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.
L'homme à la fraise - Linocut by Pablo Picasso - 1962
Located in Roma, IT
Color linocut on strong wove paper, realized in 1962. Image dimension: 53.2x39.2; Sheet dimension 62.5x44.3 cm. One of the "épreuves de passe" remaining with the printer Arnéra in ...
Linocut
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
ECHO
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting resonates with silence dissolved in shades of blue. Gentle layers of color, from the lightest to the deepest, unfold into an invisible vibration—an echo that seems to...
Canvas, Oil
The Hush of Winter, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A quiet, enveloping atmosphere emerges. The abstract scene evokes the stillness of winter days when hushed sound and landscape rest within a veil of calm. Subtl...
Oil
Original Painting on Canvas Titled: "PDP 1147” 48 x 60
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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 Springs, Colora...
Acrylic
Ruz Red Light Background Landscapes - Abstract Acrylic on canvas Painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original artwork by Spanish artist Rafael Ruz. Acrylic in perfect condition. While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the same...
Canvas, Acrylic
Red Nude and Bird 1981 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
By Guillaume Cornelis van Beverloo (Corneille)
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Guillaume Corneille Red Nude and Bird 1981 Nu Rouge Á L'Oiseau Print, Signed Lithograph on wove paper 25.5 x 20 " inches Signed in pencil and dated and marked AP 25/25 ( Artist Proo...
Lithograph
#139, 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
$1,500
A Striking, Early Modern 1934 Abstract WC by Hananiah Harari, "Three Graces"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Early Modern, Figurative Abstract Watercolor by Notable New York Avant Garde Artist, Hannah Harari (Am. 1912-2000). Titled "Les trios graces" (The Three Graces), the art...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Ruz . 2961 original abstract acrylic canvas painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
"black" original abstract acrylic canvas painting Original work by the Spanish painter Rafael RUZ. Acrylic on canvas . Perfect condition. RUZ, Rafael (Barcelona 1956) While contempla...
Canvas, Acrylic
Speedy Snoopy (Original Artwork On Wood Panel)
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**STORE CLOSURE - UP TO 80% OFF - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT** ***EVERYTHING MUST GO BY DECEMBER 31ST!*** >>The artist is moving to a new full time venture in 2026<< _________...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Cubist Nude, Abstract Lithograph by Dimitri Petrov
Located in Long Island City, NY
Dimitri Petrov, American (1919 - 1986) - Cubist Nude, Year: circa 1975, Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 200, Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm)
Lithograph
Erased Landscape 2
Located in Dallas, TX
oil on canvas
Canvas, Oil
$1,294
Contemporary Abstract Figurative Mixed Media Drawing Pink Neutral Danny Avidan
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Danny Avidan’s paintings explore the tension between form and formlessness, using it as a way to reflect on the body and the creative process. His expressive gestures continuously at...
Charcoal, Oil, Pencil, Pigment, Handmade Paper
$2,824
Contemporary Blue Geometric Abstract Painting on Linen, Minimalist Composition
By Blanca Nieto
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...
Silk, Cord, Pigment
Bronze Table I
Located in Dallas, TX
Bronze & Steel Table
Bronze, Steel
Ocean's Jewels, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A layer of emerald green rests atop a base of purple, pale blue, and white, creating a striking contrast of light and dark. Scratches and marks added while the ...
Oil
Noteworthy - Original Contemporary Expressive Geometric Abstract Metal Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
$3,200
Abstract Landscape Mixed Media Oil Painting New York 1959 America New York Blue
Located in Buffalo, NY
This evocative abstract landscape by Ralph Roseborg exemplifies the expressive power of American postwar abstraction at the close of the 1960s. Painted in 1969, the composition unfol...
Paper, Acrylic
Homage to the Square - P2, F14, I1 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 14, Image 1" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
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
original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Catalogue reference: Mourlot 508. Printed in 1967 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 164-165 -- L'Oiseau Solaire, L'Oiseau Lunaire, Etinc...
Lithograph
#260, 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
The Sun Tree Limited Edition Lithograph after Dali
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
'Sun tree lithograph' After Salvador Dali (1904 - 1989) signed print on thick paper , unframed print: 16 x 12.5 inches provenance: private collection condition: very good and sound c...
Color
$3,400
"Avec Des Épines" (abstract, dark, floral, roses, red, black, antique linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
AVEC DES ÉPINES 2024 Paris, France The French title of the work translates in English to "With Thorns". The painting captures the rose’s mysterious allure, balancing beauty with an...
Linen, Dye
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
$2,800
Natvar Bhavsar - 1967 Color Field silkscreen signed/N Framed famed Indian artist
By Natvar Bhavsar
Located in New York, NY
Natvar Bhavsar Untitled mid 1960s abstraction, 1967 Silkscreen Pencil signed, dated and numbered 10/30 by Natvar Bhavsar on the front Frame included: Elegantly framed in a museum qua...
Screen
Sunkissed by Kirsten Jackson, modern contemporary colorful abstract
Located in DE
Kirsten Jackson creates vibrant abstract paintings filled with sunny color blocks, showcasing her contemporary and original style. Fiercely independent, this Australian artist aims t...
Varnish, Acrylic
$1,125Sale Price|25% Off
"Spring" Floral Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
Abstract textured acrylic painting on canvas 90x90x2 cm (35,4 x 35,4 x0,8inches). Mixed Media on gallery wrapped canvas. The work is ready to hang. No framing required. The sides of ...
Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic
"Evidence " ( contemporary semi& abstract nature landscape)
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
In this semi-abstract expressive artwork named "Evidence" I experience the world of nature through various colors such as purple, green, blue, red. While painting, I sought to capt...
Acrylic, Paper
Period Italian Fausto Pirandello Signed Abstract Artwork
Located in Roma, IT
Important work by one of the greatest artists of the Italian artistic avant-garde Fausto Pirandello It depicts one of his iconic subjects ‘Bathers’ with five characters depicted in ...
Paper, Pastel
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Navy Signed SG
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Black White and Navy Signed SG by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on ar...
Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
Large French Abstract Oil Painting Autumnal Colors
By Andre Copin
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Superb large scale French abstract oil painting by the popular 20th century French painter, Andre Copin (1911-1998). The painting is signed to the lower corner and dates to circa 198...
Oil
$4,000
Mystic Arboretum - Large Contemporary Abstract Geometric Botanical 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, Acrylic
Black fish on a gold background.
Located in Zofingen, AG
The work is executed in stencil technique using black paint on a gold acrylic background. The metallic gold surface creates a soft shimmer and enhances the contrast with the graphic ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,448Sale Price|20% Off
"Floral Landscape" very large diptych on linen, colorful impressionistic art
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Look at the flowers. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are." - Osho „Floral Landscape“ is a captivating diptych with two parts, each measuring 80x80x2 cm/31,5x31,5x0,8 in...
Spray Paint, Canvas, Acrylic
La Dame a la Collerette - Linocut by Pablo Picasso - 1962
Located in Roma, IT
Color linocut on strong wove paper. Image dimension 53.2x39.3; Sheet size 62.5x44.5. One of the "épreuves de passe" remaining with the printer Arnéra in Vallauris, verso with the s...
Linocut
Aura - Chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hand-pitched chrome metallic glazed ceramic sculpture vessel by Jessamyn Go. White Stoneware, Bronze Metallic Glaze, 8" x 7 x 3.5 inches Jessamyn Go's work is deeply rooted in the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Glaze
Turquoise turtle in gold
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting is created in a mixed media technique using gold leaf. The central image of the composition is a sea turtle — a symbol of harmony, wisdom, and tranquility. The turtle’s...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media
Homage to the Square, P2, F33, I1 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - P2, F33, I1" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints that...
Screen
Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Flourishing Fields' features whimsical details and vi...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Love and Rage /// Contemporary Female Woman Abstract Expressionist Painting Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Margaux Halloran (American, 1999-) Title: "Love and Rage" *Monogram signed by Halloran lower right. It is also signed, dated, and titled on verso Year: 2021 Medium: Original ...
Canvas, Paint, Oil
The Emerald Archipelago by Frédérique Domergue - Contemporary abstract painting
Located in Paris, FR
The Emerald Archipelago is a unique painting by French contemporary artist Frédérique Domergue. This painting is made with oxidized bronze leaves on aluminium panel, patina fixed wit...
Bronze
Abstract Blue Mountains Gouache Painting on Paper, Circa 1960s
Located in Arp, TX
Thelma Corbin Moody Blue Mountains c. 1960's Gouache on Arches Paper 19 1/4" x 24 3/4", Unframed Unsigned Lovely, mid century gouache painting, b...
Paper, Gouache
Deep Blue, Abstract Oil Painting
By Heidi Hybl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Deep blues sit below the composition, while soft cream tones rest above. The colors illustrate the sky and water along the Big Sur Coast, where artist Heidi Hyb...
Oil
$1,790
Evening's Warmth by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spac...
Acrylic
Another Way To See, Small Works No. 143
Located in New York, NY
As a whole, these paintings continue my exploration of building forms through intuitive, responsive painting. It has been five years since my first show at SEFA Hudson, and I’m thril...
Oil
Boats in Harbor (French Riviera painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Michel Colin (b.1934). Boats in Harbor, 1969. Gouache on paper, sheet measuring 16 x 20 inches. Signed and dated lower right. Sheet is unframed. Michel Colin, born in 1934, live...
Paper, Gouache
$364
Abstract impressionist nature acrylic on paper "Serenity in the mountains"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract impressionist nature painting, infused with a touch of modernity and expressive flair, is titled "Serenity in the Mountains." Vibrant and evocative, this ...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,285
A Moment In Time - Color Drenched Impasto Mixed Media Textural 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, Glitter, Acrylic
$38,000
Yellow Circuit - minimalist, yellow, stainless steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This minimalist metal outdoor sculpture in bright yellow was created by Canadian sculptor Alexander Caldwell. The Calgary-based artist is known for ...
Stainless Steel
Abstract expressive floral acrylic painting on paper "Flourish of colors"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
The abstract floral artwork "Flourish of Colors" by French artist Natalya Mougenot is part of her Floral series. This vibrant painting bursts with energy, capturing a rich array of c...
Paper, Acrylic
"umbrella girl series" RK2GE1, Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Gold Edition - with real gold leaf, 23,75 carat Art measures 11.81 x 11.81 inches Frame measures 17.32 x 17.32 x 1.57 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding....
Clay, 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
$3,900
Absorbed in Brilliance (Gerhard Richter Style Abstract Painting in Blue & Teal)
By Bruce Murphy
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract expressionist painting in the style of Gerhard Richter in a blue, teal, and green palette with accents of peach, yellow, and pink "Absorbed in Brilliance", made by Bruce Mur...
Enamel
$2,520Sale Price|30% Off
Heart of the sea - Blue abstract seascape painting
Located in Silverthorne, CO
"Heart of the sea" is a large blue abstract landscape painting, depicting the grandeur of the sea. It is made in a stunning palette of blues, with a bright yellow light at its center...
Oil
Arnaldo Pomodoro - "Scultura" with official Authentication card Signed Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Arnaldo Pomodoro - "Scultura", with official Authentication card, 1982 Signed silver sculpture on chrome plated brass base, held in original wooden box and accompanying Authenticatio...
Brass, Silver
$3,000
"E.S.H. IV" (animalia, fauna, figurative, horse sculpture, historical, abstract)
Located in Paris, IDF
E.S.H. IV PARIS, France 2023 Inspired by sculptures and statues of Europe, a horse and rider are depicted as a black silhouetted abstraction. White and grey acrylic paint over text...
Canvas, Dye, Acrylic
Ruz RAISON D´ÉTRE canvas - Abstract Acrylic Painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Original artwork by Spanish artist Rafael Ruz. Acrylic in perfect condition. While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to talk about real ‘psychodrama’, in the sam...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Spanish Artist signed limited edition original art print numbered lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Miami, FL
Joan Miro (Spain, 1893-1983) 'Joan Miró. Fotoscop', 1974 lithograph on paper 12.9 x 20.5 in. (32.7 x 52 cm.). The size of the stamp paper has been slightly modified. Its original dim...
Paper, Lithograph