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.
Fishing Boat in Storm (double-sided)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
James Floyd Clymer (1893-1982), ca.1930. Watercolor and pencil on paper measures 15 x 20 inches. Signed lower margin. Tape residue marks on back. Glue marks at bottom left and ri...
Watercolor, Rag Paper, Pencil
$474Sale Price|20% Off
When the sea merges with the sky /Impressionism oil painting / wave / sea /ocean
Located in Zofingen, AG
The beauty of the sea and sky merged into one and we feel the boundlessness of our Earth. Looking at the sea, emotions of quiet joy fill our souls and our thoughts stop run...
Oil
Abstract Expressionist Watercolor Fiery Sky
Located in Surfside, FL
Genre: Expressionist Subject: Landscape Medium: Watercolor Surface: Paper Country: United States Dimensions w/Frame: 16" x 28" Murray Hantman (1904–1999) was a painter, muralist, an...
Watercolor
From Durlston - Large Abstract Acrylic Painting with White, Blue and Green
By Peter Lanyon
Located in Kingsclere, GB
Peter Joyce b. 1964 From Durlston, 2025 acrylic on canvas 107 x 100 cm 42 1/8 x 39 3/8 in signed, titled and dated verso Peter Joyce was born in Poole, Dorset, and was educated at B...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful Abstract Geometrical Late 20th Century Painting by Ohio Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
James Massena March (American, 1953-2021) Untitled Oil on canvas 30 x 24 inches "My paintings are about space, form and energy. I generally start ...
Oil
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Fleur en Rouge contemporary abstract colorful
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This painting was inspired by the many themes within my art. Duality is seen in the changing textures and colors creating a strong sense of depth, concave to convex as well as dark t...
Mixed Media
Original-Purple Misty Alliums-British Awarded Artist-impasto-oil-plein air
Located in London, GB
Purple Misty Alliums marks Shizico Yi’s joyful return to painting en plein air after a long, cold winter and an unusually hot, restless spring. At last, the weather softened—welcomin...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
A Shift in Season with Pink and Black - Graphic Painting, 72x60 Inches
By Aron Hill
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Aron Hill’s dynamic graphic compositions were inspired by the work of the late Canadian modernists like Jack Bush. Minimalist shapes and bold colours continue to characterize their n...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,400
"Summer Garden" large painting on linen canvas, rose garden, flowers, rose
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness." — Eckhart Tolle Summer Gar...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Untitled, acrylic on paper. Abstract collage mixed media
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This series is born from a search to leave aside the narrative figurative and reduce the image to shape and color. Starts with both images found as well as her images, previous piece...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,313Sale Price|20% Off
Neutral Abstract, Muted Colours, Signed Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Neutral Abstract, Muted Colours, Signed Oil Painting By French artist 'Jean Briant', 20th Century Signed by the artist on the lower right hand corner ...
Oil
Everyday Life. Cyanotype
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The photos from the series Let Me Tell You a Story show, each one individually, certain themes through strongly narrative visual units. Each photograph is dedicated to a specific rep...
Archival Paper
2106, Mix media on Canvas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
2106, 2022 by Alejandra Quintanilla Mix media on Canvas Image size: 120 cm. H x 160 cm. W One of a Kind Unframed Alejandra Quintanilla graduated with a degree in Arts from the Uni...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
End Of Summer Puzzle #3
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Lynn Sanders is an artist excited by beauty: architecture, foliage, landscapes, seascapes, interiors. She finds palettes and shapes in her environment and propels them into her work,...
Canvas, Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic
This Sweet and Merry Month
Located in London, GB
Gillian Ayres This Sweet and Merry Month, 1983 Oil on canvas 91 x 91cm 36 x 36 inches Gillian Ayres OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) was one of the most significant ...
Canvas, Oil
Sunset - Bright Layered Abstract Colorfield Painting
By Greet Helsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Belgian artist Greet Helsen masterfully layers acrylic paint with the effervescent transparency of watercolors in her large mixed-media abstract paintings. Reminiscent of abstract ex...
Canvas, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Mending The Nets. Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting
Located in Brecon, Powys
Paul Wadsworth captures the hot, spicy colours and warm pastel shades of Kerala in this beautiful Expressionist painting. Fishing from small boats launched from the beach has been tr...
Oil
Measuring
Located in Dallas, TX
acrylic on birch panel
Birch, Acrylic, Panel
Untitled - Lithograph by Gustave Singier - 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Unrtitled is an artwork realized by Gustave Singier (1909-1984). Lithograph , cm 32,5x25. Signed and numbered (copy 44/200) in pencil on the front. Very Good condition. Gust...
Paper, Lithograph
$8,900
A Place I Knew, Large Scale Modern Abstract Original Painting, Minimalist Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large scale modern abstract minimal art painting. A Place I Knew holds a sense of familiarity that’s hard to name, as if returning to a core memory you can’t fully place. It feels l...
Concrete
Evening reflection. Lago di Garda. Italy.
Located in Zofingen, AG
This vibrant work of art explodes with an intricate interweaving of blue hues, tinged with light shades of yellow, green and pink. The dynamic composition creates a feeling of smooth...
Canvas, Oil
Water, Ice + Hotspot - modern, contemporary, abstract, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary colourful abstract painting is by Milly Ristvedt. Signed on verso, bottom right "Water, Ice + Hotspot © Ristvedt / 24" Highly regarded for her intuitive, almost vi...
Canvas, Acrylic
Never-Ending Spiral - Mixed Media by Jannis Kounellis - 2008
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph realized by Yannis Kounellis in occasion of the Olympic Games of Beijing, China, in 2008. Hand signed and numbered, perfect condition. This work is from the portfolio Th...
Mixed Media
$2,800
Lt Ed. Lithograph from the Deluxe (Hand Signed) 1984 Olympic Committee portfolio
By Sam Francis
Located in New York, NY
Sam Francis Untitled Abstract Expressionist print for the 1984 Olympics, 1982 Offset Lithograph on Parsons Diploma Parchment paper, hand signed with COA from publisher for Olympic Co...
Pencil, Lithograph, Offset
Fading Light on Ebenezer River, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An abstract scene with a muted palette hints at a moment of transition or unrest. The dynamic brushwork and layered colors capture the turbulent atmosphere abov...
Oil
$71,051
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)–Picador et Taureau–Linocut in colors on Arches paper
Located in Varese, IT
Linocut in colors on Arches paper, edited in 1959 Limited edition 21 of 50 copies signed in pencil by artist in lower right corner and numbered 21/50 in lower left image size: 64.5 x 53.5 cm Paper size: 72,9 x 59,5 cm Framed size: 98.5 x 85.5 cm very good conditions Publications / Catalogue Raisonnée : This work is fully documented and referenced in the official Catalogue: - Baer 1229, Bloch 907 Framed to museum standards in a handmade frame , the background is made ph neutral for proper preservation of the work over the years , to avoid oxidation. We offer professional packaging and tracked shipping with DHL Express courier , ( shipping time: 24 hours for European countries and 4 to 6 days for America and other non-eu countries ) Shipping costs are included Notes: Pablo Picasso Picador et Taureau...
Linocut
Chasing Illusions
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Lynn Sanders is an artist excited by beauty: architecture, foliage, landscapes, seascapes, interiors. She finds palettes and shapes in her environment and propels them into her work,...
Acrylic Polymer, Ink, Acrylic
$9,000Sale Price|25% Off
'Interlinear K50' — Mid-Century Geometric Abstraction
By Josef Albers
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Josef Albers, 'Interlinear K50', zinc plate lithograph offset to stone printing, 1962, edition 20, Danilowitz 151. Signed, titled, dated, and numbered '14/20' in pencil. A superb, ri...
Lithograph
"Caress of Water, " Mixed Media Sculpture
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...
Stone
Alexander Calder: From Mobiles to Critters - Lithograph by Alexander Calder-1976
Located in Roma, IT
Lithograph realized in occasion of Calder's Exhibition at Galleria Rondanini, Rome, 1976. Not signed and not numbered, as issued. Edition of 500. Excellent condition
Lithograph
"Nowhere to Land IV" Abstract Painting 83" x 87" inch by Carole Baines
Located in Culver City, CA
"Nowhere to Land IV" Abstract Painting 83" x 87" inch by Carole Baines Carole Baines is a self-taught, London-born artist based between Townsville and Brisbane, Queensland, Australi...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Vital Aura Print, Abstract Style, Archival Ink, 2010+, New, 88x88 CM
By Damien Hirst
Located in New York, NY
Damien Hirst is a British contemporary master artist and entrepreneur recognized for his iconic artworks that have defined the contemporary art world for over a decade. He is one of ...
Archival Ink
$1,281Sale Price|20% Off
Snowdance - Mountain Snowboarding Black & White Art Photography
Located in Zürich, CH
Hailing from the picturesque city of Zaragoza, nestled near the Pyrenees, Carlos Blanchard's journey into the realm of photography was influenced by the rich tapestry of his upbringi...
Black and White
Falling Fragments — Abstract Geometric Print by Rosalyn Richards
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Falling Fragments by Rosalyn Richards is a layered abstract composition that balances precision and spontaneity. Interlocking geometric forms—circles, triangles, arcs, and linear vec...
Etching, Aquatint
Tapies Black Red Yellow Vertical original lithography 1974 lithograph
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Tapies Litografia original 1974 TAPIES was the maximum representative of Spanish abstract art of the 20th century. His works are represented in museums and foundations around the w...
Paper, Lithograph
Everything Outside Is Staring Right at You
By Brian Jerome
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This probably deals with the subject of media, fame, guilt, internalization, rumination, capitalism, and being alive in the contemporary. I really hate ans...
Mixed Media
Mixed Media Asian Abstract Collage Painting Katherine Chang Liu Chinese American
Located in Surfside, FL
Katherine Chang Liu "Chain", Acrylic and collage on paper mounted on board with a Trompe L'oeil 3D effect. contemporary abstract painting Hand signed "Katherine Liu" Dimensions: 37...
Paper, Acrylic, Board
#179, 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
$6,500
Interconnections - colorful, contemporary, geometric abstract, paper collage
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This bold contemporary composition by Yvonne Lammerich is an intriguing exploration of colour and form. Origami-like folded shapes inter-connected by fine lines dance across this col...
Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Gouache, Color Pencil
#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
#266 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
#265 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
#262 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
#239, 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
#238, 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
Antique American Modernist Surreal Beach Scene Still Life Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist sunset beach scene oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Image size, 24H by 20L.
Canvas, Oil
$645
Moon Flower Potted Plant - Lively Abstract Colorful 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
$20,286
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
'Resistance' colorful minimalist work on panel, wood grain, purple
Located in Atlanta, GA
This modular work features hues of orange and yellow. Three separate pieces hang together to create one piece. Nancy is inspired by the works of Carmen Herrera, Deborah Zlotzky and ...
Latex, Wood Panel
$4,555Sale Price|20% Off
Triptych “Symphony of nature” X-Large size . Semi-abstract interior painting
Located in Oslo, NO
This triptych showcases a dramatic seascape that captures the raw energy of turbulent waves crashing against rugged rocks. The swirling, frothy waters are depicted with dynamic brush...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,500Sale Price|25% Off
Personal contacts, 70x90cm, acrylic on canvas
By Tatiana Nega
Located in Yerevan, AM
Personal contacts, 70x90cm
Canvas, Acrylic
$6,900
Flux, 2024, vibrant, jewel-like, diaphanous strips of fabric collages
Located in New York, NY
Linda Kamille Schmidt plays with emotional connections and memory in her smaller, framed works. In their encasements, each collage appears as a portal; a...
Fabric, Thread
Untitled (PPR443) - Original Colorful Surrealist Abstract Mixed Media Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Max Manning is a Houston-based painter whose practice he describes as “algorithmic abstraction”, studio-built systems that he deliberately disrupts to create compositions where loose...
Paper, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache
'Cascade' — Contemporary African American Artist
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ralph Arnold, 'Cascade', mixed media: acrylic, pencil, conté crayon, marker, oil; 1986-88. Signed 'Arnold' and dated '86-88' in pencil, lower right. A fin...
Conté, Oil, Acrylic, Felt Pen
Untitled III. 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
The Surprised Nymph - contemporary, gestural, abstract, acrylic on paper
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This abstract expressionist painting is by Carol Sutton. At the age of only twenty-two years, a portfolio of sixteen serigraphs by Carol Sutton became part of a collection at the Sm...
Acrylic
Untitled #526 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #526 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
Lithographie originale pour XXe Siecle, No. 20
By Max Ernst
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Lithographie originale pour XXe Siecle, No. 20 Color lithograph, 1962 Unsigned (as issued) From: XXe Siecle, No. 20, Christmas Publisher: G. di San Lazzaro, Paris. Printer: Mourlot? Large edition: c. 1500? Condition: Excellent/Mint usual glue on reverse from binding in book Image/Sheet size: 12 3/16 x 9 1/2 inches New series of XXe Siecle Back in Paris in 1949, Gualtieri di San Lazzaro resumed 20TH century publishing in 1951. It hosts many of the most important writers and art critics of the 1950s and 1960s, including Alain Bosquet , Genevieve Bonnefoi, Camille Bourniquel , Georges Borgeaud, Marcel Brion , Georges Boudaille, Jacques Brosse , Michel Butor , Jean Cassou , Denys Chevalier, Pierre Courthion, Hubert Damisch , Pierre Descargues, Bernard Dorival , Jacques Dupin , Mircea Eliade , Jean-Louis Ferrier , Pierre Francastel , André Frenaud , Roger Van Gindertael...
Lithograph
$600Sale Price|25% Off
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
Wave breathing
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll This work belongs to the series “Mental Garden: Ecology of Internal Decisions.” The garden is presented as a symbol of the psyche, where our emotional structures man...
Canvas, Acrylic