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Abstract Art

ABSTRACT STYLE

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.

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Style: Abstract
Returnable Items Only
Blue Landscape II
Blue Landscape II

Blue Landscape II

By Pat Forbes

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
I see blue as a seminal color representing life in all its forms.

About the Artist
Pat Forbes is an abstract painter whose aesthetic is heavily influenced by her 20 years as a collector and dealer of Middle Eastern textiles. Pat, who lives on the Atlantic Ocean in Massachusetts, uses a neutral palette to present her interpretation of the world around her– from marshes and mountains to stones and spiderwebs. She is drawn to pattern and design, both of which influence the use of balanced repetition in her work. Pat’s muted colors invite pensive meditation, while her deliberate use of line guides the eye through satisfyingly symmetrical compositions.

Blue Landscape...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Entered Into, Abstract Painting
Entered Into, Abstract Painting

Entered Into, Abstract Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Abstract figures fill the composition and move deeper into the scene. They suggest that spirituality is not only a personal journey but also a shared connection...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Tree Scape, Abstract Oil Painting
Tree Scape, Abstract Oil Painting

Tree Scape, Abstract Oil Painting

By George Peebles

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Tall trees stretch skyward, guiding the eye toward drifting clouds. The upward perspective evokes the quiet awe of standing beneath a towering forest. Blue stre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Oil

Charm on Turin Field, Abstract Oil Painting
Charm on Turin Field, Abstract Oil Painting

Charm on Turin Field, Abstract Oil Painting

By Ronda Waiksnis

Located in San Francisco, CA

<p>Artist Comments
A quiet landscape at dusk, rendered in expressionist strokes of greens, blue and white and highlights of reddish orange. The river refl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Oil

"Blossom" Abstract Painting 35" x 55" inch by Carole Baines

"Blossom" Abstract Painting 35" x 55" inch by Carole Baines

Located in Culver City, CA

"Blossom" Abstract Painting 35" x 55" inch by Carole Baines Pollination and bush fruits in spring time. Carole Baines is a self-taught, London-born artist based between Townsville ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Evening Comes, Abstract Oil Painting
Evening Comes, Abstract Oil Painting

Evening Comes, Abstract Oil Painting

By Ronda Waiksnis

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
I love combining a strong tree line with a colorful foreground in my work," says artist Ronda Waiksnis. In this painting, Ronda portrays the abundant blessing...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Oil

Mary Bauermeister - Studio Leftover Fetich, 3D mixed media sculpture Fluxus, S/N
Mary Bauermeister - Studio Leftover Fetich, 3D mixed media sculpture Fluxus, S/N

Mary Bauermeister - Studio Leftover Fetich, 3D mixed media sculpture Fluxus, S/N

By Mary Bauermeister

Located in New York, NY

Mary Baumeister Studio Leftover Fetich, 1953, 1967 Unique Mixed Media 3-D Assemblage Ink Signed, dated, titled, annotated "Edition Original" and numbered 52/75. Shadow box frame Incl...

Category

1960s Abstract Art

Materials

Wood, Found Objects, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Blue 787
Blue 787

Blue 787

Located in Zofingen, AG

Works from the Blue series have received international recognition, including First Place in the “True Blue” Competition at Blue Koy Gallery (2025) and finalist recognition in the Sc...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Around the Block, Abstract Painting
Around the Block, Abstract Painting

Around the Block, Abstract Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Small organic squares and circles form a densely packed grid. Akin to city blocks, the shapes vary in size and alignment, creating a mesmerizing visual effect...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media

SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting
SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting

SINCRONIA ROSA - Angelo Palazzini Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting

By Angelo Palazzini

Located in Napoli, IT

Sincronia Rosa - Abstract Oil on Canvas Paintng , Angelom Palazzini, Italy Angelo Palazzini was born in Lodi in 1953 where he still resides and has his own studio. His encounter wit...

Category

1980s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Beginning to shine 2
Beginning to shine 2

Beginning to shine 2

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Beginning to shine 2" continues the story of awakening, where the first rays of the sun gently illuminate the earth. This picture is filled with warmth and light, peace and new poss...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Poster for "Le salon de Mai"

Poster for "Le salon de Mai"

By Wifredo Lam

Located in Paris, FR

Lithograph, 1967 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and dedicated “To Jacqueline Selz, with all my friendship!” and adorned with a pencil drawing. Edition : 100 ex. 74.50 cm. x 51.50...

Category

1960s Abstract Art

Materials

Lithograph

Mauve Teal Splash, Abstract Painting
Mauve Teal Splash, Abstract Painting

Mauve Teal Splash, Abstract Painting

By Lisa Carney

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Lisa Carney expresses an abstract floral piece with glorious pops of teal and mauve. She depicts a dramatic lush garden in cool refreshing hues. Wildflower-covered fields and sea corals sprawl the mesmerizing composition. Part of a collection of floral abstract landscapes where drip and spatter techniques are used.


About the Artist
Lisa Carney draws her inspiration from the earth's layers and the history they hold. The drips, splashes, scrapes and scratches in her art happen spontaneously and come together to create a cohesive whole. She began to craft a more organic feel in her works after noticing the texture in her works resembled plant roots...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Negre i Gris
Negre i Gris

Negre i Gris

By Antoni Tàpies

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Antoni Tàpies, 1976 “Black and Gray”. Etching Signed and numbered by hand Tàpies Catalogue vol.II - Galfetti nº609

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Engraving, Etching

Exquisite Recollection, Abstract Painting
Exquisite Recollection, Abstract Painting

Exquisite Recollection, Abstract Painting

By Leslie Ann Butler

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A soft, cloudlike background merges with a whimsical splatter of movement and comforting colors. The gold square anchors the scene, bridging muted grays and blu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Monumental Gold Tone Abstract Painting by MacMillan c.1970
Monumental Gold Tone Abstract Painting by MacMillan c.1970

Monumental Gold Tone Abstract Painting by MacMillan c.1970

Located in San Francisco, CA

Magnificent monumental abstract painting circa 1970s. Signed lower right "MacMillan". This painting will be the centerpiece of any interior. It's a large, and elegant painting fill...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Far Away (Abstract Painting)
Far Away (Abstract Painting)

Far Away (Abstract Painting)

By Macha Poynder

Located in London, GB

Diptych 165 x 73 cm and 165 x 219 cm (65 x 28.7 in and 65 x 86.2 in) This work will be shipped rolled in a tube. Poynder's method emphasizes gesture, line, color, and space. Physi...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Important Early American School Abstract Geometric Precisionist Signed Painting
Important Early American School Abstract Geometric Precisionist Signed Painting

Important Early American School Abstract Geometric Precisionist Signed Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Step into the enigmatic world of abstract art with this captivating original oil painting from 1945. This masterpiece, signed with a mysterious monogram by an unknown artist, embodie...

Category

1940s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait Painting Longing Africa Bold Flow Desire Striking Invest Gold Sensual
Portrait Painting Longing Africa Bold Flow Desire Striking Invest Gold Sensual

Portrait Painting Longing Africa Bold Flow Desire Striking Invest Gold Sensual

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: My African Dream - The Longing Portrait Painting Contemplation Africa Bold Flow Dream Striking Investment Color Gold Abstract portrait in Acrylics and Oil sealed with high qu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

"Pink Buds in Blue Air" impressionistic painting flowers on linen canvas
"Pink Buds in Blue Air" impressionistic painting flowers on linen canvas

"Pink Buds in Blue Air" impressionistic painting flowers on linen canvas

Located in Zofingen, AG

“Look at the flowers. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are.” — Osho This painting captures a moment of quiet movement, where delicate pink buds drift across a soft blue f...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Spray Paint, Acrylic

Free Space - Blue
Free Space - Blue

Free Space - Blue

By Lee Krasner

Located in Toronto, Ontario

The essence of Lee Krasner's (1908-1984) biography is familiar to anyone who has studied women's role in 20th century art history: An accomplished artist whose own output gets eclips...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Screen

Turquoise ocean -  water, skyline, blue seascape, waves
Turquoise ocean -  water, skyline, blue seascape, waves

Turquoise ocean - water, skyline, blue seascape, waves

Located in Vienna, AT

In this artwork, I've blended oil to cascade hues of tranquility and calm across the canvas. My brushstrokes dance between impressionism and minimalism, with a touch of realism and s...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Spray Paint, Acrylic

Goddess Portal - Original Pink Abstract Textural Painting
Goddess Portal - Original Pink Abstract Textural Painting

Goddess Portal - Original Pink Abstract Textural 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...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Original Lithograph VII

Original Lithograph VII

By Joan Miró

Located in Henderson, NV

Printed in 1972 at the Mourlot atelier and published for the "Miro Lithograph I" catalogue raisonne. Size: 12 1/2 x 19 1/4 inches (320 x 490 mm). This work was published as a folded ...

Category

1970s Abstract Art

Materials

Lithograph

Painting on Panel Titled: PDP695 ct14
Painting on Panel Titled: PDP695 ct14

Painting on Panel Titled: PDP695 ct14

By Cecil Touchon

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Post Dogmatist Painting on Panel, signed verso Cecil Touchon Born 1956 Austin, Texas is a contemporary American collage artist, painter, published poet and theorist living in Pagosa...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Acrylic

Untitled (W.O.F 09-07-13)

Untitled (W.O.F 09-07-13)

By Christopher Colville

Located in Sante Fe, NM

Works of Fire When I look into the night sky I am awestruck by the darkness that is the universe. As the sparse light of the stars descends, I am entangled in a state of wonder, sea...

Category

2010s Abstract Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Transposition 2
Transposition 2

Sophie DixonTransposition 2, 2007

$8,600Sale Price|32% Off

Transposition 2

By Sophie Dixon

Located in Burlingame, CA

Warm abstract, etherial large-scale mixed media painting in red, maroon, white, orange, and Payne's grey, in mixed media, including oil paint and charcoal on canvas, in this calm, se...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Crayon, Mixed Media, Oil

Golden Highway - Futuristic Cityscape in Oil on Canvas
Golden Highway - Futuristic Cityscape in Oil on Canvas

Golden Highway - Futuristic Cityscape in Oil on Canvas

Located in Soquel, CA

Golden Highway - Futuristic Cityscape in Oil on Canvas Original oil painting from Bay Area artist Travis Flack (American, 20th Century). This expressive landscape merges abstraction...

Category

20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars

Banana skin yellow pill (minimaliste grid round painting on wood dopamine)
Banana skin yellow pill (minimaliste grid round painting on wood dopamine)

Banana skin yellow pill (minimaliste grid round painting on wood dopamine)

By Melisa Taylor Metzger

Located in Quebec, Quebec

"Banana skin yellow pill" is one of the 30 small tondo paintings on wood comprising the Dopamine mosaic. This 30-piece ensemble was created between January and April 2024 by the arti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Art

Materials

Spray Paint

French 20th Century Vibrant Geometric Abstraction Bold Colors and Dynamic Shape
French 20th Century Vibrant Geometric Abstraction Bold Colors and Dynamic Shape

French 20th Century Vibrant Geometric Abstraction Bold Colors and Dynamic Shape

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed and dated indistinctly oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 39.5 x 39.5 inches condition: ...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Abstract art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Sumit Mehndiratta, Giorgio Lo Fermo, Francisco Nicolás, and Dadodu . Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Synthetic Resin Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract art, so small editions measuring 0.02 inches across are also available.