Skip to main content

Abstract Photography

ABSTRACT STYLE

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.

to
274
371
595
315
323
1,745
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
214
3,134
2
5
3
5
15
69
36
60
42,210
18,757
2,843
1,314
850
725
281
222
115
112
91
43
26
1,568
1,271
485
260
241
222
132
116
107
94
82
77
72
71
66
63
63
60
51
51
48
47
41
1,678
1,349
1,080
718
667
495
317
129
100
89
224
490
1,749
1,333
Style: Abstract
Untitled XIV. From LenkPlay Series. Limited edition color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Untitled XIII. From LenkPlay Series. Limited edition color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

#19, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

ID No. 3 The Ambitious. Limited edition photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
In this early photographic series, Dubravka Lazić turns her lens toward a subject rarely treated with such a quiet dignity: domestic cats. Shot in 2005, these portraits mimic the fo...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

#166, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#173 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Clorofila Abstract Photography, Archival Pigment Print, 2010- Signed
Located in Miami, FL
Clorofila emerges from Eduardo Rezende’s Lavori in Corso series, where the overlooked materials of construction sites become portals into abstraction, emotion, and hidden beauty. Her...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Archival Pigment

#139, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

A Fairy and Rabbits. Limited edition color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

#215, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#168, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Dom Pеrignon
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exuberant underwater nude photograph captures cascading air bubbles in brilliant aquamarine waters, creating a champagne-like effervescence around a figure in motion. The compos...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

#259, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Black and White Photograph, Abstract, Geometric, Framed, 2020
Located in San Francisco, CA
This black and white abstract photograph is unique. Betsy Kenyon works in a darkroom with light and shapes. There is no negative, making each artwork one ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin, Photogram

#166, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#239, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#185 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Daydream - black and white landscape photography Limited edition 2 of 20
Located in London, GB
'Daydream' London, United Kingdom 2022. It is a still life black and white film photograph, made with a large format 4x5 Linhof camera. The photograph is signed front and back an...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Film, Photographic Film, Giclée

#80, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#132, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#261, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

UFO in the Morning
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
The photo was taken one early morning. UFO is a an oil on canvas painting and the special reflection on the painting got me. Fine Art Print, signed by the author. Limited edition of 5.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

#213, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink dominant contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

#246, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#126, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#184, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Large format vintage multiple exposure male nude, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
16 x 20" vintage silver gelatin photograph, multiple exposure male nude. Titled, numbered, dated, and signed by Jack Mitchell on the recto. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a certificate of authenticity. Jack Mitchell's artist’s statement on this project: For five decades in New York City I photographed established and emerging creative and performing artists for major publications. The Numbered Nudes photographs are a development, and expansion, of my dance photography...
Category

1990s Abstract Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

#244, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#235, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

"Rain" The Frequency, Abstract Photography, Giclee Print, Limited Edition
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Rain” The Frequency, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Edition Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2019 Dimension: 20 x 30” External Dimension( with white border) : Heig...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Giclée, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

#246, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#56, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Hemisphere I - large format photograph of abstract liquid cloudscape in water
Located in San Francisco, CA
mesmerizing color compositions of liquid cloudscape painting in water, hypnotizing abstract liquidscapes from Christian Stoll‘s body of works titled 'Hemisphere' Hemisphere I by Christian Stoll 58 x 58 inches (147 x 147cm) signed edition of 7 48 x 48 inches (122 x 122cm) signed edition of 7 40 x 40 inches (102 x 102cm) signed edition of 25 archival fine art pigment print signed + numbered by artist on certificate label „frameless“ glass face mounting available on request _________________________ Christian Stoll has experimented with the photography medium since 1991. His predominant interest is the still-life on a monumental scale. As his subject matter, Stoll shoots static objects, forms...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée

#66, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#123, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#220, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Red, Into the Light, Abstract Photography Giclee Print, 1/20, 2021
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Red" Into the Light, Abstract Photography, Giclee Print, Numbered 1/20 Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2021 Dimension: 24 x 16” External Dimension( with white border) : Height...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Giclée, Archival Pigment

Gaia 6 - Monochrome Spanish Landscape Catalonian Nature Photographic Diptych
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 6 - Monochrome Spanish Landscape Catalonian Nature Photographic Diptych by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 6 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital

Concorde Hangar, Aerospatiale Concorde
Located in New York City, NY
27 x 44 in Edition of 9 EUR 3.500 35 x 57 in Edition of 9 EUR 5.500 48 x 71 in Edition of 9 EUR 7.100 Dye Sublimation on Aluminum 48 x 77 in Edition of 9 EUR 9.100 Dye Sublimation...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Dye Transfer

The Donkeys. Limited edition color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Gaia 78 - Black and White Diptych of Cloud in Sky with Flower in Grass
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 78 - Black and White Diptych of Cloud in Sky with Flower in Grass by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 78 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper by Awag...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper

#141, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#184, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#117, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

"Glimpses of Their Garden #1", Abstract, Botanical, Blue, Print, Photograph
Located in Franklin, MA
Hogan Seidel’s "Glimpses of Their Garden #1" is an abstract botanical photograph in vibrant cyanotype blue, printed as an 11 x 17 inch archival inkjet print on 13 x 19 inch fine art ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Photographic Paper

Caribbean Sandy Shore Triptych, Blue Tones Seascape, Sunny Waves Cyanotype Print
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These triptychs are large pieces that feature lush blues, making them an impressive addition to any beautifully designed space. Each triptych is printed by hand and carefully crafted to capture the unique essence of these natural environments, with a focus on the interplay of light and shadows, and the subtle nuances of tone and texture. The beach and ocean scenes depict the dynamic beauty of waves crashing against the shore, with the cyanotype process lending a dreamy, ethereal quality to the images. Similarly, the forest and wood scenes offer a glimpse into the hidden depths of nature, with the cyanotype process lending a sense of mystery and wonder to the images, while the lush blues of cyanotypes imitate the sky and clouds perfectly. These triptychs are perfect for anyone who loves to surround themselves with the beauty of nature, and they make an excellent centerpiece for any beautifully designed space. Details: + Title: Pleasant Waters in Tulum Beach...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Monotype, Paper, Lithograph

#233, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#202, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Gaia 58 - Black and White Lily Pads Lake Catalonia Nature Photographic Print
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 58 - Black and White Lily Pads Lake Catalonia Nature Photographic Print by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 58 is a 18cm x 24cm Black-and-White print on Premio Kozo 180gsm White Paper b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital

#79, 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...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

#144, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

A Panda. Limited edition color photograph
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The exploration of the concept of play as an artistic impulse presents playful, almost "baroque-written"photographs that are the result of a repeated (recycled) notion of play. Start...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

#241, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Contemporary large figurative painting inspired by Frida Kahlo "Floral Muse"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Floral Muse” is a vibrant and emotive large painting (70 x 100 cm / 27.5 x 39.5 in) that blends figurative and abstract styles from Natalya Mougenot’s ongoing series dedicated to Wo...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

#157, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Dahlia on Ink - floral film photography on cotton canvas, Limited edition of 5
Located in London, GB
'Dahlia on Ink' 2024 Cotton canvas print from limited edition of 5. (Does not come with streatch bars, only canvas print) Black and white floral film photography combination with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Ink, Archival Ink, Photographic Paper, Cotton Canvas,...

Gaia 103 - Black and White Diptych Clouds and Skyscapes above Flowers and Nature
Located in Brighton, GB
Gaia 103 - Black and White Diptych Clouds and Skyscapes above Flowers and Nature by Jaume Llorens Bach Gaia 103 is a 18cm x 24cm Black and Whi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Black and White, Digital, Photographic Paper

#226, 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 ...
Category

2010s Abstract Photography

Materials

Pigment

Poppy on ink - floral film photography in composition with ink abstraction
Located in London, GB
'Poppy on Ink' 2023 Black and white floral film photography combination with ink painting. Made using a large format 4x5 film camera, developed in the studio by the artist. Print...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Ink, Archival Ink, Photographic Paper, Giclée

Abstract photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract photography available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, red, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Mitchell Funk, Paul Snell, Michael Banks, and Seb Janiak. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Pigment Print and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract photography, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available. Prices for photography made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $36,000, while the average work sells for $3,359.