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.
$1,208Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary abstract expressionist still life painting "Dialogues in stillness"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary vivid abstract-expressionist still life painting depicting everyday objects and red apples has been created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Known for her express...
Paper, Acrylic
Soft Morning in Venice
Located in Zofingen, AG
Soft Morning in Venice from the Inner Landscapes series Abstract impressionist painting inspired by the quiet atmosphere of Venice in the early morning - a moment when the city app...
Canvas, Oil
Vibrant Abstract with Bold Colours French 20th Century Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition signed by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) Dated 98' and Inscribed verso oil painting on board, unframed board size: 11.25 x 19.5 inches condit...
Oil
$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
Persian Morning II (Abstract expressionist mid-century Indiana artist painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mary Ann Robertson (1923-1911). Persian Morning II, 1964. Oil and paper on canvas. 25 x 36 1/2 inches. overall frame size 37 1/2 x 26 inches. notes: Nashville, IN woman artist....
Oil, Handmade Paper
Dominance, Contemporary Large Abstract Geometric Oil Paint, 34 x 34 in
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Accords Intérieurs Oil on canvas, 80 x 80 cm (31.5 x 31.5 in) Framed dimensions: approx. 87 x 87 cm (34.3 x 34.3 in) Floating frame available in black or natural wood. Sophie Dumont...
Canvas, Oil
Time of change
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting explores an inner sense of trust that is shaped through closeness, support, and growing up. It speaks about the moment when a person learns to find safety within themse...
Canvas, Acrylic
"I Want To Believe", Abstract Expressionist, Figurative, Red, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "I Want To Believe" is a 69 x 58 inch abstract expressionist oil painting on canvas, representing stylized human figures in vivid red, orange and black tones, with bold ...
Canvas, Oil
Large Vintage American Cubist Abstract Original New York School Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American cubist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Unsigned. Measuring: 49 by 37 inches overall, and 48 by 36 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready to hang a...
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Expressionist Painting (Mid-century Modern action composition)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Untitled Abstract Expressionist painting, 1957 Oil on canvas measuring 18 x 30 inches. Signed with monogram and dated lower right. Two repair patches on back on painting. Artist...
Oil, Canvas
$98Sale Price|38% Off
Untitled Composition (Poligrafa, Redfern, Spanish, Abstract, 38% OFF)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Josep Guinovart Untitled Composition from "Ediciones Poligrafa, Barcelona at Redfern Gallery, London" Original Color Lithograph Year: 1979 Size: 10 x 7.325 inches (25.4 × 18.61 cm) E...
Lithograph
$2,007Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Multi Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 45 x 35 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good con...
Canvas, Oil
A Moment Together, Contemporary Figurative Painting, 80x60 cm, New
Located in DE
Contemporary figurative painting with lots of details and movement. Beautiful statement piece for any art collection. Combining a lot of different colors in any interiors and settin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,155
Passing Glimpses - Abstract Floral Botanical Still Life Oil Painting on Wood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Denna Erickson’s original artworks move through layers of oil, where personal symbols and organic forms emerge through luminous color. Guided by intuition, her paintings unfold throu...
Oil, Wood Panel
$511Sale Price|20% Off
"Quiet mind" Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Quiet Mind” is an original contemporary portrait of a woman by Natalya Mougenot, created with acrylic paints and acrylic pens on heavyweight professional acid-free paper. The work i...
Paper, Acrylic
$651Sale Price|20% Off
Modern abstract figurative woman's portrait acrylic painting "Between times"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary expressive female portrait inspired by Matisse, bold Fauvist color modern art painting celebrating feminine strength, authenticity, and inner transformation “Between Ti...
Paper, Acrylic
$3,400
Poch 146 Dos Con Copas, Abstract Expressionist Acrylic Painting on Canvas, 2010
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
$3,400
"I'm Sorry Too" (contemporary, abstract, dark, flora, green, rose floral, linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
I'M SORRY TOO 2024 Paris, France This abstract flora painting portrays two roses seemingly merging in harmonious synchronization, evoking a sense of beauty intertwined with a poigna...
Linen, Dye
$2,900Sale Price|38% Off
Little Red Ball - Abstract Original Modern Playful Geometric Steel Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. His original artworks capture the...
Metal, Steel
$19,181
Another untitled Painting- 21 Century Contemporary Still-life of Abstract work
By Bart Koning
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Bart Koning & Lydia Mammes Another Untitled Painting 180 x 185 cm Oil on linen This unique piece of an abstract blue painting leaning against the wall is made by German artist real...
Oil
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
Karel Appel Moving in Blue Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
By Karel Appel
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Karel Appel Moving in Blue From the Ten by Appel Portfolio Year 1979 Print - Lithograph 22.0'' x 30'' inches Edition: signed in pencil and marked 11/175 Karel Appel is one of the fo...
Lithograph
#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
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Untitled Abstract Geometric Sculpture
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Masatoyo "Kuki" Kishi (1924-2017) Untitled. 1995. Cast Stone, 19.75 x 19.75 x 3 inches. Depth of base measures 3 inches and gracefully tapers to 0.25 inch at top. Carved signatu...
Cast Stone
$19,878
Untitled XLII by Ferle - Large abstract painting, grey and black, dark tones
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled XLII is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 280 × 200 cm (110.2 × 78.7 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and c...
Canvas, Oil
$1,980
Love Conquers All - Extra Large Abstract Painting, Bold Colors, New, Maximalism
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Love Conquers All - Omnia Vincit Amor Extra Large Abstract Investment Bold Color Large rendition in the Unchained Expressions series. It attempts to map the road to freedom...
Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Spray Paint, Color Pencil
'Astral Comic' — Modernist Abstraction
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Edward Landon 'Astral Comic', color serigraph, 1978, edition 25, Ryan 12. Signed, titled, and annotated 'Edition 25' in pencil. A superb, painterly impression, with fresh colors, on ...
Screen
“Rest”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “Rest” from the series “From Simple to…” creates a sense of calm, recovery, and inner completeness. The minimalist image of the animal and the pastel, natural color pale...
Acrylic
Birch Study 2 - Original Abstract Tree Landscape Nature Still Life Oil Painting
By Beth Munro
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beth Munro’s original paintings, whether composed of still life, landscape, or abstract forms, focus on pattern, color and texture. Munro is inspired by everything from the impressio...
Canvas, Oil
Picasso and the Human Comedy, Verve Lithograph Print, 1954
Located in London, GB
Picasso and the Human Comedy, Verve, Vol. VIII, No 29/30, 1954 Original lithographs published by Mourlot Frères Original lithograph print from Verve Vol. VIII, No 29/30 printed by t...
Lithograph
$1,945
Pelerinage aux Sources, Abstract Impressionist Oil on Canvas, 1960s
By Jean-Theobald Jacus
Located in North Clarendon, VT
A fantastic oil on canvas by French mid century artist Jean Théobald Jacus. Pelerinage aux Sources is vivid, bold, and iconic. This painting is lik...
Oil
"Budding Flowering Ripening" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Budding Flowering Ripening,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 14 x 14 x 12 in. “Budding Flowering Ripening” is a radiant vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the ...
Glass, Resin
Attempt at Harmony Abstract Painting, Mixed Media, Ochre Tones, 88cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Attempt at Harmony" is an abstract painting distinguished by its texture and intertwined layers of color. Dominated by ochre tones, the piece is complemented by flashes of blue, pur...
Acrylic, Oil, Cotton Canvas
$1,627Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2561
Located in Zofingen, AG
This piece is a celebration of contrasts—the intense dance between light and shadow, order and chaos. Using acrylic, I layered textured strokes and splashes of gold to evoke emotion ...
Oil, Acrylic
$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
Untitled L by Ferle - Large abstract painting, red and black, dark background
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled L 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 co...
Canvas, Oil
Equilibre Oblique 2/10 - monumental, geometric abstract, steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
As a young artist, Philippe Pallafray was inspired by sculpture masters and years later his dynamic contemporary sculptures are collected in both Canada and the United States. The Qu...
Stainless Steel
Whispers of Willingness
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work echoes the theme of a quiet inner decision — that moment when a willingness to open up to the light is born from within. White blossoms appear as a language of softness tha...
Canvas, Acrylic
Early Morning
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is part of the Inner Landscapes series, in which the landscape becomes part of a memory, a lived state, or emotions that cannot be expressed in words and can only be felt. ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Strates en suspens, Large Abstract Landscape, Oil painting, Contemporary
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas Unframed: 100 × 100 cm (39.4 × 39.4 in) Framed: 107 × 107 cm (42.1 × 42.1 in) Framed in a black or natural wood floater frame (collector’s choice) Sophie Dumont is a F...
Oil
Crazy Apartment - Abstract Figurative Cubist Portrait Still Life Painting
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
Nick Thomm - Loom (HYDRA) Standard
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'LOOM' (Hydra) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) Limited Edition of 305. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW. Worldwide Shipping. Sold Unframed.
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Dreams no. 10
Located in Burlingame, CA
‘Dreams no. 10’ is a vibrant oil on canvas painted in 2025 by mid-career California artist Stephen Henriques. Measuring 37 x 35 inches, the piece pulses with rhythmic color and joyfu...
Canvas, Oil
Totem (medium) by Frédérique Domergue - Abstract metal sculpture, steel, orange
Located in Paris, FR
Totem (medium) is a sculpture by French contemporary artist Frédérique Domergue. The sculpture is made with oak slat, polished gunmetal-finish steel and oxidized steel on the sculpte...
Steel
$2,800
Art Card: Frank Stella The Fossil Whale (Hand Signed by Frank Stella), Framed
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph card Hand signed and dated '93 by Frank Stella on the front Gorgeous card depicting abstract expressionist artist Frank Stella's "The Fossil Whale" on the front cov...
Postcard
The Open Door 1979 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: The Open Door Year: 1979 Print: Lithograph on Somerset Paper Paper size : 22'' x 30'' Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 4/175 Romare Bearden is r...
Lithograph
Nick Thomm - LUMINANCE - SET (Standard)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm 'LUMINANCE' (SET) 69cm x 92cm (27"×36″) per print. Blue Limited Edition of 425. Orange Limited Edition of 409. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Pape...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$1,000
Blue with Yellow- Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Blue with Yellow- Expressionist Composition in Acrylic on Canvas, Signed Vibrant and textured abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018)....
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Jazz II Deluxe 1980 Signed Limited Edition Screen Print
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Romare Bearden Title: Jazz II Deluxe Medium: Screen Print Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 178/200 Size: 31 x 41½ inches Romare Bearden (1911–1988) was a celebrated Afri...
Screen
$15,000
"Pond With Lotus Flowers" Monet's Water Garden in Giverny Painting on Canvas
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
From Monet's sanctuary in Giverny, we are transported effortlessly through bold brushwork and impasto paint. Alfaro diligently layers the canvas with acrylic paint creating a truly b...
Canvas, Acrylic
Júlia Martins Miranda – Contemporary Tropical Bird Painting, Oil on Canvas 2026
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This work is presented in a scroll-like (parchment-style) format, with the painting executed on a flexible support and suspended using metal rods at the top and bottom, allowing the ...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Large Figural Abstract Late 1960s Painting, Mexican American Artist
By Miguel Conde
Located in Beachwood, OH
Miguel Condé (Mexican/American, b. 1939) Untitled, 1968 Oil on canvas Signed and dated verso 55.25 x 44 inches Miguel Condé is a Mexican figurative painter, draughtsman, and print m...
Oil
$8,834
Geometrie de la pensee- Large Abstract Library – Oil on canvas, Contemporary art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Oil on canvas – 39.37 × 39.37 in (100 × 100 cm) Framed: approx. 42.13 × 42.13 in (107 × 107 cm) Frame options: natural wood or black collector's choice Year: 2025 – Signed front Cert...
Oil, Canvas
$1,300Sale Price|35% Off
1950's Mid-Century Abstract Expressionist painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Stunning abstract expressionist painting, ca. 1955. Oil on Canvas, measuring 36 x 40 inches. Some natural cracking and paint loss due to heavy impasto technique. Unsigned. Art su...
Canvas, Oil
"Rider on Blue Horse" Contemporary Outsider Urban Expressionism Painting Framed
By Purvis Young
Located in New York, NY
The painting is an expressive, abstract work by Purvis Young with a strong emphasis on dynamic brushwork and a limited color palette dominated by deep cobalt blues, off-whites, and s...
Mixed Media, Found Objects, Magazine Paper
Source of Renewal
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work captures a moment of absolute tranquility-a private paradise bathed in light and hidden behind a dense veil of emerald greenery. Horses gathered at the water's edge in the ...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Villagers - Abstract Figurative Syrian Middle Eastern Oil Portraits Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
* No US duty or taxes to pay on works of art * A beautiful Syrian abstract oil on canvas depicting female villagers, by Jumaah Nazhan. The artist is very interesting as was the onl...
Canvas, Oil
Red on Yellow - Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 1970s, Large Scale
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large-scale contemporary painting by Milly Ristvedt explores colour in abstract form. A masterful, award-winning colourist, Milly Ristvedt’s elegant abstract paintings hang on...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ivory Gold - Mixed Media Sculptural Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kristina Fjellman, a Minnesota-based visual artist and performer, seamlessly blends sculpture and performance art in her captivating work. With exhib...
Steel, Wire
#21, 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