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.
Joan Miró, "Etoiles En Des Sexes D´Escargot" - 1925 Exhibition Poster
By Joan Miró
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Joan Miró’s Etoiles En Des Sexes D’Escargot, a 90.5 x 70 cm art print on heavy paper after the 1925 original. In good condition, this abstract piece captures Miró’s unique style, per...
Paper
$827
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Rising Self"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary expressive female portrait inspired by Matisse, bold Fauvist color modern art painting celebrating feminine strength, authenticity, and inner transformation. In Rising ...
Paper, Acrylic
Portrait of a Woman
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Neo-Expressionist painting depicts a young woman in luminous light. Encaustic on canvas, 13 x 15 inches. Unsigned. Minor paint loss along right edge.
Encaustic
The Camper
Located in Paris, FR
Wood engraving, 1976 Edition : 38/50 Publisher : Éditions Théo Schmied (Paris) Printer : Théo Schmied (Paris) Catalog : [Saphire E 18, p. 290-291] 90.00 cm. x 65.50 cm. 35.43 in. x ...
Engraving
Geoforms Red & White
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
This large abstract painting from new series “Geoforms” is inspired by minimalism, modern art and hard edge. This work is signed, dated and tilted by Artist on the back. Signed certi...
Canvas, Acrylic
Damien Hirst Spin Painting, Abstract Acrylic on Paper Framed
By Damien Hirst
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Damien Hirst Spin Painting, 2009 (Damien Hirst Circle): A mesmerizing Damien Hirst Spin painting with explosions of vivid color amidst the timeless...
Paper, Acrylic
$472Sale Price|20% 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
Deep space, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Bright colors remind one of a fabulous spacescape perhaps we are closely viewing nebulae. Hand painted and varnished for protection and beauty in the central coast of California. ...
Acrylic
"Days of the week"
By Elina Bilous
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This series of works was born in one breath from the heaviness of the day and became a breath of hope of tenderness and love. Everyone deserves love, that's what this series is calle...
Canvas, Oil
Allowance (abstract, spray paint, post graffiti, street art, mixed media)
By JB Nearsy
Located in Kansas City, MO
JB Nearsy Allowance 2020 Mixed Media on paper Size: 30x24in Signed by hand COA provided Ref.: 924802-1778 -------------- Tags: abstract, spray paint, post graffiti, street art, mix...
Paper, Mixed Media
Birth of a Star in Daylight
Located in San Francisco, CA
Someone had Coltrane on the HiFi as they channeled Jackson Pollock. There’s a dark Gauloise going—a habit picked up in those student years in Paris—with smoke emitting from the chrom...
Oil, Board
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Panel', C. 1994 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Paper, Watercolor
Vers la Clairière
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed lower right with the monogram Probably titled in the artist's hand on the back on the stretcher with archive number EXHIBITIONS Budapest, Var Fok Gallery. Pecs, Françoise Gil...
Oil
$4,315
Fear and Compliance, contemporary, expressionism, Joan Mitchell, Larry Poons
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is part of a series titled Contemplation and Introspection. In this series I am exploring the profound relationship between nature and the human experience. The collect...
Acrylic
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
“Untitled”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original acrylic on fiberboard painting by the Bulgarian/American artist, Iliyan Ivanov. Signed, and dated verso, 2012. Untitled. This painting is part of the “Memories of Unfinis...
Acrylic, Fiberboard
$490
Parting of the Sky, Blue Tones Handmade Cyanotype Monotype on Watercolor Paper
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: + Title: Parting of the Sky + Year: 2026 + Medium: Cyanotype on Watercolor Paper + Stamped and Certificate of Authenticity provided + Measurements : 70x100cm ( 28x40 in.), a...
Handmade Paper, Monotype
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Espriu Plate I
By Joan Miró
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Joan Miro Title: Plate I from Espriu-Miro Series: From the series Espriu-Miró, which contains 8 engravings printed on Gvarro paper with the publisher's stamp. Date: 1971 Med...
Etching, Aquatint
Colorful lithograph part of a collection of 6 serigraphie. Original and signed .
Located in Belgrade, MT
This print is part of my private collection. They were published in a numbered unsigned edition of 1000, and a signed edition of 200, printed by Serifraphie Fernand Leger, Paris and ...
Lithograph
$19,494
Robert Indiana (1928–2018)- A GARDEN OF LOVE - Color serigraph on Fabriano paper
Located in Varese, IT
Color serigraph on Fabriano paper, edited in 1982. Limited edition of 100 copies, numbered as 25/100 in lower left corner. Hand signed by Robert Indiana in pencil in the lower righ...
Serigraph
$674Sale Price|25% Off
Lotus in the Storm - pink and green abstract expressionist nature painting
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Lotus in the Storm" is an abstract expressionist celebration of life and spring, with a luminous blush movement across a softened field of green, evoking the quiet moment when matte...
Linen, Oil
$1,950
Balance Too - Statement Minimalistic Abstract Conversation Gold Contrast Large
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Balance Too Statement Minimalistic Abstract Conversation Gold Contrast Large BALANCE TOO is part of the series Expressions Too, that connects to the earth, ocean and sky... ...
Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas
$2,210
Sakura Blush : Pastel Colors Impasto Textured Abstract Painting - 100x100cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
Dip into a world of delicate colors and rich textures with "Sakura Blush". This original abstract painting is a celebration of spring renewal, capturing the ethereal beauty of a saku...
Oil, Acrylic
Set of 2 Abstract Expressionist, Original pieces, Landscapes and seascapes
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
Lot of 2 original works by TUSET (A Coruña, 1997) made with ink and seawater on paper. The works can be framed on request or sent to you in a protected envelope for you to place, onc...
Ink, Handmade Paper
JAZZU - Coup de Chance
By Jazzu
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Jazzu Coup de chance Techniques mixtes sur papier 2025 Signé et daté au recto Titré , signé et daté au verso 76 x 56 cms 890 euros
Acrylic
Ecoute (Listen)
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1974 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 91/100 Publisher : Maeght (Paris) Printer : Pierre Badey (Paris) Catalog : Mason 133 A lithograph by the Dutch artist...
Lithograph
Impermanence Series n21. From Impermanence series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In the Kingdom of Transience, everything is temporary, subject to constant change. Everything is unstable and volatile like the wind. The precariousness of our existence reminds us t...
Paper, Mixed Media
Moldovan Contemporary Art by Doïna Vieru - Untitled
By Doïna Vieru
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink & collages on paper
Paper, Ink
Ceres, Abstract Painting
By Karen Hansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Greens, blues, and earthy browns form an ethereal, atmospheric piece. Created in response to the question, "What if?", the artwork explores hues, composition,...
Acrylic
"Days of the week"
By Elina Bilous
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This series of works was born in one breath from the heaviness of the day and became a breath of hope of tenderness and love. Everyone deserves love, that's what this series is calle...
Canvas, Oil
$3,480
Original Lithograph VIII, from Miro Lithographs II, Maeght Publisher, Joan Miró
By Joan Miró
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Original Lithograph VIII" is an original color lithograph by Joan Miro, published in "Miro Lithographs II, Maeght Publisher" in 1975. It depicts M...
Lithograph
Dynamic Tension 3 - Original Geometric Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mexican artist Heny Steinberg’s mid-century modern inspired abstract artworks invite us to travel from the map to the localized event. She is suggesting that the spatial memory guid...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Arnaldo Pomodoro - "Scultura" with official Authentication card Signed Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Arnaldo Pomodoro - "Scultura", with official Authentication card, 1982 Signed silver sculpture on chrome plated brass base, held in original wooden box and accompanying Authenticatio...
Silver, Brass
"Flow"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This contemporary wooden wall sculpture is part of an ongoing series exploring rhythm, movement, and the expressive potential of natural material. Hand-carved from solid wood, the su...
Wood, Mixed Media
$555
Moody - Color Drenched Impasto Inspired Textural 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
"Soft Pink Coalesce", Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Kevin Weckbach's (US based) "Soft Pink Coalesce" is an original, hand made oil painting that depicts a color field of pink, green, yellow all weaving togethe...
Oil
Deep Blue, Abstract Oil Painting
By Heidi Hybl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Deep blues sit below the composition, while soft cream tones rest above. The colors illustrate the sky and water along the Big Sur Coast, where artist Heidi Hyb...
Oil
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
JHM - II /// Josef Albers Bauhaus Abstract Geometric Screenprint Minimalism Red
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "JHM - II" Portfolio: Josef Albers Honors the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden *Monogram signed and dated by Albers in p...
Screen
Abstract Geometric Composition with Rainbow Stripes and Patterned Panels
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Geometric Composition with Rainbow Stripes and Patterned Panels Gilbert Pelissier (French, born 1924) signed inscribed verso Oil painting with sandpaper layers on canvas, un...
Canvas, Oil
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
"Blue" 80x80 cm, acrylic on canvas, gold leaf
Located in Yerevan, AM
Blue 80x80 cm, acrylic on canvas, gold leaf
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
Untitled
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1976 Edition : 27/100 Publisher : Maeght (Paris) Printer : Pierre Badey (Paris) Catalog : [Mason - Putman II n°247, p. 62] 47.50 cm. x 60.00 cm. 18.7 in. x 23.62 in. (pa...
Lithograph
$419Sale Price|20% Off
'Lily in Charcoal No.2' abstract expressionism photography edition of 2/20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal no.2' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal No.2' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash....
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
New Blossoms
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This original abstract acrylic work on canvas is inspired by the mid-century masters. A lovely floral bouquet is framed in a vintage gold frame, ready to hang, 18 in. wide x 22 in. high
Acrylic
#146, 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
$75,800Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique French Avante Garde Abstract Expressionist Surreal Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare and finely painted French modernist abstract painting by Jacques Doucet (1924 - 1994) . Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Artist Bio: Jacques Doucet's work is inextricably bo...
Canvas, Oil
$2,400
Shady Spot, Guatemala - Cool Tone Abstract Landscape Textural Impasto Painting
By Dana Cowie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Using an impasto, painterly technique Dana Cowie creates cubist-inspired farm and rural landscapes. Working within controlled color schemes, her artworks appear abstract up close and...
Canvas, Oil
Josette Urso "Oh So!" -- Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas
By Josette Urso
Located in New York, NY
Josette Urso Oh So!, 2020 oil on canvas 48 x 60 in. (urso192) New York painter Josette Urso paints intuitively in reaction to her immediate surroundings, from both inside and outsid...
Canvas, Oil
$42,564
Sezione Aurea-C2 by Mattia Bosco - Monumental sculpture, marble, white, gold
By Mattia Bosco
Located in Paris, FR
Sezione Aurea-C2 is a unique monumental sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of Cave Michelangelo statuary marble and 23.8-carat gold leaf, dimension...
Marble, Gold Leaf
The Journey, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soft palette of blue-grey, cream, and pale orange shapes this textured abstract painting. Black line work winds across the surface, guiding the viewer’s eye...
Oil
$828Sale Price|25% Off
Original-Jardin d'Hiver-Cloud Dahlias in Blue-British Awarded Artist-Impasto
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio with an expensive window view to the winter clouds while longing for the summer left behind. Ref...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$2,175
May Morning Palm - Gray Foggy Abstract Palm Tree Still Life Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,417Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Landscape – Original Abstract Oil Painting on Cotton Canvas, 40x40 cm
Located in Agrigento, AG
Blue Landscape is a unique original artwork by Italian contemporary artist Marilina Marchica. Created with oil on cotton canvas, this atmospheric composition evokes the meeting of se...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Blue frost, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An original one-of-a-kind large abstract painting. Minimalistic yet powerful, inspired by frost, snow, and quite freezing winter nights. Multiple layers and using the artist's signature unique painting technique unable her to create unrepeatable texture and countless details. Shades of blue, mostly petrol blue, green-blue, and turquoise. The colors are blended spontaneously which results in expressive work to be observed by a viewer on an emotional level. The sides are painted with green-blue color. High-quality professional acrylic stretched canvas protected with varnish. Ready to hang. Signed on the back but I can sign it on the front as well upon the customer's request. Copyright ©2023 Ivana Olbricht All rights reserved. ARTIST'S STATEMENT As an artist, I can only present what has stimulated my own curiosity and creativity which is always something different. Each of my artworks is unique and original. My artwork as well the life is full of surprises, no day is the same. We experience happiness, sadness, peace, uncertainty, nostalgia, hope, you name it. Therefore youll find in my portfolio...
Acrylic
Pennypack Creek Philadelphia Impressionist Painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Harald Grote. Pennypack Creek I Oil on masonite, panel, 12 x 16 inches. Signed and dated lower right.
Masonite, Oil
$3,308
ABSTRACT Geometry Red Painting by Contemporary German Artist Carolin Kreutzer
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
Two Warped Corners, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Herbert Bayer
Located in Long Island City, NY
Two Warped Corners Herbert Bayer, Austrian (1900–1985) Date: 1973 Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 5/50 Image Size: 29.75 x 29.75 inches Size: 32 in. x 32 in. (8...
Screen
Untitled Abstract Composition signed Joe Stefanelli
Located in New York, NY
This Untitled Abstract Composition in Oil on Canvas signed Joe Stefanelli is a gem of Mid-Century American Abstraction. This painting brilliantly exemplifies the approach and movemen...
Paint
Historia - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 40in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Historia," serves as a poignant exploration of figurative abstraction, where the artist deftly weaves together elements of memory and collective narrative. The composition is define...
Canvas, Acrylic
Serg Graff "Lucky Catch" Seascape Acrylic Painting Ship Nautical Art
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
A whimsical and imaginative maritime composition by Serg Graff, Lucky Catch presents a fantastical sailing vessel navigating colorful waters beneath a radiant pink sky. Painted in th...
Acrylic
$1,500
"Untitled Abstraction" Michael Steiner, Abstract, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink
Located in New York, NY
Michael Steiner Untitled Abstraction, 1980 Signed and dated lower right Pastel on paper 31 1/2 x 22 3/4 inches Michael Steiner has maintained an active exhibition record since 1962...
Paper, Pastel