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.
Untitled 54 (Green Abstract Painting)
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: 2011 Keywords: abstract, blue, green, yellow, vibrant, neon, brushstrokes, paint, texture, layers, stripes Artist Biography: Adrian Negenborn is an artist livin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,985
"Journey" Original large abstract painting Square Abstract expressionist works
Located in Oslo, NO
In this painting, I've swirled together acrylics, oils, and ink to capture the mesmerizing chaos and fluidity of emotions. The colors twist and turn, symbolizing life's unpredictable...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Moon over large Hill - minimalist, contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
By Aron Hill
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This modern landscape painting that features a moon is by Aron Hill. Their influences were the modernists like Jack Bush and the great French Fauvist painter, Matisse. Both the form...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
$14,000
Contemporary oil painting, Musicians, Geometric Musicians No. III on canvas.
Located in La Canada Flintridge, CA
Geometric Musicians is Koko Hovaguimian’s first major painting completed in 2026 and marks an important continuation of his evolving abstract language. In this work, fragmented geome...
Oil
All That I Can Remember #12, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Bob Hunt
Located in Yardley, PA
This is one of a series I did on unstretched canvas. It should be matted and framed. I don’t have any outside stimulus when starting. As in the case of this piece, I had no idea w...
Acrylic
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Mid Century modern oil portrait of a Black nude woman seated on a chair
Located in Woodbury, CT
Well painted 1950's mid-century modern English portrait of a black nude woman seated on a chair. The artist was a portrait and figure painter active during the 1950s-1960s Oils on ...
Oil, Panel
Untitled Drawing, Abstract Pencil and Oil Crayon, Circa 2005, Unframed
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
George Dannatt (1915-2009) Untitled Drawing 2005 Image: 27.5 x 18.0 cm Mount: 40.2 x 30.0 cm George Dannatt’s long career as a painter and sculptor ended with the artist’s death i...
Pencil, Graphite, Oil Crayon
Solace, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Part of a new series of abstract landscapes by artist Gary J. Noland Jr. conveying a message of peace and calm. Bold stripes of complementing cool and earth t...
Acrylic
$2,380Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Colorful Washing Lines
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 39.5 x 29 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good conditio...
Canvas, Oil
$1,514Sale Price|20% Off
A Perfect Moment-original figurative landscape acrylic painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. Therese James captures a timeless, tender scene in her paintin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Abstract Expressionist Signed Vintage Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage modernist abstract expressionist painting. Oil on canvas. Housed in a period frame. Image size, 24L x 36H. Signed.
Canvas, Oil
$1,250
Repeated and Not Repeated - P1, F26, I1, Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints that are a definitive survey of the artis...
Screen
$3,000
Geometric Abstraction Color field silkscreen signed Artists Proof, Museum Frame
Located in New York, NY
LUDWIG SANDER Untitled geometric abstraction Artists Proof, aside from the regular edition of 90 Hand signed and annotated AP on the front Elegantly matted and framed in white wood m...
Screen
Original Collage on Canvas Titled: PDP 1071ct19
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Post Dogmatist Painting on Panel, signed verso Art is 11 x 14 with frame approximately 12.5 x 15.5 Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, p...
Acrylic
Line Drawing No.1 Etching, Abstract Style, Signed, 1996, 12.5x16.5 cm
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
George Dannatt (1915-2009) Line Drawing No.1 1996 Etching Editions available: Artists Proof, Horizontal signed by George Dannatt Image measures: 12.5 x 16.5 cm George Dannatt’s lon...
Etching
$45,000
Collusion - tall, monumental, contemporary, abstract, stainless steel sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This monumental, contemporary, abstract, stainless steel sculpture was created by American sculptor Mike Hansel. Hansel has collaborated on public installations of outdoor sculptures...
Stainless Steel
$5,275
Original-Constant Gardener-British Awarded Artist-Large Oil-gold leaf landscape
Located in London, GB
Constant Gardener belongs to two of Shizico Yi’s long-term projects: Constant Gardener and Memory Landscape Series, both initiated in 2015. Across these bodies of work, Yi explores t...
Gold Leaf
In a French Restaurant (Knoedler Gallery) SIGNED poster colorful expressionist
Located in New York, NY
A large scale abstract interior scene with bold black, white, red, pink, green, white and orange patterns and brushstrokes, based on an abstract oil painting. Pink and purple dots, y...
Screen
An Abstraction in the Primary Colors
Located in San Francisco, CA
Modest in life—the artist signed quite discreetly with the initials GAC—but bold on the canvas. This abstract is easy to embrace, depending only on primary colors. (Remember those th...
Canvas, Oil
#1743 (Abstract Painting)
Located in London, GB
Boecker begins each new work by penciling in his composition. But the work ultimately is about the colors and layers that will evolve on the surface over time. He builds his paint up...
Wood, Canvas, Oil
$720Sale Price|20% Off
"Through the Darkness"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
“Through the Darkness” – this is a title that is wonderfully suitable for this picture. It depicts the contrast between dark tones and bright white accents, creating the appearance o...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$784Sale Price|20% Off
Let the Light Shine Through: Floral, Abstract, Still-life, Painting, Bold
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Let the Light Shine Through Floral Abstract Still-life Painting Contemporary Expressionist Invest Abundance Flowers Vase In this piece, I captured abundance and an experienc...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
"Bix" by Kevin Barrett, Abstract Bronze Metal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
"Bix" by Kevin Barrett Bronze metal sculpture Kevin Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall reliefs. Organic Bronze Metal Scu...
Metal, Bronze
#203, 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
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American School Signed Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American school signed abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Image size, 19L x 13H.
Canvas, Oil
$1,000
Bird
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bird Just pure painting Series 2005 Acrylic on raw canvas 14X10 inches Signed, dated and titled on the reverse side Robert Petrick's artwork draws a link between the street culture...
Acrylic
Leonard Baskin Abstract Woodcut, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Leonard Baskin (1922-2000) Untitled, Late 20th Century Woodcut Framed: 32 x 24 1/4 x 1/4 in. Edition 26/50 Signed and numbered lower right A highly respected draftsman, printmaker, ...
Woodcut
$1,186Sale Price|20% Off
Complementary Patterns 18 - Large Abstract Pastel Painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
Original artwork description: * 2 pieces diptych * Original unique artwork * Ready to hang with the edges painted. * Size: 160x80X2 cm - 2 PCS of 80x80x2 cm, 63x31.5x0.8 inches - 2 P...
Canvas, Acrylic
Morning Dew - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Golden Thread - Painting Abstract Expression Gilding Calm Ocean Blue Abundance
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Golden Thread Golden Thread - Painting Abstract Expression Gilding Calm Ocean Blue Abundance Gold In this piece, I've embraced the dance of harmony and flow. With featherli...
Gold Leaf
P2, F31, I2, Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
From the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original silkscreens that are a definitive survey of the artist...
Screen
Blooms II - impressionistic painting on linen canvas with 3d roses
Located in Zofingen, AG
Acrylic on linen canvas, 50x50x2 cm / 19,7x19,7x0,8 in. This painting features a serene composition of red and pink roses, capturing the essence of tranquility and self-contentment....
Canvas, Linen, Acrylic
$2,803
Permanescence N528 by Hachiro Kanno - Calligraphy, abstract painting, Japan
Located in Paris, FR
Permanescence N528 is a unique ink and acrylic on paper painting by Japanese contemporary artist Hachiro Kanno, dimensions are 65 × 50 cm (25.6 × 19.7 in). The artwork is signed, so...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic
$1,569Sale Price|20% Off
Details about LARGE 1970'S FRENCH MODERNIST SIGNED OIL - BRIGHT & COLORFUL INT
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed lower left, circa 1970's Title: The Interior. Medium: oil painting, on canvas, framed. Size: frame: 25 x 41inches painting: 23.5 x...
Canvas, Oil
Mid-Century Abstract Expressionist Oil, 'La Vendeuse d'Oranges'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
A mid-century French Abstract Expressionist oil on board painting of an orange seller by Raphael Arnal. Presented in a gilt wood frame. Signed an...
Oil
Greece #2, Painting, Pastels on Paper
Located in Yardley, PA
Pastel on heavy archival paper. Photographs of Greece collage. :: Painting :: Abstract :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready ...
Pastel
Discovery of a fresco in a chapel
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas White wooden frame 101.5 x 151.5 x 2.5 cm
Oil
Sculpture ceramic vessel: 'Creature Medium 2'
By Ak Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Ak Jansen was born in Dongen, The Netherlands, in 1988. He studied at the Design Academy Eindhoven focusing on textile design, material culture, and techniques of fabrication. He wor...
Clay, Glaze
$480Sale Price|20% Off
Edge Lit With Green
By Paul Kirley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract artist Paul Kirley creates visual experiences that connect people to place as though they were dreaming. Links between reality and contemporary abstraction are created as a ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Neuschwanstein
By Andy Warhol
Located in Toronto, Ontario
"Neuschwanstein" was one of the last works that Andy Warhol completed before his untimely death in 1987. It was during this last decade that Warhol had a resurgence in both reputat...
Lithograph, Offset
MARAVILLAS CON VARIACIONES... Lithograph Contemporary Art Abstract Black Green
By Joan Miró
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró XI Date of creation: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on Gvarro paper Edition: 1500 Size: 49,5 x 71 cm Observations: Lithograph on G...
Lithograph
Figurative, Contemporary Art, Textile Art, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Figurative Textile Art, Cotton, Handmade Free style weaving 80x80cm UNDER COMMISSION About the artist Matthias De Vogel The Textile art studio Fau...
Textile, Cotton
$1,620Sale Price|20% Off
Large Colour Block Abstract, Mixed Medium, Original Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Large Colour Block Abstract, Mixed Medium, Original Painting French School, circa 1990s sigend indistinctly on the bottom of the painting Mixed m...
Mixed Media
$1,100Sale Price|42% Off
Discovering Green (Gestural Abstraction, Green, Blue, Gold, Jungle, ~42% OFF)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Ted Hinrichs Discovering Green Acrylic on Canvas Year: 2025 Size: 30 x 24 x 0.75 inches (76.2 x 60.96 x 1.9 cm) Signed by hand COA provided *On Stretcher Frame (Painted Edges), read...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Baby, Baby
By Louisa Chase
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Baby, Baby Etching & aquatint printed in colors, 1991 Signed, dated, titled & numbered in pencil (see photos) Edition: 35 (4/35) plus 10 AP Condition: Excellent, colors fresh Image/...
Aquatint
$2,969
Manhattan Fall-original NY cityscape abstract surreal painting-contemporary 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, Acrylic
Angel with Nails III - Oil Painting Inspired by Bernini's Angels in Rome
Located in Chicago, IL
Ivan Markovic transports viewers into a world of full of technicolor with this collection of works inspired by Bernini's bridge of angels. Markovic's life in Rome brought him to walk...
Wood, Oil
Architectural Geometric Abstract Painting in Deep and Muted Blue Tones
Located in Miami, FL
Untitled. Paravent en blocs, circa 1925. Hommage a Eileen Gray This minimalist abstract work by Luciana Levinton is defined by architectural precision, spatial balance, and a discip...
Oil
$2,500
Birch (Abedul) Original Minimalist Layered Mid-Century Modern Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mexican artist Heny Steinberg’s abstract artworks invite us to travel from the map to the localized event. She is suggesting that the spatial memory guidelines reside in the relatio...
Acrylic, Canvas, Mixed Media
Swimming Under A Full Moon. Large Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
From Paul's India Series; pearlescent moonlight glints off the water and casts shimmering light onto the surface. A beautiful place to relax and wash away the days heat and dust. The...
Oil
Green Seapod Ceramic Vessel Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
"Green Seapod", Ceramic Sculpture Dimensions: 7 H × 6 W × 6 D Medium: Hand-built ceramic, glazed stoneware Hand-built ceramic sculpture finished in a green glaze. Adrienne Fierman’s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,284
Abstract Bookshelf – Oil Painting, contemporary, French Artist, "Fantaisie"
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Framed size: 34 x 42 cm (13.4 x 16.5 in) – Natural wood floater frame or black colector choice Oil on canvas – size unframed 27 x 35 cm (10.6 x 13.8 in) Signed original – Ready to ha...
Oil
Unique abstraction (Abstract Expressionist color field painting) Signed, Framed
By Lamar Briggs
Located in New York, NY
Lamar Briggs Untitled color abstraction, ca. 2008 Mixed media oil and gouache on paper Hand signed by Lamar Briggs on the lower center front Frame included: held in the original off ...
Paper, Mixed Media, Oil, Gouache
Mist of thought - abstract painting, made in black, grey color, ink
By Mila Akopova
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Interior design paintings. The work was done with india ink in black and grey color on Yupo paper. The work is 11 by 14 inches in size, framed 16 by 20 inches. Mila Akopova is New ...
Paper, India Ink
Merce Cunningham and dance Company
By Joan Miró
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Litografía de Joan Miró (1893-1983) - edición de 200 ejemplares numerada a lápiz. Medidas 72x50 cm. Firmada en plancha, numerada a lápiz (la numeración puede variar respecto a la f...
Lithograph
$3,387
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
Untitled VII. From LenkPlay Series. Limited edition color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Illuminated Flourescent Lines
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Christina Craemer is a Los Angeles-based artist who travels the world photographing water in its many forms, especially waterfalls. She combines countless images to create a striking...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
"Swirls & More" Multi-Layers of Colors, Collage, African-American
By Al Loving
Located in Detroit, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY "To Bunny" is brilliant painted in reds, blues, and pinks with a dash of yellow. It is lively and exuberant in the shape of a heart with Loving's well-known swirl motif throughout. It is signed and dated on verso with the inscription: "To Bunny as part of a happy marriage." Bunny is Al brother Paul daughter. This work is mounted on a Pexiglass structure and stands 3 inches from the wall. Alvin Demar Loving, Jr. better known as Al Loving...
Acrylic, Rag Paper
The Step Comes Before the Road. Large abstract painting, blue, brown
Located in Oslo, NO
In this work, movement and stillness merge into a single rhythm — a symbolic passage through inner landscapes. The title, The Step Comes Before the Road (Norwegiann name- Det steget...
Canvas, Acrylic