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.
“Set Out”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The works from this series were exhibited at ART KYIV Fair 2026 and later presented as part of the artist’s solo exhibition “Points of View” at MODI Art & Wine Gallery, Kyiv. “Set ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$850
Mysterious Sea, Abstract Seascape Painting in Orange, School of Fish Patterns
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Mysterious Sea ” is a contemporary abstract painting inspired by the fluid motion of ocean currents. Layers of teal, green, and orange tones intertwine with flowing yellow lines, ev...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
The Vigilant Guardian
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 130×97 cm (overall size with stretching 140×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled the series "The Inviolable Reserve" This artwork explores the them...
Canvas, Acrylic
You brought Sunshine and Summer: Original Floral Painting, Blue vase, Geese.
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: You brought Sunshine and Summer Original Floral Painting, Blue vase, Geese, Heron, Unique, One-of-a-kind. "You brought Sunshine and Summer" is a painting that portrays a dee...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
The Way Home
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled This new piece from the “Past Passing Me By” series is a visual med...
Canvas, Acrylic
Exhale
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
Exhale is part of the series From Simple to…, which focuses on simple things that help people restore their inner balance. The sheep conveys a sense of calm, trust in the present mom...
Acrylic, Canvas
$1,100
High Seas, Abstract Gestual Patterns, Contemporary Seascape, School of Fish 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Orange Seascape Medium: Acrylic Painting Monoprinting on Paper Size: 100x65 cm ( 40 x 25.6 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shi...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
$10,396
Youth
Located in London, London
Unicorn mystery passion spring Swift brushstrokes evoke a sense of power and speed full size of the canvas 156x229cm (size 150x223cm) acrylic, oil on canvas one-of-a-kind The...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Sunchasers: Painting of Dogs, Modern Abstract, Gold Frame, 51x41cm
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Sunchasers Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I ...
Gold
“Let’s Play”
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting "Let’s Play" immerses the viewer in a playful world, inviting them into a fairy tale reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. The girl holds a small rabbit tightly in her arm...
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
Insightful Intent: Calm Dog Painting, Abstract Expressionist, Framed Gold
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: BLUE - Insightful Intent Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series c...
Gold
The Inner Light
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled "The Inner Light" is a visual meditation on preserving one's true...
Canvas, Acrylic
“Rest”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “Rest” from the series “From Simple to…” creates a sense of calm, recovery, and inner completeness. The minimalist image of the animal and the pastel, natural color pale...
Acrylic
Red fish
By Irina Burda
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
Savor
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
Savor” is a work from the series From Simple to… about simple things that help a person maintain inner balance. A sheep savoring a small flower within a green landscape conveys a sen...
Acrylic
Attempt at Harmony Abstract Painting, Mixed Media, Ochre Tones, 88cm
Located in Bogotá, Bogotá
"Attempt at Harmony" is an abstract painting distinguished by its texture and intertwined layers of color. Dominated by ochre tones, the piece is complemented by flashes of blue, pur...
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$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
Love
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Love” Love is the meeting of two shadows and two lights. It is a path through fears and silent barriers, where tenderness becomes strength. It reveals the self, lays bare vulnerabil...
Canvas, Acrylic
$750
Composed Calmness: Equestrian Horse Abstract Expressionist Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Composed Calmness Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borrowed f...
Gold
"Exist"
By Iryna Rets
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
The Foundation
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 110×97 cm (overall size with stretching 120×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled the series "The Inviolable Reserve" Painting "The Foundation" is ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Honey Bee on Flowers Original Painting Garden Wall Art Bee Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
Honey Bee on Flowers – Original Oil Painting, Impasto Floral Garden Art, Contemporary Nature Wall Art This original floral painting captures a vivid and intimate moment from nature—...
Canvas, Oil
$1,050
White and Blue Diptych, Gestual Abstraction School of Fish, Modern Seascape Fish
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, Acrylic, Watercolor
Crossroads
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Crossroads” is a work from the series “Map of Infinity,” reflecting a state of inner transition and the search for a new direction. The female figure appears suspended between layer...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Rooster, Abstrast Charcoal Drawing by Etienne Poirier
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning charcoal drawing by French artist Etienne Poirier (1919 - 2002). This rare artwork is a charcoal-on-paper composition depicting an interpretation of the proud rooster. Thi...
Charcoal
"Hear"
By Iryna Rets
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
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Large Original Oil Painting Abstract Expressionist Horse
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning large scale abstract expressionist horse's head/eye, circa 1990. Unsigned. Unframed. Size: 60"H x 60"W x 1.5.
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
"Looks Like Sun" Original Buffalo Art by Brian Keith Stephens, Western Landscape
Located in Denver, CO
"Looks Like Sun" is an evocative original painting by Brian Keith Stephens, capturing the rugged spirit of a western buffalo. This piece, using oil and wax on cotton, measures 32 x 4...
Cotton, Wax, Oil
"Pond Life" Colorful Japanese Koi Fish & Water Lily Oil Painting on 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
Hiper Organico 35
By Laura Manino
Located in Dallas, TX
pastel & chalk on paper
Paper, Pastel, Chalk
$3,600
Large Modernist French Abstract Expressionist Colorful Bird Painting Roger Lersy
By Roger Lersy
Located in Surfside, FL
Roger Lersy, French (1920 - 2004) Oil on canvas Signed, R. Lersy, dated 1961 lower right Measuring 35 X 31 Matted and framed. sight 26 X 21.5 Roger Lersy was born in Paris, France ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,731Sale Price|20% Off
“Soft Strength”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The works from this series were exhibited at ART KYIV Fair 2026 and later presented as part of the artist’s solo exhibition “Points of View” at MODI Art & Wine Gallery, Kyiv. “So...
Acrylic, Canvas
“Accept”
By Iryna Rets
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
$850
Marine Mirage, Abstract Gestures School of Fish, Blue Yones Modern Seascape 2026
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Marine Mirage ” is a contemporary abstract painting inspired by the fluid motion of ocean currents. Layers of blue tones intertwine with flowing yellow lines, evoking the depth and...
Paper, Acrylic, Monotype
$900
Mediterrani, Blue and White, Abstract Gesture Patters, Acrylic Painting Seascape
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
Marine Spectrum, Mixed Media Seascape, Art Brut Style on Paper, Light Tones
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
$1,200
"Epergne" (animalia, fauna, black & white, abstract, surreal, dark, mysterious)
Located in Paris, IDF
EPERGNE 2024, Paris, France This painting conveys the sense of knowing something is under the surface, in the dark, while not fully understanding it - as if looking into a cave. An ...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil
$336Sale Price|20% Off
Colored bird
Located in Zofingen, AG
A vivid, almost tropical-feeling bird is captured in a moment of quiet contemplation. Its plumage is a painterly symphony of warm ochres, golden yellows, turquoise, and deep blues. T...
Canvas, Acrylic
Red Horse Abstract Watercolor on Archival Paper, 2010s, Unframed
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
Red Horse A symbol of aggression — not destructive, but productive. A force that exists within each of us, yet one we do not always allow to be released. It is an energy of movement ...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
"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 All art frames show signs of...
Clay, Acrylic
$984Sale Price|20% Off
The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIII: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XXIII: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by unknown artist (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgott...
Oil, Board
$850
Joyous Turquoise Sea, Abstract Fish Patterns, Mediterranean Seascape on 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
Abstract Blue and White Fish Patterns, Mediterranean, Expressionist Seascape
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
Untitled Seahorse Abstract Space Watercolor Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Untitled watercolor surrealist painting with a sea horse and planets. The work is done using bright warm colors and is signed by the artist in the bottom corner. The painting is not currently framed. Artist Biography: Born in the Belgian Congo in 1940, Gustave Alhadeff won his first award at the annual art show in Elisabethville, at age 13. His formal art education began with Mr. Marcel Pire (Prix de Rome). He continued his studies at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, with Mr. Van Nesche in Cape Town, South Africa from 1956 to 1957. He was awarded a scholarship from the Art Academy to continue his studies with Mr.Creytens at the "Institute National Superieur des Beaux Arts" in Anvers, Belgium. The following year he entered the class of Mr. Leon Devos...
Watercolor
Elephants Painting Tropical Wildlife Nature Landscape Family Safari Art
Located in Zofingen, AG
**Elephants Painting Tropical Wildlife Nature Landscape Family Safari Art** This original tropical wildlife painting presents an intimate portrait-like vie...
Canvas, Oil
$3,795Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Horses Spanish School, signed 'Santos' early 21st century acrylic painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 48 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection, So...
Acrylic, Canvas
Woman Walking Dog
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Circle of Graciela Rodo Boulanger. Woman Walking Dog, ca. 1970. Oil on wood panel measuring 5 x 7 inches; 12.25 x 14.25 inches framed. Signed indistinctly upper right.
Oil, Wood Panel
$990
Salty N 2 & 4, Yellow, Blue Diptych, Overlapping Abstract Fishes, Mediterranean
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 sal...
Acrylic
$1,731Sale Price|20% Off
“Point of Shift”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
The works from this series were exhibited at ART KYIV Fair 2026 and later presented as part of the artist’s solo exhibition “Points of View” at MODI Art & Wine Gallery, Kyiv. “Po...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Gather Yourself"
By Iryna Rets
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
So British Oil Painting of Bulldog on Mini Car, Signed, 60x60 cm
By Fabriano
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "So British" by Fabriano is a delightful portrayal of quintesse...
Canvas, Oil
$800
Blue and White Abstract Overlapping Shapes Fish Scribble Gestures, Mediterranean
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 and reminds us of its natural beauty and the importance of its preservation. Details: Title: Marina N31 Medium: Acrylic on Paper Size: 106 x 70 cm ( 41.7 x 28 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped carefully rolled and packaged in a tube. * Certificate of Authenticity provided. Enric Servera (Ciutadella de Menorca, 1970) lives and works between Barcelona and Menorca, Spain. His works explores the colors and forms of the ocean, inspired by the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean Sea. His work has shown in galleries across Spain, and is part of several public and private collections. Words that may describe this series of artworks are: Mediterranean-inspired art, abstract sea...
Acrylic, Watercolor
Surrealist Magical Exotic Birds in Tree Painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Exotic Magical Birds Perched on Tree Limbs, ca. 1950. Oil on canvas, 14 x 18 inches. Unsigned, artist unknown.
Oil
Equestrian Calmness: Abstract Expressionist Horse Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Blue - Peaceful Pursuit Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borr...
Gold
A little bird on a lettuce background.
Located in Zofingen, AG
An exotic bird is depicted on a 40×40 cm canvas, painted with acrylics. Its plumage shimmers with vibrant shades of green, blue, turquoise, and yellow, creating a sense of living ra...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,100
Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Figurative Invest
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Rainbow Bridge Painting Animal Horse Abstract Nature Floral Unique Original Bold Delight Invest Mixed Media One-of-a-kind Equestrian This strikingly beautiful artwork by Kar...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Trail of Tranquility: Blue Painting in Modern Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Blue - Trail of Tranquility Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue Nature Flora One-of-a-kind Unique This painting forms part of...
Gold
The Quiet Bloom
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled A serene, intimate composition where a slender white figure rests i...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Girl in the Rain - Gold Edition #6", Abstract, Painting, 21st Century
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 22.83 x 22.83 x 2.36 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. ...
Clay, Acrylic