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.
"Family" by Gilbert Pauli - Pastel on Paper - 48x32 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Paper, Pastel
$793
Hand painted Proof-Summer Bloom in the Night-British Awarded Artist-Goldleaf Oil
Located in London, GB
This is a large hand painted Artist's Proof, (oil and gold leaf on Giclee), it's the only one proof of this image, 90 % of the proof is hand painted by the artist, Shizico Yi; its o...
Gold Leaf
$450
"Doves for the Dorians I" (pink, green, white, Greek warrior. sword, painting)
Located in Paris, IDF
The Dorians played a significant role in the development of the Greek city-states during the Bronze Age -- and Doves are widely recognized as symbols of peace, primarily in the bibli...
Canvas, Dye, Oil, Acrylic
$4,152
Christina Gschwantner Love Dots Vivid Contemporary Abstract Painting
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, Oil, Acrylic
Abraham Walkowitz (1878-1965) Signed Antique Modernist Abstract Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist cityscape painting by Abraham Walkowitz (1878 - 1965). Mixed media on paper. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 20 by...
Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
$1,480
Turquoise and Nocturnal Marina, Modern Seascape Diptych in Blue Tones, Organic
Located in Barcelona, ES
This diptych draws on the visual language of the seascape, using flowing, interlaced lines to evoke the movement of water and shifting currents. Contrasting tones of turquoise and de...
Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Monoprint
"Black Gouache" lithograph
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: lithograph (after the gouache). Printed in 1992 by l'Imprimerie Karcher and published by Nouvelles Editions Seguier in an edition of 1000 for the Sol LeWitt "Black Gouaches" ...
Lithograph
Signals - original artwork - abstract art - contemporary painting
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
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Painting in Antique Italian Frame
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist painting. Gouache on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 20 by 15 inches overall. Handsomely framed in an antique Italian frame. Excellent condition, read...
Oil, Gouache, Board
$1,610Sale Price|20% Off
Round Multicolor Relief Wall Sculpture in Clay Fake Gum Abstract Candy Mosaic
Located in FISTERRA, ES
"Fake Gum" is a captivating circular wall sculpture by Elizabeth Art Candy that explores the seductive tension between softness and artifice. Composed of hundreds of hand-molded clay...
Clay, Spray Paint, Board
$533
Hand-Painted Limited Edition #2/10-Magic Bell & Blue Rose-British Awarded Artist
Located in London, GB
This set of two are hand painted limited edition on Giclee. Each edition is 80% hand-painted with Shizico’s own oil, gesso, and acrylic—every colour hand-mixed, every surface individ...
Metal
$426Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary impressionist expressive floral painting paper "Roses in light"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This expressive and vibrant floral painting of roses, created by the contemporary French artist Natalya Mougenot, is a dynamic representation of nature’s energy. Born in Kazakhstan i...
Paper, Acrylic
Cintra and Frenetic Diptych. Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
" The work resists framing in concepts, it overflows the contours and borders of the rational. It is through the presence of color, combined with an abstraction at times with express...
Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Escapades - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 48in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This striking acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel is a compelling example of figurative abstraction, where the artist masterfully blends symbolic imagery with a complex, biomorphic stru...
Canvas, Acrylic
State of Blue
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Encaustic on panel. blue teal aqua white yellow orange navy Red green chartreuse It's simple; I create art because it makes me happy. I try not to overthink the process of what I...
Encaustic
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Ellsworth Kelly, Lotus, from Derriere le Miroir, 1982
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Ellsworth Kelly (1923–2015), titled Lotus, originates from the historic 1982 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 250, Hommage a Aime et Marguerite Maeght (Trib...
Lithograph
$12,641
DAMIEN HIRST - KYNANCE COVE. Where the land meets the sea. Abstraction, British
By Damien Hirst
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Damien Hirst - KYNANCE COVE Date of creation: 2023 Medium: Laminated Giclée print on aluminium composite panel Edition: 411 Size: 120 x 90 cm Condition: Brand new and never framed T...
Panel, Giclée
$6,400
Green Cathedral III - Large Contemporary Abstract Green Tone Geometric Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Harrison Gilman's large original artworks begin with a layer of fast-paced gestural abstraction followed by organic shapes and geometric structures. Some of his paintings remain in t...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Helter Skelter - Large Contemporary Cubist Terracotta Orange Oil Painting Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Harrison Gilman graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. In 2018 his artworks were exhibited at the We Rise Art Fair in Los Angeles alongside Shepard Fairey ...
Canvas, Oil
Paramount Ranch Oaks
Located in Pasadena, CA
Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist UNFRAMED: 14" x 18" FRAMED: 20.25" x 24.25" x 1.5" Signed "K Dempwolf" on lower right Artist Statement "This is a movie ranch whe...
Canvas, Oil, Board
The Peace Within - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 36in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel is a captivating exploration of figurative abstraction, defined by its dense, rhythmic arrangement of interlocking biomorphic forms. The composi...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Absolute Wealth - Large Contemporary Abstract Maximalism Painting, Ready to Hang
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Absolute Wealth Large Painting Absolute Wealth - Contemporary Abstract Colorful Maximalism Bold Invest Another soulful artwork by Karnish. Symbols and forms unfold in this me...
Gesso, Canvas, Acrylic, Wood, Charcoal, Spray Paint, Color Pencil, Stret...
My Joyful Heart - Lively Colorful Abstract 3-D Painted Weaving
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...
Wire
$473Sale Price|20% Off
Fountain of Life // Interior Water Abstract / blue ocean / sea, waves.
Located in Zofingen, AG
Water is a symbol of the fundamental principle of everything, it is the element from which everything on the Earth was born. Using the ThetaHealing technique The painting is fi...
Acrylic
Contemporary Abstract Diptych Painting in Soft Grey and Neutral Tones, Minimal
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
Portrait 1982 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Guillaume Corneille Portrait - 1982 Print - Lithograph on Arches Archival Paper 30'' x 22'' Edition: signed in pencil and marked 25/300 As a co-founder of the famed experimental art...
Lithograph
$1,800
Artist and Model Howard Hodgkin abstracted orange and black watercolor gouache
Located in New York, NY
Large black and marigold orange abstract interior scene of a bust in front of a window with fingerprints and painterly brushstrokes. Rich color and texture ideal for hanging in minim...
Watercolor, Gouache, Etching
Evening over Green, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bold texture and vibrant color convey the drama of Tennessee’s summer evenings. A vast sky of purples and blues reflects the shifting light at dusk, while lay...
Oil
Joan Miró - MARAVILLAS CON VARIACIONES... Lithograph Contemporary Art Abstract
By Joan Miró
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Joan Miró - Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró XIX Date of creation: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on Gvarro paper Edition: 1500 Size: 49,5 x 35,5 cm Observations: ...
Paper, Lithograph
$72Sale Price|20% Off
Club Imperial Offset Print, Abstract Impressionist, 1994, Unframed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Club Imperial by Gunter Blum showcases the artist’s talent for capturing the female form with elegance and power. In this striking photograph, the model reveals only a part of her bo...
Offset
William Crovello - Hakuin, Unique signed brass sculpture on plinth, ex GE Corp.
By William Crovello
Located in New York, NY
William Crovello Hakuin, 1984 Mirrored, reflective brass sculpture on plinth De-accessioned from the GE Corporate Art Collection Signed and dated Crovello '84 Measurements: 13 x 13-3...
Brass
$161Sale Price|53% Off
Earth I Painting, Abstract Style, 21st Century, Signed, Framed
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
This is the first part of a triptych. Inspired again by recycling, old frames, golf balls, and paper. The idea behind is to show the vulnerability of our "Mother Earth". Will be signed.
Plastic, Wood, Paper
#49, 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
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Life to the Full LA Blue 2 - Original Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sarah Johnson infuses passion, heart, and a lifetime of creative experience into each original painting. Her radial series exhibits both uninhibited freedom and methodical technique. Through colors, textures, and movement, Johnson’s acrylic paintings on canvas radiate joy with pleasing repetition and form. This 48-inch high by 30-inch wide one-of-a-kind painting is stretched, wired, and ready to hang. The sides of this original artwork are painted and it does not require framing. It is signed by the artist on the back. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and International shipping are available. A certificate of authenticity issued by the Los Angeles art gallery is included. Johnson says about her work: "I believe things that you bring into your home make a difference in the way you live and feel. My artwork is inspired by joy, purpose, and freedom. I hope my paintings are a source of inspiration for you and everyone who enters your home." Each series has a meaningful message, adding both truth and beauty to your walls. Johnson is based in Dallas, Texas, and has been a professional artist since 2012. Her abstract artworks are collected internationally. REPRESENTATION Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, California, USA EDUCATION 2010 The University of Texas at Austin EXHIBITIONS 2022 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2022 The Collective, Dallas, TX 2022 Mecox Gardens, Houston, TX 2022 The Arbors, Round Top, TX 2022 The Walking Man, Whitefish, MT 2022 BayHill Design Studio, Austin, TX 2022 Septemberfest Art Fair, Midland TX - Honorable Mention 2021 Olive & Home, Tyler TX...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,020
Earth to Sky - Tall Impasto Inspired Colorful 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, Glitter
#240, 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
Untitled #527 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #527 by Murray Duncan – Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper Size: 32" x 40" Unframed, signed on the back A striking exploration of form and movement, Untitled #527 by Murray ...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Achille Perilli Lithograph Poster, Abstract Geometric Art, 1973
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is an original lithograph poster created for Achille Perilli’s 1973 exhibition Works on Paper at Marlborough Galerie in Zürich. A leading figure in postwar Italian abstraction, ...
Lithograph
$11,151
Untitled LX by Ferle - Large abstract painting, vivid tones, spiritual, green
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled LX is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 200 cm × 140 cm (78.7 × 55.1 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and c...
Canvas, Oil
#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
#232, 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
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures), Yayoi Kusama 草間 彌生
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Yayoi Kusama (1929) Title: Pumpkins, Yellow/Black, Red/White (Two Sculptures) Year: 2016 Medium: Painted cast resin sculptures with decorative boxes, as issued Sculpture Size...
Epoxy Resin
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance, Abstract Floral Painting on Canvas, Unique
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance and Stillness - In Pink Floral Flowers Abstract Unique Exclusive One-of-a-kind Striking Abundant Meadow Landscape Nature We all need to feel...
Acrylic
$280Sale Price|20% Off
"For Granted I." (quiet, floral, soft, natural, abstract, antique French linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
"For Granted I.", 2024, Paris, France "For Granted I." is a quiet, rich and cerebral abstract painting using a subtle but powerful color palette of brown, magenta, purple, green and...
Oil, Acrylic, Canvas
After Turner-One Off, Proof No 1-British Awarded Artist-Seascape-river Thames
Located in London, GB
This is a large Artist's Proof with original oil and gesso paint highlighting; it is the No 1 of the only 3 Proofs; the colours of the painting and Shizico's expressive brushstrokes ...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Gesso, Oil, Acrylic
One Way or Another
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This black and white abstract acrylic painting is inspired by the mid-century masters like Franz Kline. Framed in a beautiful wood frame, wired and ready to hang, 17 in. wide x 21 in...
Acrylic
La Force Eternelle - Dreamy Abstract Floral Painting
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
Family IV - Elegant Figurative Bronze Sculpture of Two People
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the strength of ancient Egyptian sculptures...
Metal, Bronze
Untitled #525 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #525 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray Dunc...
Glaze, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
#130, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
A Cappella - large, contemporary, abstract, bronze and steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This lyrical and elegant contemporary sculpture is by David Chamberlain whose work is collected and admired around the world. Hand forged in patinated bronze and steel, the flowing c...
Bronze, Steel
'Trajectory' colorful minimalist work on panel, wood grain, red, triangle
Located in Atlanta, GA
This modular work features hues of red and blue. Three separate pieces hang together to create one piece. Nancy is inspired by the works of Carmen Herrera, Deborah Zlotzky and Grazi...
Latex, Wood Panel
$985Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century French Geometric Abstract Composition Oil Painting 1970's
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed and dated 70' by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French oil painting on board, unframed size: 10 x 12 inches provenance: private collection, Paris, France conditi...
Oil
Everything On The Kitchen Counter
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on canvas
Canvas, Acrylic
$331Sale Price|20% Off
Small abstract expressive nature painting wood frame "Vibrant essence of spring"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressive nature painting, created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, bursts with color and emotion. Titled "The Vibrant Essence of Spring", it captures ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Abstract 2, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Layers of colors and gestures define this abstract piece. Soft green, orange, and blue contrast with touches of black. Expressive scratches and marks bring text...
Oil
Louise Bourgeois - Horseshoe (with accompanying horseshoe), for Judith Solodkin
Located in New York, NY
Engraving by Louise Bourgeois, 2002, hand signed, numbered and inscribed to her longtime printer Judith Solodkin of Solo Impressions, accompanied by an actual horseshoe gifted by the...
Metal
$1,350Sale Price|25% Off
New England Winter
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Gordon Ham (20th century) New England Winter, ca. 1940. Oil on unstretched canvas panel, 14 x 17 inches. Measuring 17 x 20 inches framed. Signed lower right. Vertical cracking ...
Oil
Sailing, Large Abstract Expressionist Mid-Century Oil, Cleveland Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres (American, 1927–2013) Sailing, 1973 oil on canvas signed lower right, signed and titled verso 58 x 72 inches Exhibited: Cleveland Museum of Art, May Show 1973 Richard...
Oil
Coastal Equilibrium
Located in London, London
All the custom charges are included in the final price agreed. Turquoise, beige, red, lines, blue, fluid, movement. Abstract expressionist painting, large-scale contemporary artw...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic