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.
#64, 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
$763
Authorised-The Blue Dove-La colombe bleue-offset Lithography 1996-German Publish
Located in London, GB
The print is Pablo Picasso's famous artwork, the "Dove of Peace" ( Colombe de la Paix), it is an iconic symbol of peace, originally created as a lithograph in 1949. Picasso created s...
Ink, Archival Paper, Lithograph
"umbrella girl series" RK69DE7, Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Art measures 31.49 x 23,62 inches Frame measures 36.22 x 28.34 x 2.36 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color: antique gold Artist: Roger König b. De...
Clay, Acrylic
$3,698
Original-Constable’s Clouds, Van Gogh’s Blue-Brit Awarded Artist-oil-gold leaf
Located in London, GB
Constable’s Clouds, Van Gogh’s Blue is Shizico Yi’s latest series—an exploration of landscape reimagined through memory and material experimentation and emotional resonance. In this ...
Gold Leaf
$525
The Marigold Dress 1 - Abstract Flowy Minimalist Figurative Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses dynamism and sensuality in her paintings: “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, flowers, and people in motion, capturing th...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media, Graphite
$1,230
Modernist Curves on Mauve, Organic Forms Diptych in Cold Tones, Yellow Accent
Located in Barcelona, ES
This abstract diptych features flowing, organic forms layered in blues, soft neutrals, and warm yellow accents. The composition balances movement and structure, with interlocking sha...
Paper, Oil
$3,400
Fruity Ramen Alchemy: ARRIVAL - Meditative Abstract Blue Tone Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo presents a collection of artworks designed to engage viewers in a meditative experience, drawing them closer to the enduring ideals of truth, b...
Gold Leaf
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Coral Reef, Abstract Mixed Media Painting, Acrylic & Sand, 24x18in, 2025
By a.muse
Located in New york, NY
In the 24 x 18in abstract painting Coral Reef, 2025 a. muse uses acrylic, oil pastel, gouache, sand, and diamond dust to render colorful biomorphic forms from the sea. Warm, cool, an...
Rag Paper, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Gouache
$8,417
Haiku
Located in London, London
Decor floral vintage flowers, beige, blue, floral, pink, red. Still-life Abstract expressionism, abstract painting on canvas, and interior design. 94x105cm (Full size 98x111cm) acr...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Don't Let Them Burst Your Bubble: Pink 11425 - sculpture, blown glass and metal
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary wall sculpture is made from pink glass bubbles. Each work is individually hand-formed in glass, so slight variations in colour, shape, and texture from the images ...
Glass, Mixed Media
$6,012Sale Price|37% Off
Haiku
Located in London, London
All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. large scale abstract painting interior design flowers, pink, violet, yellow, gold, red, orange, ochre, modern, contemporar...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Pura Vida - Modern Abstract Earthy Tone Textural Acrylic Painting on Canvas
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
Peace flags n°33 by Gilbert Pauli - Oil on canvas 135x100
Located in Geneva, CH
Born in the canton of Friborg, Gilbert Pauli (1944 - 2020) lived in Geneva, where he devoted himself to painting and sculpture, a passion he developed since childhood. His favorite t...
Oil, Canvas
Abstract I by Yann Guillon - vertical bronze sculpture, black patina
By Yann Guillon
Located in Paris, FR
Abstract I (Abstraite I) is an abstract sculpture by French contemporary artist Yann Guillon, made of bronze and finished with a black patina. Limited edition of 8 + 4 artist's proof...
Bronze
$1,850
Solace (Companionship) -21st Century Contemporary Abstract Expression, Love, Dog
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
There’s a silence that speaks when words can’t; the kind of silence that feels like a hand resting gently on your heart. Solace was born from that quiet. I painted this after a long...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
avp_1412 - Original Abstract Deep Blue Tone Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
$10,100
Das Grosse Blau - Large Abstract Expressionism Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Das Grosse Blau' features whimsical details and vibra...
Enamel
$3,246
Christina Gschwantner New Vivid Strokes Contemporary Abstract Painting
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The work reflects the artist’s mastery of gesture and emotion, where each mark becomes a visual language. A striking piece that brings movement, depth, and intensity to any collectio...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Echoes (1/13) by James Lumsden - abstract painting, vivid red
Located in Paris, FR
Echoes (1/13) is a painting by Scottish artist James Lumsden created with acrylic on canvas (gloss finish) and focusing on the red color. Dimensions: 23.6 x 19.7 inches (60 x 50 cm)....
Canvas, Acrylic
$555
Moody - Color Drenched Impasto Inspired Textural 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
$3,299
India Oil on Board Modern 1967 Signed Dated Impressionistic Bombay Progressives
Located in Norfolk, GB
Harkrishan Lall (1921 - 2000) Untitled (possibly St Paul's Cathedral, Calcutta) Oil on board, 1967 Board size: 51 x 40.5 cm Frame Size: 62.5 x 53.2 cm Signed bottom right and date...
Oil, Board
Anticipation
Located in Burlingame, CA
Eleanor Rahim’s work explores the emotional and perceptual power of water through painting and drawing. Her images do not describe a specific place so much as a state of being, where...
Canvas, Acrylic
Cafe Bougainvillea, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A sunlit cafe courtyard framed by bougainvillea in full bloom comes alive with color and movement. Expressive brushwork and thick impasto in the foliage create ...
Oil
$840Sale Price|43% Off
Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Blue (~44% OFF LIST PRICE)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Gottfried Honegger Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Blue 3D-construction, Screenprint on Hahnemuhle Velvet 2015 Size: 20.9 × 21.1 on 24.2 × 23.8 inches Edition: E.A. of 5...
Archival Paper, Screen
$9,619
Emanation
Located in London, London
Flowers still-life. Blue, yellow, green, flowers, nature, beige, pink, red, golden, ochre, XXL size, extra large abstract painting, large scale, design artwork. Artist: Katarina J...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
“Accept”
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Gather Yourself” Series “From Simple to…” This work is about inner composure and focus that emerge from simplicity and silence. About the ability to stay in contact with oneself, to...
Acrylic
Alexander Calder - Our Unfinished Revolution poster Limited Edition of 250, '76
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster Printed signature and date on offset paper This poster was published in a limited edition of 250 - unnumbered - separate from the lithographic portfolio of...
Lithograph, Offset
"At the Stroke of Midnight", Abstract, Blue, Red, Gold, Mixed Media Painting
By Peter Knapp
Located in Franklin, MA
Peter Knapp’s “At the Stroke of Midnight” is a 24 x 32 x 1 inch abstract mixed media painting on cradled panel in blue, aqua, red, and gold acrylic, ink, and pencil. First of the “Sp...
Archival Ink, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Color Pencil
$2,300
Atmospheric Balance - Contemporary Abstract Painting, Soft Blue and Neutral
Located in Cumming, GA
Atmospheric Balance original painting captures a luminous, tranquil moment inspired by light, air, and natural equilibrium. Soft layers of pale blue, warm ivory, and subtle neutral t...
Canvas, Acrylic
Silver Linings No. 5 - sculpture, ceramic
By Loren Kaplan
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary ceramic black bowl is by Loren Kaplan. A gifted ceramicist, Loren Kaplan’s strikingly elegant work is highly regarded by international collectors. Kaplan’s porcela...
Ceramic, Mixed Media
Inner Order: Abstract Expressionism Oil Painting, Geometric, Library
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Title: Inner Order Artist: Sophie Dumont Year: 2022 Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (unframed): 60 × 73 cm (23.62 x 28.74 in) Dimensions (framed): 67 x 80 cm (26.37 x 31.49 in) Si...
Oil
Tender Memories. Medium size absract painting, coral, lilac, blue, floral
Located in Oslo, NO
This abstract painting is created through layered application of paint, with a strong focus on texture and surface. Soft, muted tones interact with warmer coral and smoky lilac hues,...
Canvas, Acrylic
$900
Sea in Orange, School of Fish in Turquoise, Abstract Patterns Seascape, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a salty treasure that surrounds us...
Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Watercolor
avp_1453 - Expressive Color Drenched Abstract Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Zephyr Monumental 2/7 Mirror Polished Stainless Steel - outdoor sculpture
By Jeremy Guy
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This sculpture is number 2 in an edition of 7 and can be purchased on a commission basis. Please allow 24 -30 weeks before shipping. It can also be created in smaller sizes, between ...
Stainless Steel
$1,800
Energy - Painting Abstract Abundant Contemporary Maximalism Bold Unique Contrast
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: The Guardians of Energy (Abundant Energy) Energy Painting Abstract Abundant Contemporary Maximalism Bold Unique Contrast Fresh Revival Renewal Texture The Guardians of Ener...
Gesso, Wood, Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$15,000
RARE! Mark Rothko at Museo d'Arte Moderna Ca' Pesaro, Venezia hand no. 250/500
By Mark Rothko
Located in New York, NY
Mark Rothko at Museo d'Arte Moderna Ca' Pesaro, Venezia, 1970 Offset lithograph and lithograph on high quality lithographic paper Numbered in pencil 250/500 in the lower left front ...
Pencil, Lithograph, Offset
Red fish
Located in Zofingen, AG
The red fish is a symbol of confidence, stable good fortune, and abundance. It represents moving in one’s own rhythm, trusting intuition, and inner stability. The red color emphasize...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
"Hear"
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is about a state of openness and attentiveness to oneself and to the world. About the ability to listen — to stay in contact with one’s own feelings and with what is happen...
Acrylic
$4,200
Timelessness – Original Abstract Marsh Landscape Painting, blue, green, water
Located in Cumming, GA
Timelessness original abstract marsh landscape painting is inspired by the quiet beauty of coastal wetlands and serene waterscapes. Soft blues, muted greens, and layered neutral tone...
Canvas, Acrylic
Pink peony on a golden background
Located in Zofingen, AG
A delicate close-up of a blooming pink peony, built on a subtle play of light and tonal transitions. The petals appear to glow from within, shifting from pale blush to richer raspber...
Canvas, Acrylic
Self Heal - Original Framed Floral Artwork on Antique Botanical Book Page
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring focuses his contemporary paintings on vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday momen...
Paper, Mixed Media
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
Soft Summer - Large Contemporary Abstract Textured Cool Tone Landscape Art
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring is a contemporary painter specializing in vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday m...
Canvas, Varnish, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Mediterranean Garden (Under the Mandarin Trees)
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work emerges at the intersection of a personal journey through Italy and the universal image of the garden as a space of harmony and inner order. The Mediterranean garden here i...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Exist"
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Exist” 2026 Series “From Simple to…” This work addresses simple things that lie in the basic settings of life. Repetitive, almost unnoticed actions that over time create a sense of ...
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
Apotheosis of Twilight, Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 61x80 cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
Painting on canvas constructed through overlapping layers of color. The composition is organized by chromatic fields that intersect and extend in different directions. The surface pr...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$417Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Painted Canvas Limited Edition#4/10–Sunshine Factory-British Awarded artist
Located in London, GB
This stunning large-scale hand-painted canvas edition is created in oil by Shizico Yi and is 95% hand painted directly onto canvas. Signed on the front and fully signed and numbered ...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$541
Contemporary abstract figurative portrait of a dog on paper "Unconditional"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Unconditional" is a contemporary figurative painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created with acrylic paints on professional acid-free paper. This work belongs to a more inti...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,500
avp_1521 - Original Abstract Vibrant Blue Tone Contemporary Painting on Paper
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Paper, Acrylic
Resurfacing Mix Media on Canvas, Abstract, 48x48, 2025
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Resurfacing, 2025 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on canvas 48 × 48 inches Resurfacing is a quietly assertive abstract work that explores repetition, erosion, and the persistence of...
Glaze, Acrylic, Pencil
$5,771Sale Price|20% Off
Red floral
Located in London, London
All custom charges are included in the final price agreed. Floral vintage tapestry abstract decor Red flowers still-life. Artist: Katarina Joys Title: Red bloom Technique: acryli...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$3,200
"Lines 311" 2025 pigmented ink on 300 lb hot press watercolor paper, 40 x 30 in.
By Dana Piazza
Located in New York, NY
Dana Piazza Lines 311, 2025 pigmented ink on 300 lb hot press watercolor paper 40 x 30 in. (pia014)
Paper, Ink
Water flowers
Located in London, London
Decor floral, vintage flowers Abstract painting on canvas, blue, extra-large, XXL, large oil on canvas painting, abstract expressionism. Abstract art, water flowers, exotic flower...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Love (Peonies)
Located in Zofingen, AG
Two delicate peonies on a deep navy-blue background. It feels as if these two flowers have merged into one — this is love! The painting is created with acrylic on canvas: layered br...
Canvas, Acrylic
Hand Painted One of One Artist's Proof-Sunset Song Blue -British Awarded Artist
Located in London, GB
This one of one unique Artist's proof is 80% hand painted by artist Shizico Yi on Giclee made on Aluminium, the original paints are hand mixed by the artist. It is the only hand pai...
Metal
Gerhard Richter -Abstract Picture, limited edition authorized reproduction print
Located in New York, NY
Gerhard Richter Untitled Abstract Picture, 2002 Offset lithograph on GardaMatt Art 250 GSM paper Not signed, edition of 3433 12 1/2 × 16 3.5 inches Unframed Printed on GardaMatt Art...
Lithograph, Offset
"Gather Yourself"
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Gather Yourself” Series “From Simple to…” This work is about inner composure and focus that emerge from simplicity and silence. About the ability to stay in contact with oneself, to...
Acrylic
$1,099Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Sunset Song Series-British Awarded Artist-Modern Ancient, new abstract
Located in London, GB
Sunset Song was created entirely en plein air, painted directly under the fading light of late-summer and autumn sunsets — and often till moonlight hours. With no artificial light, S...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”
Beneath the inky blackness, the painter’s irrepressible energy electrifies this pair of intaglio prints.
The New York Botanical Garden, in the Bronx, has mounted a multifaceted show honoring the polymath modernist's legacy, including new work by contemporary landscape maker Raymond Jungles.
In his current show at New York's Lehmann Maupin gallery, the Puerto Rican–born talent reveals new paintings with a semiautobiographical aspect.