Skip to main content

Michael Kessler Art

American, b. 1954
Michael Kessler makes nature-based paintings that merge geometric elements with biomorphism. He began his art career as a landscape painter. While still an undergraduate at Kutztown University Kessler received a fellowship from the Whitney Museum of American Art to study and produce art in New York City at the Whitney Independent Study Program. During this period (1977–78) he met many important artists working in New York City including Richard Tuttle and Dorothea Rockburne. Influenced by the paintings of Brice Marden and Elizabeth Murray as well as the music of Phillip Glass and Steve Reich he began experimenting with his own work. His paintings soon became fully non-objective. Kessler's works are characterized by large fields of diaphanous color that are activated by organic linear structures that have been visually and physically woven into a grid structure, which consists of thick slabs of paint. These organic linear structures are overlapped and punctuated by dendritic growth patterns that suggest the bending of time and space. These visual elements as well as the color combinations have been carefully extracted from nature over time through prolonged observation and then reconstructed and orchestrated to transmit the dynamics of the Natural World. In this way Kessler synthesizes disparate elements into a new kind of harmony. In 1991 after returning from a year in Italy (via. the Rome Prize) Kessler became very involved with large-scale, site-specific installations. Gallery owner Chris Schmidt (Schmidt/Dean Gallery, Philadelphia) worked with Kessler to initiate this project by obtaining a commission from Arlen Specter for Kessler's first sitespecific work which was installed in Senator Specter's office at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. In Chicago Kessler continued this pursuit with Gallery owner Paul Klein who also got involved with the placement of sitespecific works in his gallery Klein Art Works. In 1993-95 Kessler taught art at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. During the 90s Kessler worked with Brenda Kroos in Cleveland, Ohio. He had several exhibitions there and many of his paintings were placed in corporate and private collections in the Cleveland area.
to
1
10
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
2
9
1
1
8
8
3
9
8
8
2
2
11
10,819
2,842
2,494
1,414
11
Artist: Michael Kessler
Untitled

Untitled

By Michael Kessler

Located in Buffalo, NY

Kessler makes nature-based paintings that merge geometric elements with biomorphism. He began his art career as a landscape painter. While still an undergraduate at Kutztown Universi...

Category

1980s Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Oil, Paper, Wood

MEDIANIC
MEDIANIC

MEDIANIC

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Michael Kessler’s work explores the continuum between gesture and geometry. Each work consists of as many as 50 micro-thin layers of translucent and transparent acrylic. Biomorphic tendrils branch to and fro, while arcs of line and color slip over and under matrices, balancing nature’s sinuous curves with the mindfulness of structure. He likens the gestural freedom in his works to a kind of painterly “tai chi” – a...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

White 1

White 1

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Michael Kessler often describes his process in musical terms, likening his approach to improvisational jazz, where themes and motifs emerge and evolve organically. His paintings are ...

Category

2010s Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic

CELESTERRIAL 3
CELESTERRIAL 3

CELESTERRIAL 3

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Kessler's use of geometry is not bound to rigid mathematical systems; rather, it serves as a vessel for expressive improvisation, much like a jazz composition. The geometric elements...

Category

2010s Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic, Board

Emerald Pools (21)
Emerald Pools (21)

Emerald Pools (21)

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Michael Kessler makes nature-based paintings that merge geometric elements with biomorphism. He began his art career as a landscape painter. While an undergraduate at Kutztown University Kessler received a fellowship from the Whitney Museum of American Art to study and produce art in New York City at the Whitney Independent Study Program. Michael Kessler’s work explores the continuum between gesture and geometry. Each work consists of as many as 50 micro-thin layers of translucent and transparent acrylic. Biomorphic tendrils branch to and fro, while arcs of line and color slip over and under matrices, balancing nature’s sinuous curves with the mindfulness of structure. He likens the gestural freedom in his works to a kind of painterly “tai chi” – a...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic

CELESTERRIAL 4
CELESTERRIAL 4

CELESTERRIAL 4

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Kessler's use of geometry is not bound to rigid mathematical systems; rather, it serves as a vessel for expressive improvisation, much like a jazz composition. The geometric elements...

Category

2010s Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic, Board

Birchonapsen

Birchonapsen

By Michael Kessler

Located in New Orleans, LA

Acrylic on canvas

Category

2010s Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic

Jillidu
Jillidu

Jillidu

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Michael Kessler makes nature-based paintings that merge geometric elements with biomorphism. He began his art career as a landscape painter. While an undergraduate at Kutztown University Kessler received a fellowship from the Whitney Museum of American Art to study and produce art in New York City at the Whitney Independent Study Program. Michael Kessler’s work explores the continuum between gesture and geometry. Each work consists of as many as 50 micro-thin layers of translucent and transparent acrylic. Biomorphic tendrils branch to and fro, while arcs of line and color slip over and under matrices, balancing nature’s sinuous curves with the mindfulness of structure. He likens the gestural freedom in his works to a kind of painterly “tai chi” – a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic

Grill 11

Michael KesslerGrill 11

Price Upon Request

Grill 11

By Michael Kessler

Located in New Orleans, LA

Acrylic on panel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Michael Kessler Art

Treeclips 14

Michael KesslerTreeclips 14

Price Upon Request

Treeclips 14

By Michael Kessler

Located in New Orleans, LA

Acrylic on panel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Michael Kessler Art

Related Items
Blue Desert No. 6 - Abstract Deep Green Bronze Geometric Original Wall Painting
Blue Desert No. 6 - Abstract Deep Green Bronze Geometric Original Wall Painting

Blue Desert No. 6 - Abstract Deep Green Bronze Geometric Original Wall Painting

By Alexander Eulert

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Alexander Eulert's original mixed media paintings on wood panels are abstract propositions of worlds where divergent forces coalesce into harmonious geometric interactions. He draws ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

Missing Piece, Abstract Mixed on Canvas, 2025, Framed 37.5x49
Missing Piece, Abstract Mixed on Canvas, 2025, Framed 37.5x49

Missing Piece, Abstract Mixed on Canvas, 2025, Framed 37.5x49

By Murray Duncan

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Missing Piece, 2025 Artist: Murray Duncan Medium: Mixed media on canvas Frame: Black wood floating frame Canvas Size: 36 in × 48 in Overall Dimensions: 37.25 in × 49 in × 1.5 in Mi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Glaze, Acrylic, Pencil

Glimpses No. 8 - Original Turquoise Green Gold Abstract Geometric Artwork
Glimpses No. 8 - Original Turquoise Green Gold Abstract Geometric Artwork

Glimpses No. 8 - Original Turquoise Green Gold Abstract Geometric Artwork

By Alexander Eulert

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Alexander Eulert's original mixed media paintings on wood panels are abstract propositions of worlds where divergent forces coalesce into harmonious geometric interactions. He draws ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Earthy Brown & Green Abstract Expressionist Art - a Unique Original Painting
Earthy Brown & Green Abstract Expressionist Art - a Unique Original Painting

Earthy Brown & Green Abstract Expressionist Art - a Unique Original Painting

By Angela Wakefield

Located in Preston, GB

Earthy Brown & Green Abstract Expressionist Art - a Unique Original Painting - an extremely rare early work from leading British Contemporary Artist, Angela Wakefield. This colou...

Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Cotton, Paint, Varnish, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, ...

Urban Joy Contemporary Abstract Painting, 24x24 Inches, Signed
Urban Joy Contemporary Abstract Painting, 24x24 Inches, Signed

Urban Joy Contemporary Abstract Painting, 24x24 Inches, Signed

By Jodi Ferrier

Located in Washington, DC

Urban Joy is a vibrant 24" x 24" abstract painting that captures the layered energy and rhythm of city life. Featuring a dynamic interplay of bold color blocks, gestural marks, and t...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic

Over & About: Abstract Geometric Wood Wall Sculpture in Grey, Light Blue, Beige
Over & About: Abstract Geometric Wood Wall Sculpture in Grey, Light Blue, Beige

Over & About: Abstract Geometric Wood Wall Sculpture in Grey, Light Blue, Beige

By Stephen Walling

Located in Hudson, NY

Abstract geometric three-dimensional wood wall sculpture in pale grey, light blue, light taupe, and beige, with accents of stormy blue "In, Out, Over, and About", hand-carved woode...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Wood, Dye, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Mnemonic Rhythm (Bright, Multicolored Textile Inspired Abstract Wall Sculpture)
Mnemonic Rhythm (Bright, Multicolored Textile Inspired Abstract Wall Sculpture)

Mnemonic Rhythm (Bright, Multicolored Textile Inspired Abstract Wall Sculpture)

By Susan Stover

Located in Hudson, NY

Mnemonic Rhythm (Bright, Multicolored Textile Inspired Abstract Wall Sculpture), made by Susan Stover in 2025 wood, oil paint, varnish, waxed linen thread 30 x 30 inches Lightweight,...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Thread, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Cardboard

Fields No. 21 - Turquoise Blue Gold Organic Abstract Geometric Original Artwork
Fields No. 21 - Turquoise Blue Gold Organic Abstract Geometric Original Artwork

Fields No. 21 - Turquoise Blue Gold Organic Abstract Geometric Original Artwork

By Alexander Eulert

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Alexander Eulert's original mixed media paintings on wood panels are abstract propositions of worlds where divergent forces coalesce into harmonious geometric interactions. He draws ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

Stripes R7
Stripes R7

Anna MedvedevaStripes R7, 2024

$2,125

H 30 in Dm 30 in

Stripes R7

Located in Richmond Hill, ON

In creating this piece, I channeled the vibrancy of life into bold, colorful stripes that dance across the canvas in a joyous rhythm. Each stroke of acrylic was a deliberate act of f...

Category

2010s Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel

Holy Split I Mixed Media Original Painting on Canvas, Abstract Landscape, 2026
Holy Split I Mixed Media Original Painting on Canvas, Abstract Landscape, 2026

Holy Split I Mixed Media Original Painting on Canvas, Abstract Landscape, 2026

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

HOLY SPLIT I 2026 Paris, France HOLY SPLIT I is an ethereal mixed medium painting on canvas depicting a surreal dreamlike rift in a serene landscape. Abstract fuchsia forms suggesti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Pencil

1960 Italy Abstract Painting and Paper Collage by Ermete Lancini
1960 Italy Abstract Painting and Paper Collage by Ermete Lancini

1960 Italy Abstract Painting and Paper Collage by Ermete Lancini

Located in Brescia, IT

This stunning abstract artwork was made in 1960, by the well known Italian artist Ermete Lancini. The artwork is a painting and a collage with newspaper sheet and other glued element...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Paper, Magazine Paper, Oil

Original Diptych-Jardin d'Hiver Moonlit Series-British Awarded Artist-Dahlias
Original Diptych-Jardin d'Hiver Moonlit Series-British Awarded Artist-Dahlias

Original Diptych-Jardin d'Hiver Moonlit Series-British Awarded Artist-Dahlias

Located in London, GB

[Jardin d'Hiver] is Shizico Yi's on-going series, created in her winter studio while savouring for the summer left behind. This diptych included one evening scene of the last full m...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Previously Available Items
Tree diptych
Tree diptych

Michael KesslerTree diptych, circa 2010

Sold

H 24.5 in W 80 in D 2 in

Tree diptych

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Michael Kessler makes nature-based paintings that merge geometric elements with biomorphism. He began his art career as a landscape painter. While an undergraduate at Kutztown Univer...

Category

20th Century Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

LUPULIN
LUPULIN

Michael KesslerLUPULIN

Sold

H 48 in W 36 in D 1.5 in

LUPULIN

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Michael Kessler’s work explores the continuum between gesture and geometry. Each work consists of as many as 50 micro-thin layers of translucent and transparent acrylic. Biomorphic tendrils branch to and fro, while arcs of line and color slip over and under matrices, balancing nature’s sinuous curves with the mindfulness of structure. He likens the gestural freedom in his works to a kind of painterly “tai chi” – a...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel

Aspen Blue (3)

Michael KesslerAspen Blue (3), circa 2010

Sold

H 18 in W 60 in D 1.5 in

Aspen Blue (3)

By Michael Kessler

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Michael Kessler makes nature-based paintings that merge geometric elements with biomorphism. He began his art career as a landscape painter. While an undergraduate at Kutztown University Kessler received a fellowship from the Whitney Museum of American Art to study and produce art in New York City at the Whitney Independent Study Program. Michael Kessler’s work explores the continuum between gesture and geometry. Each work consists of as many as 50 micro-thin layers of translucent and transparent acrylic. Biomorphic tendrils branch to and fro, while arcs of line and color slip over and under matrices, balancing nature’s sinuous curves with the mindfulness of structure. He likens the gestural freedom in his works to a kind of painterly “tai chi” – a...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Michael Kessler Art

Materials

Acrylic

Aspenized 19

Michael KesslerAspenized 19

Sold

H 60 in W 40 in

Aspenized 19

By Michael Kessler

Located in New Orleans, LA

Acrylic on panel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Michael Kessler Art

Waterclock

Michael KesslerWaterclock

Sold

H 28 in W 70 in

Waterclock

By Michael Kessler

Located in New Orleans, LA

Acrylic on panel.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Michael Kessler Art

Michael Kessler art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Michael Kessler art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of red and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Michael Kessler in paint, acrylic paint, synthetic resin paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Michael Kessler art, so small editions measuring 11 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jeanette Fintz, Shingo Francis, and Jim Waid. Michael Kessler art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,200 and tops out at $15,000, while the average work can sell for $8,500.

Artists Similar to Michael Kessler