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.
Memory, Contemporary Japanese Woven Steel Sculpture by Kyoko Kumai
By Kyoko Kumai
Located in Wilton, CT
Memory, Kyoko Kumai, stainless steel filaments, 41” x 19” x 19”, 2017. This steel thread woven wall sculpture was constructed by Japanese fiber artist, Ky...
Steel
$392Sale Price|20% Off
Textural Monochrome Wall Sculpture Organic Relief Abstract Contemporary Art
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Original monochrome wall sculpture exploring texture, repetition and organic growth through densely intertwined sculptural forms. This unique wall sculpture belongs to Elizabeth Art...
Clay, Canvas, Spray Paint
"Rhapsody" (maquette), Abstract, Bronze Metal Sculpture, Tabletop Size
Located in New York, NY
"Rhapsody" (maquette) Abstract, Tabletop Size, Metal Sculpture by Kevin Barrett Bronze Kevin Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture an...
Metal, Bronze
Glass Sculpture Flower bud
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Hand-crafted Colorful Glass Artwork. This unique glass artwork, titled "Flower Bud," is a hand-crafted piece made using the fusion glass process. The design resembles a blooming fl...
Steel
$3,600
Large Mario Almaguer Cuban Art Welded Painted Steel Abstract Sculpture Modernism
Located in Surfside, FL
Mario Almaguer (b. Marianao, Cuba, 1955) He moved to the U.S. in 1994 to Miami where since has been living and working. Essentially self-taught, he embraced sculpture as his mean for expression. Without any kind of formal academic education or training in the arts, perseverance and praxis made him an artist. His work has been influenced by cuban master Agustin Cardenas and british Henry Moore. In his early years until 1994 he produced a large amount of small and medium scale wooden sculptures. From 1994 to the present, Almaguer creates and produces steel sculptures. It's with his works on steel where he encounters a strong expression with a striking liberty hard to deliver in wood. His monumental sculptures were recently exhibited at Miami Dade...
Steel
$22,869
Large Suspended Organic Cascade Natural Raffia Textile Sculpture by Eliurpi 2026
By Eliurpi
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...
Textile
Brutalist Bronze Abstract Modernist Sculpture
Located in Surfside, FL
In the manner of Julio Gonzalez, mixed metal sculpture. Neo-Dada Abstract Sculpture: Assemblages Abstract sculpture followed a slightly different course. Rather than focusing on no...
Bronze, Copper
"Savoring Indigo" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Savoring Indigo,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 11 x 11 x 7 in. “Savoring Indigo” is an evocative vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the collaborative practi...
Glass, Resin
Alexander's Inspiration (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile "Limited edition of 8 1/8 Available on request — 3 week turnaround " Amaury Maillet is a self-taught artist who explored art in Pro...
Metal
$30,803
Korè-Michelangelo statuary, 69-in High Marble Abstract Sculpture, Outdoor Art
By Mattia Bosco
Located in Paris, FR
Korè-Michelangelo statuary is a unique monumental sculpture by contemporary artist Mattia Bosco. This sculpture is made of Cave Michelangelo statuary marble, dimensions are 175.5 × 3...
Marble
Spanish Moon - Abstract Geometric Form, Hand Painted Welded Steel Sculpture
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic table sized sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern bright blue, orange, purple and yellow dominate and are balanced ...
Steel
Santiago Medina - UNITY ( OUTDOOR MONUMENTAL), Sculpture 2021
Located in Greenwich, CT
Marine outdoor Italian stainless steel with turquoise tint. Sculptor Santiago Medina Italian stainless steel sculptures are at marquee public art venues worldwide such as Harvard, S...
Stainless Steel
Free Flow - Abstract Geometric Form, Hand Painted Welded Steel Sculpture
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic table sized sculpture is created from sheets of steel and rods, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. While the work adheres to a rigid, rational geometry, this sculptures suggest lyrical movement, apparent weightlessness and improvisation as the title suggests. Chris Hill Free Flow welded steel, acrylic paint 21.5h x 11w x 5d in 43.18h x 20.32w x 12.70d cm CHI020 Chris Hill is a Santa Fe based sculptor. Chris was born in Port Arthur, Texas but grew up in small town North Mississippi. He began welding at age 18 at the Tennessee Valley Authority...
Steel
Abstract Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Ha'apai', 2013 by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
'Ha'apai' is a contemporary abstract cast glass sculpture by David Ruth from his Internal Space series. It features painterly brushstroke formations in glass called trails. Trails ar...
Stainless Steel
"Emerging Force" Original Painted Steel Sculpture by: Ralph Wickstrom
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Emerging Force" is a painted steel sculpture by Ralph Wickstrom created in 2000. From the front view, this sculpture appears to be simply a concave lens held up by a thin steel rod....
Steel
Mid Century Brass and Marble Obelisk by Maitland-Smith
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout vintage obelisk crafted in brass and rouge marble in a modern stylized form on ball feet. Signed Maitland-Smith on the bottom.
Marble, Brass
The Path - Abstract Geometric Form, Hand Painted Welded Steel Wall Sculpture
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic wall sculpture is created from sheets of steel, welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. Muted shades of blue, grey, purple and green dominate and are balanced by softer hues. While the work adheres to a rigid, rational geometry, this sculptures suggest lyrical movement, apparent weightlessness and improvisation as the title suggests. Chris Hill The Path welded steel, acrylic paint 28h x 15.75w x 2d in 71.12h x 40.01w x 5.08d cm CHI018 Chris Hill is a Santa Fe based sculptor. Chris was born in Port Arthur...
Steel
Swept 1- black 3D organic feel contemporary abstract mural sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Erin Vincent is a Toronto based-artist whose work draws on a variety of repetitive and labor intensive processes and materials. Things and common objects have always fascinated Vinc...
Resin, Foam, Acrylic, Wood Panel, Archival Paper
Round Square All White (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile "Limited edition of 8 1/8 Available on request — 3 week turnaround " Amaury Maillet is a self-taught ...
Metal
$7,500
Apocalypse- Abstract Sculpture, Brightly Colored Geometric Intertwined Form
Located in Chicago, IL
Robert Segal’s abstract sculpture offers a particularly fertile ground for experiments in shape, color, proportion, and technique. He steps away from non-traditional sculpting method...
Fiberglass, Acrylic
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Iris Crystals Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Wood, 2018, Signed
By Chloe Hedden
Located in Quebec, Quebec
“Iris Crystals” is a rich blue colored wall sculpture made out of solid koa wood and then painted and sealed with a UV matte sealer. The geometric facets are hand carved and add intr...
Wood, Spray Paint, Vinyl
$6,750
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Holiday 35 (Speckled Stone), Sculpture 2017
Located in Greenwich, CT
Riverstone/ Pigmented and sealed steel Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major fo...
Stone, Metal, Steel
$26,250
HiCy
Located in Westport, CT
Donald Martiny’s signature work is composed of dispersed pigment on aluminum. He creates immediately frozen brushstrokes that are made from his own movements. They are defined by the...
Acrylic Polymer, Pigment
$4,862
Sheer
Located in Belgravia, London, London
"Sheer" by Michael Thacker British, 21st Century Rose Aurora Marble Sculpture size (HxWxD): 13.75 x 10.5 x 5 inches
Marble
"Red White All Over - In", Hand Cut Paper Wall Relief Sculpture, Abstract
Located in New York, NY
"Red White All Over - In" by Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen Hand cut 2-ply museum board, gouche This sculptural wall piece can mounted in a plexi box (dimensions: 24" x 20" x 3") Cut Work...
Paint, Paper, Gouache, Board
$20,000
State of Mind, Contemporary Woven Tapestry, Geometric Abstract Textile Sculpture
By Ane Henriksen
Located in Wilton, CT
State of Mind, Contemporary Woven Tapestry, Abstract Textile Wall Sculpture, Viscosed silk, cotton cloth, jersey dots, 102” x 95”, 2016 by textile artist, Ane Henriksen...
Fabric, Textile, Tapestry, Cotton, Silk
Red and Black Vase, Contemporary Blown Glass Sculpture by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Red and Black Vase David Ruth, American Blown Glass, Signed Size: 10 x 3.25 x 3.25 in. (25.4 x 8.26 x 8.26 cm)
Blown Glass
Don't Let Them Burst Your Bubble: Amber 2 XL - Blown Glass Sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary amber coloured glass bubble is a tabletop sculpture. Cheryl Wilson Smith is known for her uniquely beautiful glass work-its form, colour and texture are often inspi...
Glass, Blown Glass
"Naj II" by Kevin Barrett, Abstract Aluminum Metal Sculpture in Silver
Located in New York, NY
"Naj II" by Kevin Barrett Silver automotive paint on aluminum Kevin Barrett is noted for creating unique, rhythmic, abstract indoor and outdoor sculpture and wall reliefs. Organic ...
Metal
"Guided Spirit" Unique, Organic, Abstract Metal Sculpture in Steel
Located in New York, NY
"Guided Spirit" by Kevin Barrett Painted steel on a stainless steel base This sculpture measures 76"h and rests on a 28" steel pedestal for a total heigh...
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
"Eidolon", Minimalist Abstract Metal Sculpture in Reflective Nickel-Plated Steel
Located in New York, NY
"Eidolon" Minimalist Abstract Metal Sculpture by Michael Enn Sirvet Nickel-plated steel About Michael Enn Sirvet's Eidolon Series This is a ghostly blade in reflective steel. Its o...
Metal, Steel
Salvaged Book Abstract Wall Sculpture, Contemporary Installation Made to Order
Located in Boston, MA
Salvaged Book Abstract Wall Sculpture, Contemporary Installation Made to Order MADE TO ORDER Turnaround Time is typically 4-6 weeks depending on the waitlist. This sculpture was mad...
Wood, Paper
Sculpture ceramic vessel: 'Creature Medium 2'
By Ak Jansen
Located in New York, NY
Ak Jansen was born in Dongen, The Netherlands, in 1988. He studied at the Design Academy Eindhoven focusing on textile design, material culture, and techniques of fabrication. He wor...
Clay, Glaze
"Flash" Abstract, Cast Bronze Metal Sculpture by John Ruppert
By John Ruppert
Located in New York, NY
"Flash" by John Ruppert Cast bronze, stainless steel, from a fragment of a tree struck by lightning Edition of 3 Over the past 35 years, John Ruppert has been working in cast metals...
Metal, Bronze
La Comète (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile Amaury Maillet is a self-taught artist who explored art in Provence and Saint Martin in his childhood. ...
Metal
Monumental Leroy Setziol 1963 Architectural Douglas Fir Wall Sculpture
Located in Camden, ME
Leroy Setziol Monumental Carved Douglas Fir Wall Sculpture for United States National Bank of Oregon, 1963 This monumental wall sculpture by Leroy Setziol (1915–2005) was commission...
Wood
Ceramic #2013
Located in Fairfield, CT
Alice Federico was born in Selma, Alabama in 1945. She received a BA degree in history from Hollins University (1967), an MFA in ceramics from East Carolina University (1977), as well as a BFA from Kansas City Art Institute (1983). Trained first as an historian, historical pots have always had an influence on her work. That influence includes Chinese Sung ware...
Ceramic
John Van Alstine - Pique A Terre IV, Sculpture 1991
Located in Greenwich, CT
Stone and metal,usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. On the most basic level the work is ...
Slate, Steel
L'eclipse (Abstract Sculpture)
Located in London, GB
Aluminum sheet, metal wire and acrylic - mobile "Limited edition of 3 1/3" Amaury Maillet is a self-taught artist who explored art in Provence and Sai...
Metal
"Melody in G" Original Painted Steel Sculpture by: Ralph Wickstrom
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Melody in G" is a painted steel sculpture by Ralph Wickstrom created in 2000. Wickstrom's portfolio is very diverse in form and shape, and yet this piece seems to stand out from the...
Steel
Zia Rising - Geometric Steel Sculpture, Welded Steel, Hand Painted Acrylic
By Chris Hill
Located in Chicago, IL
This dynamic table sized sculpture is created from sheets of steel welded together in an abstract geometric pattern. While the work adheres to a rigid, rational geometry, this sculptures suggest lyrical movement, apparent weightlessness and improvisation as the title suggests. Chris Hill Zia Rising welded steel, acrylic paint 14.50h x 13w x 5d in 36.83h x 33.02w x 12.70d cm CHI022 Chris Hill is a Santa Fe based sculptor. Chris was born in Port Arthur, Texas but grew up in small town North Mississippi. He began welding at age 18 at the Tennessee Valley Authority...
Steel
Untitled: (Totem Pole) - Abstract Sculpture, c. 1960
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A major figure in both the Abstract Expressionist and American Figurative Expressionist movements of the 1940s and 1950s, Elaine de Kooning's prolific output defied singular categorization. Her versatile styles explored the spectrum of realism to abstraction, resulting in a career characterized by intense expression and artistic boundary-pushing. A striking example of de Kooning's explosive creativity is Untitled (Totem Pole...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
Sauterelle
Located in PARIS, FR
his refined bronze sculpture by Jeanne Konick-Kloss showcases a harmonious dialogue between geometry and movement. Composed of interlocking curves and angular forms, the piece balanc...
Bronze
Danielle Bodine "Medusa Tree" Mixed Media, Abstract Free Form Signed
Located in Detroit, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY "Medusa Tree" is a free-flowing sculpture of cane that suggests a figure either emerging from or descending into a tangle of twisting lines. Several parts are painted red or blue or stripped that gives a contrast to the black structure and a spark of energy shooting forth. This piece seems experimental from her more conservative pieces that can be easily identified as basketry, paper forms and shaped objects. Danielle Bodine...
Mixed Media
"Portal", Hand Cut, Laser Cut Paper Wall Relief Sculpture
By Rogan Brown
Located in New York, NY
"Portal" by Rogan Brown Laser and hand cut paper, framed in plexiglass shadowbox Available by commission. Please allow 8-12 weeks production time. Rogan Brown creates abstract and ...
Paper
"Small Mandala 2", Hand Cut, Laser Cut Paper Wall Relief Sculpture
By Rogan Brown
Located in New York, NY
"Small Mandala 2" by Rogan Brown Laser and hand cut paper, framed in plexiglass shadowbox Available by commission. Please allow 8-12 weeks production time. Rogan Brown creates abst...
Paper
$69,600
Abstract Kinetic Sculpture Statement Minimalism Balance White Bauman Signed
By Arthur Bauman
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Untitled (Sun Over the Rain Clouds)" is an abstract kinetic sculpture with many moving parts created by Arthur Bauman. The artist carved his initials into the red disc that hangs at...
Metal
$4,100
#53
Located in Dallas, TX
cold rolled steel wall sculpture
Steel
Bronze Sculpture 'O.T. I' by Carola Eggeling
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze Sculpture 'O.T.I' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. German bronze sculpture Bronze Polished Certificate of authenticity Numbered and signed ...
Bronze
Transitioning
By Gwen Samuels
Located in Boston, MA
Artist Commentary: Transitioning is part of my sculptural dress series. I was interested in experimenting with open and closed spaces and colors transitioning from yellow to pink. ...
Wire
HARD SOFT INTERLOCKING CUBE AND OCTAHEDRON TOTEM
Located in Badung, ID
This work embodies Aleph Geddis’s lifelong dialogue with form, material, and the quiet intelligence of structure. Rooted in traditional carving techniques and informed by modernist a...
Wood
Golden Apples 36 Ceramic Sculpture, Abstract, Hand Built, 2010+
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Hand Built and glazed ceramic. Free standing, two pieces (sphere and stand). My interest in clay as an artistic medium began in 1984. Like most beginners in the medium, I focused ...
Ceramic
$90,000
"Tree House" Abstract, Bronze Metal Sculpture, Large-Scale, Outdoors
Located in New York, NY
"Tree House" by Hans van de Bovenkamp Unique welded bronze Renowned for his monumental sculpture created primarily for open-air public locales, Hans Van de Bovenkamp has been descri...
Metal, Bronze
Santiago Medina - LEVITATION, Photography 2021
Located in Greenwich, CT
Suspended Italian stainless steel This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio. All sculptures are made with the highest quality Italian stainless steel availab...
Stainless Steel
$2,041
"Winged Thoughts" Abstract Sculpture, Industrial Hemp, Earth Tones, Signed
Located in Sofia, BG
Winged Thoughts” is an abstract three-dimensional wall sculpture crafted from industrial hemp fibers, bringing organic movement and textural depth to contemporary interiors. The work...
Metal
Bronze Sculpture 'Bolas II' by Carola Eggeling, Bronze Polished
Located in Paris, FR
Bronze Sculpture 'Bolas II' by Carola Eggeling Abstract sculpture with beautiful curved lines. German bronze sculpture Bronze Polished Certificate of authenticity Numbered and sign...
Bronze
Chord, 2023 Colorful Abstract Collage, Fabric and Thread, Unframed
Located in New York, NY
Linda Schmidt’s fabric sculptures intertwine public and private, luxury and common. There is a sense of egalitarianism present in both the way Schmidt so...
Fabric, Thread, Plastic, Pins
"Tectonics 023"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Experience the captivating "Tectonics 023", a striking wall sculpture that delves into the interplay of structure and rhythm. This oversized piece, meticulously crafted from carved a...
Wood
"Orange Crush" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Orange Crush,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 15 x 13 x 5 in. “Orange Crush” is a vibrant vintage glass sculpture by Resurrect Studio, the collaborative practice of Nan...
Glass, Resin
"Heaven My Blanket Earth My Pillow" - Vintage Glass Sculpture
Located in Westport, CT
Resurrect Studio, “Heaven My Blanket Earth My Pillow,” Vintage Glass Sculpture, 12 x 12 x 10.5 in. “Heaven My Blanket Earth My Pillow” is a poetic vintage glass sculpture by Resurre...
Glass, Resin