, NT Language: Anmatjerre Community : Utopia, Soakage Bore/ Alhalkere Octogenarian Emily Kam Kngwarrey painted for jus...
Cotton Canvas, Polymer, Raw Linen
$5,000
Arrived /// Josef Albers Abstract Geometrical Screenprint 1960's Color Theory
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Arrived" Portfolio: Soft Edge - Hard Edge *Unsigned edition Year: 1965 Medium: Original Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine Bris...
Screen
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist abstract oil painting by Alton S. Tobey (1914 - 2005). Framed. Oil on board. Signed. Image size, 48H by 36L.
Canvas, Oil
Gaia 114 - Limited Edition Black and White Print, 18cm x 24cm Diptych Print
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 114 by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 114 is a 18cm x 24cm Black and White Photographic print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awagami Factory This size is a limited edtion of 10...
Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper
$1,150
Red Codec, Abstract Painting, Blue and Yellow Layers, Acrylic Paint on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Red Codec Medium: Acrylic Painting Monoprinting on Paper Size: 83x65 cm ( 32.7 x 25.6 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped c...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
Ensemble IV, bronze by D. Brabant - Small Geometric Bookshelf Sculpture
Located in Paris, FR
Delphine Brabant: Ensemble IV, bronze, 2025 10 × 10 × 8 cm / 3.9 × 3.9 × 3.1 in 5 kg / 11 lbs Edition of 8 + 4 Artist's Proofs Ensemble IV, bronze is a sculpture by contemporary Fre...
Bronze
$404Sale Price|25% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) oil painting on board unframed: 11 x 7.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have for sale ...
Oil
$1,200Sale Price|40% Off
Untitled Floral Still Life
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful floral still life by American artist Jane Piper (1916-1991) . Pastel, oil crayon and pencil on tracing paper. Image measuring 13 x 15.5 inches in ...
Parchment Paper, Crayon, Pastel, Pencil
Africa Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2010s, New, 120x120 cm
By Orly Glancz
Located in New York, NY
This abstract piece captures as an African vibe to it, with soft shades of brown and gold. "I am an interior designer and painter, bridging worlds – connecting lines and colors, pre...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
Meadowlark - Impressionist Abstract in Bright Green, Signed
Located in Silverthorne, CO
An impressionist bright green and light-filled whimsical dance of a painting, high summer in the meadow. Made with a lush summer palette of greens, celestial blue, violet, yellow and...
Canvas, Oil
Field Notes I, 2026 by Murray Duncan, mixed media on paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Field Notes I By Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" × 40" Unframed, signed A richly layered mixed-media composition built through gestural graphite, charcoal, and earth-to...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
Als Mestres de Catalunya Lithograph, Abstract Style, Signed, 1974
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
ANTONI TÀPIES PUIG (Barcelona, 1923 - 2012). "Als mestres de Catalunya", 1974. Litografía, ejemplar P/A. Firmada y justificada a lápiz. Medidas: 90 x 65 cm. Tàpies se inicia en el a...
Lithograph
Triptych of Three Monumental Etchings by Mimmo Paladino
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of three monumental etchings by Italian contemporary artist, Mimmo Paladino. Each nicely framed in black. Artist: Mimmo Paladino Title: Si...
Gold Leaf
Untitled (1995). Gouache on paper by Sol Lewitt
By Sol LeWitt
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) Untitled Gouache on Paper 28.5 x 37.5 cm (11 1/4 x 14 3/4 in) Executed in 1995 Signed and dated 95 lower right Provenance Marco Noire Contemporary Art Turin...
Paper, Gouache
$507
Contemporary Acrylic Painting of a woman's portrait "Woman in a Red Dress"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Woman in a Red Dress "– Contemporary Original Acrylic Painting on Heavy-Weight Paper Commanding attention with bold colors and expressive brushstrokes, “Woman in a Red Dress” is a ...
Paper, Acrylic
"Untitled 38", Abstract Mixed Media on Paper, Signed, 2009
By Peter Opheim
Located in New York, NY
Watercolor, acrylic, and gesso on paper by New York artist Peter Opheim, titled "Untitled (#38)," created in 2009. This signed original work measures 20 x 11 inches and represents an...
Gesso, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
$2,950
"DEEP INSIDE 44" Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting 47" x 47" in Larissa Uvarova
Located in Culver City, CA
"DEEP INSIDE 44" Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting 47" x 47" in Larissa Uvarova ATT: ships rolled in a tube Larissa Uvarova is a contemporary artist exploring emotional perception a...
Canvas, Oil
Christina Gschwantner Large Square Abstract Painting, Multicolour Brushstrokes
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Christina Gschwantner’s large square abstract painting brings together a dense rhythm of multicoloured brushstrokes on an off-white ground. Reds, blues, violet, turquoise, pink and y...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Remanescence, Contemporary Abstract Seascape Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Remanence is an original oil painting on canvas by French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont. Measuring 40 x 40 cm (15.7 x 15.7 in), 47 x 47 cm framed (18.5 x 18.5 in), the artwork is...
Oil
"Take Me to Pairs" Figure in Chanel Gown French Haute Couture Oil Painting
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
Exploring the purity of the feminine form and the drama of French haute couture, artist Cindy Shaoul creates a dialogue between the figurative and the abstract. Her spirited composit...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Abstracted Screen, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Unknown Artist
Located in Long Island City, NY
Unknown Artist - Abstracted Screen, Medium: Lithograph, Image Size: 12 x 12.5 inches, Size: 15 x 16 in. (38.1 x 40.64 cm), Description: Signed "Kathy Salleut" in pencil lower right
Lithograph
$4,724
Wild Berries - Large Abstract Impasto Acrylic Painting on Canvas: 200x150cm.
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting is a masterclass in texture and color. Using a sophisticated palette of deep emerald, forest green, and bursts of berry-like pigments, the artist creates a sense of orga...
Oil, Acrylic
$1,000
The Machine /// Margaux Halloran Contemporary Abstract Minimalist Female Women
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Margaux Halloran (American, 1999-) Title: "The Machine" *Monogram signed by Halloran lower right. It is also signed, dated, and titled on verso Year: 2021 Medium: Original Oi...
Canvas, Paint, Oil
$428
"Window bloom" Contemporary impressionist acrylic oil pastels painting paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Window Bloom” is an original contemporary floral-inspired painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created in acrylic and oil pastels on heavyweight professional acid-free paper,...
Paper, Acrylic, Oil Pastel
$5,600
"Grimmoire", abstract nature flower tree green pink red blue acrylic painting
By Sandra Cohen
Located in Franklin, MA
"Grimmoire", abstract nature flower tree green pink red blue acrylic painting. I looked out my window at the ancient cherry tree inches away. The leaves were moving and casting shado...
Acrylic, Canvas
$100Sale Price|25% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Original Painting Artists Studio Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) gouache painting on paper/ card unframed: 12.5 x 7.15 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we h...
Oil
$635
Glowing Sunset II - Original Vibrant Warm Tone Textured Abstract Artwork Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The delicate and poetic artworks of painter Frederic Paul reference his Asian roots in expressive and elaborate compositions. Inspired by the bold colors, spices, flora, and landscap...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Rice Paper
After the Sunset
By Barry Wilson
Located in London, GB
Barry Wilson is a UK-based contemporary artist renowned for his innovative gold-leaf works. He trained at the Camberwell School of Art and was mentored by acclaimed artists including...
Mixed Media
$2,031
Warm Evening. Semi-abstract floral painting, warm color, large, horizontal
Located in Oslo, NO
What we see here is not an ordinary floral landscape, but a state of time, that brief moment between day and night, when the air still retains warmth, but the light has already becom...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,500Sale Price|30% Off
"Pink reflections" Impressionist water lilies acrylic painting inspired by Monet
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Pink Reflections” — Original Contemporary Floral Acrylic Painting of Water Lilies, 80 × 80 × 1.5 cm (31.5 × 31.5 × 0.6 in), by French Artist Natalya Mougenot “Pink Reflections” is ...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$645
Mystic Rhizome - Original Colorful Organic Abstract Botanical 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
Movement, Minimalist Abstract Expressionist Etching by Robert Savoie
Located in Long Island City, NY
A minimalist Etching and Aquatint on Arches paper by Robert Savoie (1939). The print is signed, dated and numbered in pencil 15/50. Image Size: 22 x 27.5 inches.
Etching
Surfing in the Blue Cathedral: Contemporary Figurative Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Walshe goes surfing! We are delighted to sell works on behalf of Walshe. Walshe is the founder of the Neo-Deco style and the motifs he uses in his art are born of his concerns for t...
Acrylic
$5,077
Swan Series II, Abstract Expressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas, 2022
Located in Pampilhosa da Serra, PT
Zahra Shahcheraghi 2022 Acrylic on canvas 120 x 150 cm
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Monochromatic Variant Navy - sculpture, painted stainless steel
By Viktor Mitic
Located in Bloomfield, ON
"Inspired by the abstract images of paint splatters on his studio floor, Viktor Mitic created this dynamic tabletop sculpture. Monochromatic Variant’s form was influenced by photos a...
Stainless Steel
$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
Embrace 52 - Abstract Black Granite Sculpture, Limited Edition of 50
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract black stone sculpture is by Jeremy Guy. Jeremy Guy’s sublime limited edition sculptures are collected in both private and public collections around the wo...
Granite
Alicia Gimeno Jeanne d’Arc, Black and Beige Abstract Painting, 2026
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Jeanne d’Arc is an abstract mixed media painting on canvas by Alicia Gimeno, created in 2026. A sweeping black form arcs across a warm beige ground, widening into expressive brushwor...
Canvas, Mixed Media
At Sea No. 3
Located in Columbia, MO
Renowned career illustrator Stephen Gammell now devotes his energy to a full-time studio practice, and we’re honored to bring the current work of an artist who, with dozens of public...
Ink, Mixed Media, Watercolor
Untitled - Screenprint by Giuseppe Capogrossi - 1959
Located in Roma, IT
Screen print on paper. Hand signed and numbered in pencil. Edition of 150. Published by Erker Press, St. Gallen. Ref. von Hase-Schmundt, U., Capogrossi. Das graphische Werk. Erke...
Paper, Lithograph
La Tocada de Jazz, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 140 x 170 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naci...
Canvas, Acrylic