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.
$15,000
"Dancing in Teal Waters" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish & Water Oil Painting Canvas
By Eric Alfaro
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic portrayal of Japanese Koi fish jubilantly depicted with movement and enthusiasm. In a burst of motion, the fish joyfully swim in the clear light blue waters, as th...
Canvas, Oil
Green Haven
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×110 cm (overall size with stretching 107×120 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled The painting is built on an expressive visual contrast between mon...
Canvas, Acrylic
$829Sale Price|20% Off
Complementary Patterns 8, Large Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas 2025
By SOOS TIBERIU
Located in Zofingen, AG
In crafting this piece, I poured my soul into an exuberant celebration of color and monochromy, using the brushes and palette knife's bold strokes to invite a dance of joy and freedo...
Acrylic
Forest Moons, Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Forest Moons is an abstract painting in layered greens, with a mix of soft circular shapes and more solid, angular forms. The composition suggests a natural setting, with lighter spo...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
$4,874
The Arches of Time, Large Abstract Geometric, Contemporary, Modern oil on canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
In The Arches of Time, French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont explores the idea of architectural memory through a refined geometric language shaped by layered oil paint and subtle...
Oil
$4,500
Peter Halley - CORE Geometric Abstraction Silkscreen, Lithograph Signed/N Framed
By Peter Halley
Located in New York, NY
Peter Halley Core, 1991 Limited Edition Silkscreen with lithography on Coventry Rag paper. Pencil signed and numbered 13/50 on the front Publisher: Edition Schellmann & Pace Edit...
Lithograph, Screen
$2,700
FS 215 - Soft pastel color orange, pink, beige abstract geometric watercolor
By Evan Venegas
Located in New York, NY
Evan Venegas studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and earned his BFA in Painting in 1998. Evan Venegas creates artwork that lives at the intersection of geometry and atmosphere...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Untitled, 1978 - contemporary, gestural, abstract, acrylic on paper
By Carol Sutton
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract acrylic painting is by Carol Sutton. A flurry of colourful gestural brushstrokes dances across the canvas in this engaging acrylic painting by artist Caro...
Acrylic
$4,990
Contemporary Minimalist Blue Tones Abstract Painting Canvas Tete Alurralde
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, Acrylic, Pigment
Nougat - bright, warm, minimalist, abstracted landscape, acrylic on canvas
By Pat Service
Located in Bloomfield, ON
A refreshingly original colour palette and clean, bold shapes tells the ‘story’ in this minimalist painting by Pat Service. As always, the BC artist is inspired by the beauty of natu...
Canvas, Acrylic
Open Spaces, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Soft whites and cool blues create a tranquil, expansive space. Accents of orange and fine linework bring contrast and gentle energy. Minimalist abstract forms i...
Acrylic
Hydrangea on Green, Oil Painting
By Judy Mackey
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A bouquet of white hydrangeas rests in a deep blue vase. Thick palette-knife strokes give the flowers a sculptural presence, while soft green tones in the backg...
Oil
Alfred F. de Breanski Jr. “Evening on the Thames” Oil Painting with Swans at Sun
Located in GB
A luminous riverscape by Alfred Fontville de Breanski Jr. (British, 1877–1957), depicting a tranquil evening along the River Thames as the final golden light of sunset settles across...
Canvas, Oil
$526
Oris - abstract black and white butterfly photography, limited edition 2 of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
From June and Oris collection Printed on archival Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta paper. Signed both front and back with Certificate of Authenticity. Limited edition of 20. Photograph ...
Giclée
$52,500
Senza Misura - smooth, polished, abstract, contemporary, mahogany sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This modern indoor sculpture by David Chamberlain was inspired by music and is made out of mahogany wood. The graceful curves of this contemporary solid mahogany sculpture by David Chamberlain appear in one illuminating perspective to emulate the image of a heart. Hand carved from one piece of this rare wood; the abstract form’s surface is such that the insides become the outsides creating a continuous, enigmatic, integrated form. The naturally rich grain is highly finished with a soft lustre that accentuates the form. Chamberlain’s sculptures...
Metal
Coronel Retirado y Su Amante Esposa (Cuban Artist)
By Felipe Orlando
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Felipe Orlando (Cuban-Mexican, 1911-2001). Coronel Retirado y su Amante Esposa, ca. 1970. Ink and gouache on paper with heavily built up layers of textured ground. Measures 13 1/4 x 18 3/8 inches. Signed lower left. Original label affixed on verso. Excellent condition. Unframed. An anthropologist as well as a painter and engraver, Orlando, whose full name was Felipe Orlando Garcia Murciano, studied at the University of Havana and at the painting workshop of Jorge Arche and Víctor Manuel. He was a founding member of the Asociación de Pintores y Escultores de Cuba (APEC) and a professor at the Universidad de las Américas and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, both in Mexico City. His style is influenced by the Afro-Cuban movement and pre-columbian art...
Ink, Gouache
$3,375
Flying Dutchman -Original modern abstract-texture painting-Contemporary artwork
By Roman Goss
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs...
Canvas, Oil
2303 - Original Figurative Neutral Abstract Artwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Swiss artist Edith Konrad paints figurative abstract compositions with mixed media on canvas. She layers her expression of her emotional response to the subjects with dynamic texture...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$1,795
Waves of Freedom - Abstract Gold Tone Textural Floral Acrylic Canvas Painting
By Vè Boisvert
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
La Cour (French Courtyard Interior with Birds and Birdcage)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Nobuku Koike (Japanese, b.1937) La Cour, 1974. Color etching on Arches paper. Plate measures 7.5 x 8.5 inches. Framed measurement: 12 x 13.5 inches. Signed, dated, numbered an...
Etching
Abstract 1, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Green, blue, and orange with black accents create a dynamic abstract composition. Scratches and marks add texture and energy. Artist Dorothy Gaziano used oil pa...
Oil
$1,566Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French 20th Century Abstract Expression Painting 1980's Blur of Colors
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Marie Deloume (French born 1942) oil painting on paper stuck on canvas, unframed canvas size: 40 x 29 inches Signed verso condition: overall ver...
Canvas, Paper, Oil
Free Expression - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 24in x 36in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Free Expression" is a striking modernist painting that masterfully blends mid-century expressionism with a deeply ethereal, minimalist narrative. The artwork employs an elegantly ba...
Canvas, Acrylic
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled SF-341 Abstract Offset Print, Large Size, 2000s, Unframed
By Sam Francis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a reproduction of the lithograph in colors/PT8 #120 Waterleaf paper originally created in 1999. The very large piece is printed on a heavy woven paper, the colors carefully h...
Offset
Mark TOBEY : Spring Garden, Original signed screenprint
By Mark Tobey
Located in Paris, IDF
Mark TOBEY (1890-1976) Spring Garden, 1976 Original color screenprint Signed with the artist's stamp Numbered / 77 copies On Auvergne vellum 64.5 x 50.5 cm INFORMATION: Authenticat...
Screen
Anadyomine 1969 Signed Limited Edition Etching
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist Name: Barbara Kwasniewska Title: Anadyomine Year: 1969 Medium Type: etching Size-Width Size-Height: 22.5'' x 30" inches Signed Edition Size: Signed, Titled, and Numbered 5...
Etching
$3,850
AWH 352 - Abstract Minimalist Textured Layered Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Zimmer produces deeply layered, subtly textured abstract paintings that contain diametrically opposed elements—order and chaos, abstraction and representation, boldness and ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Coast Of Batumi
Located in New York, NY
A. Pavlov (Lithuanian/Russian) " Coast of Batumi ", Abstract Landscape signed Oil on Canvas, 20.50 x 25.50, Late 20th Century, 1979 Colors: Yellow, White, Black, Blue, White, Purple...
Oil
Mémoire du Rivage Contemporary Coastal Abstract Painting by Sophie Dumont
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
French contemporary artist Sophie Dumont is known for her textured oil paintings exploring memory, landscape, and the passage of time through layered abstract compositions. Born in P...
Oil
$12,000
Empty poems and Fake Gods, Aldo Chaparro, Oil on canvas, 90x68cm, Mexican, 2026
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
The death of painting and its returns have been proclaimed repeatedly at different moments throughout its history. Such pronouncements have functioned as intellectual provocations an...
Canvas, Oil
Spring. Awakening
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll “Spring. Awakening” reflects the first quiet shift of the season — a moment when light, color, and space begin to open. Soft layers of pale tones, subtle pinks, and g...
Canvas, Acrylic
Every Which Way, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Dorothy Gaziano builds layers of orange and cream over deep blues and black using oil paint and cold wax. The interplay of light and dark draws the viewer in,...
Oil
Orange Wave. Abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
This abstract work is created with alcohol inks on synthetic paper. Warm shades of orange, terracotta and deep red flow freely across the smooth surface, forming translucent layers, ...
Ink, Synthetic Paper
Two Little Friends
Located in Zofingen, AG
A woman rests among vibrant cushions in her golden dress, two small white dogs curled up beside her. A cozy, sunlit moment of quiet company. Ready on a stretcher bar, size 70/90/1 cm...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$324
Oil Floral Painting, Abstract Impressionist, Unframed "Red Splendor" 2010+
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"The Red Splendor" is an expressive contemporary floral painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created in oil on heavyweight professional acid-free paper, measuring 29.7 × 21 cm...
Oil, Paper
Inner Peace - Large Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed
By SOOS TIBERIU
Located in Zofingen, AG
READY TO HANG with the edges painted. Size: 150x100X2 cm, 59x39.4x0.8 inches. I signed and dated on the front and I also put my relief signet as you can see an example at the last pi...
Acrylic
$544Sale Price|20% Off
Untitled #537 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #537 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
Original World Cup USA 94 - Coca Cola Soccer poster
Located in Spokane, WA
Original World Cup USA ’94, Coca Cola sponsored vintage poster. Archival linen backed in A- condition, ready to frame. This World Cup ’94 poster is very rarely seen or available....
Offset
$100Sale Price|20% Off
White and Green Abstract Offset Print, Late 20th Century, Unframed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This poster for the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, designed by Zigi Ben-Haim, features a striking abstract composition primarily in white and green. The poster exemplifies a blend of modern...
Offset
The Lady maquette, replica of Chicago Picasso sculpture, American Bridge Company
Located in New York, NY
(After) Pablo Picasso The Lady (Maquette), ca. 1967 Mixed Media Sculpture edition Cor-ten Steel This maquette is based upon the original Chicago Picasso-a monumental sculpture by Pablo Picasso in Chicago, Illinois. The sculpture, dedicated on August 15, 1967, in Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop...
Stone, Steel
$324Sale Price|20% Off
On Two Tables Silkscreen Print, Abstract Geometric, Circa 2011, APs
Located in Bournemouth, Dorset
ROBINSON , Geoffrey (b.1945) On Two Tables c.2011 Silkscreen Print 47.0 × 57.0 cm 18 1/2 × 22 2/5 in 2 APs Geoffrey Robinson trained at Bournemouth College of Art in the 1960’...
Screen
Contemporary Minimalist Light Installation Sculpture Suspended LED Artwork Mareo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Technical Specifications Each sculpture integrates high-quality LED light strips, with each vertical element operating through an independent transformer to ensure optimal performan...
Metal
"Blooming Current" impressionistic painting, colorful flowers on cotton canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Look at the flowers. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are.” — Osho Blooming Current reflects the energy of nature through an expressive composition of blossoms and branc...
Canvas, Linen, Spray Paint, Acrylic
$12,000
Color Intersected Series No 6 - contemporary, geometric abstract, oil on panel
By Shayne Dark
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary, geometric abstract, oil-on-panel painting is by Canadian artist Shayne Dark. Dark calls his extraordinary new series of dynamic oil paintings—'calculated chaotic c...
Oil, Wood Panel
Abstract - Lithograph by Carla Accardi - 1970 ca.
Located in Roma, IT
Limited edition of 150 pieces, hand signed and numbered in pencil. Very good condition.
Lithograph
$4,000
New Looking Methods: Cobalt Blue & Gold Abstract Expressionist Painting, Framed
By Bruce Murphy
Located in Hudson, NY
Gestural abstract painting on paper with gold metallic powders and cobalt blue, pastel green, and rust colored enamel paint "New Looking Methods", made in 2022 by Hudson Valley paint...
Enamel
The triple echo: resilience of the soul
Located in Zofingen, AG
Three women emerge together against a vivid graffiti backdrop, their calm expressions holding steady amid the surrounding chaos. A quiet strength beneath layers of color and noise. S...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Untitled #1
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is part of the series “Inside and outside”, which explores the connection between a person’s inner world and what is happening around them. The series speaks about thoughts...
Paper, Mixed Media
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (MULTI) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Multi) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #85 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. C...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Once again: Abstract Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, bright colors
By Emily STARCK
Located in BARCELONA, ES
"My work is rooted in abstract expressionism, and my process is deeply personal. It begins in a meditative state or an inner impulse, rather than a pre-established concept, allowing ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Roberto Burle Marx, Stamp. Drawing From The Series Terms And Conditions
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The project is based in the contrast of the two images, the air waybill and the postage stamp, from different times but similar in their function. The artist seeks to enlighten the c...
Paper, India Ink
$1,000
Arnaldo Pomodoro - Big Sphere - Hand Signed and Inscribed Art Postcard, Framed
Located in New York, NY
Arnaldo Pomodoro - Big Sphere - Hand Signed and Inscribed Art Card, 1992 Offset lithograph card (hand signed by Arnaldo Pomodoro) This scarce hand signed postcard depicts Arnaldo Pom...
Postcard
"Finishing Touch", Abstract Collage painting
By Jill Haas
Located in Westport, CT
This contemporary abstract painting by Jill haas features a contemporary style, often exploring themes of introspection and emotion through abstract forms and thoughtful color palett...
Mixed Media, Wood Panel
$661
Pomegranate Still Life Painting, Oil on Board, Hyperrealistic Still Life, 40xm
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...
Oil, Board
$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
THE FABULOUS ALCYONE
Located in Zofingen, AG
Long time ago, on the shores of Greece lived the lovers Ceyx and Alcyone, descendants of the gods of wind and sea. They were happy, but fate intervened: Ceyx set off on a journey to ...
Canvas, Acrylic
#105, 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
$1,350
"Once Verdant" (flora, abstract, roses, blush, pink, green, dye, antique linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
ONCE VERDANT 2024 Paris, France This enchanting painting portrays the artist's vision of an abstracted, organic floral pattern. The floral shapes and shadows allude to traces of a ...
Linen, Dye, Oil
$1,026Sale Price|20% Off
YVETTE DUBOIS-HABASQUE (1929-2016) FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT PAINTING
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Abstract Composition" original Oil Painting on board by Yvette Dubois Habasque (1929-2016) signed on back Dated: November 2007 card: 15.75 x 15.7.5 inches Fine original abstract...
Oil
$1,053
Original-Impasto-Moonlit Dahlias-Jardin d'Hiver-British Awarded Artist-Gold leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Jardin d'Hiver Series is Shizico Yi's latest collection, created in her winter studio while longing for the summer left behind. Reflecting on the vibrant days spent painting en plein...
Gold Leaf