Abstract Art, one artist at a time

Famous Abstract Art Umjetnici: 17 Original Voices

Hilma Af Klint (1862–1944) is the most famous Abstract Art umjetnik, whose singular vision gave us They tens mainstay IV i Portrait. Next stand Johannes Itten, Constantin Brâncuși, Yoo Youngkuk i Douglas Abdell. These 17 umjetnici, from Hilma Af Klint (born 1862) to Charles Gibbons (born 1957), came from 14 countries.

Our selection. Artists whose works our catalogue attaches to Abstract Art, in the order of our fame ranking. Artists born after 1955 with no Wikidata identifier stay out until verified. The Wikipedia figure counts our 32 languages with an article on the artist.

  1. They tens mainstay IV od Hilma Af Klint1Hilma Af Klint
  2. Plumen od Johannes Itten2Johannes Itten
  3. The Kiss od Constantin Brâncuși3Constantin Brâncuși

In brief

Abstract Art in brief

  • 17Umjetnici
  • 1862–1957Godine izdanja
  • 14Zemlje rođenja
  • 2Žene
  • 3Živi umjetnici
  • 390Djela u našem katalogu
Gradovi s najviše rođenih
Solna (1), Wachseldorn (1), Hădărămaș (1), Uljin (1)
Muzeji koji čuvaju najvažnija djela
Maritime Museum (1), MAM Rio (1), National Gallery of Art (1), Nacionalna galerija Kanade (1)

One artist at a time

17 Abstract Art Umjetnici and their signature works

1of 17

Hilma Af Klint

Švedska Born in Solna Apstraktna umjetnost, Spiritizam Wikipedia in 24/32 languages

Hilma Af Klint

Danas se Hilma Af Klint slavi kao pionirka, istraživačica unutarnjih svjetova čela vibrantna i simbolička platna predaju poznatije apstrakcije Kandinskog, Mondriana i Malevića. Rani život Hilma Af Klint pružio je temelj koji će suptilno oblikovati njezin kasniji rad.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

2of 17

Johannes Itten

Švicar Born in Wachseldorn Ekspresionizam, Bauhaus Wikipedia in 21/32 languages

Johannes Itten

Iako je nakratko pokušao formalno obrazovanje u Ženevi u École des Beaux-Arts, tamošnje su metode za njega bile gudeće, pa se vratio u Bern, gdje su studiji pod mentorstvom Ernsta Schneidera bili presudni. Ittenov dolazak u Weimar 1919. godine, u tek osnovani Bauhaus Waltera Gropiusa, označio je prekretnicu ne samo u njegovoj karijeri, već i u povijesti umjetničkog obrazovanja.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

3of 17

Constantin Brâncuși

Rumun Born in Hădărămaș Modernizam

Constantin Brâncuși

Rođen 1876. godine u Hădărămašu, u Rumuniji, Brâncuși je započeo izvanredno putovanje od skromnih početaka do postajanja jednim od vodećih inovatora apstraktne umjetnosti. Put obrta Brâncušijeve karijere prošao je kroz duboku transformaciju tijekom njegova boravka u Parizu između 1906. i 1914. godine. Uronjen u bujnu avantgardnu scenu, sudjelovao je u vibrantnoj energiji École de Paris, poticaoći dijalog koji ga je gurao prema sve reduktivnijim formama.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

4of 17

Yoo Youngkuk

Korejac Born in Uljin Apstraktno slikarstvo

Yoo Youngkuk

Rođen 1916. godine u obalnom gradu Uljin u Južnoj Koreji, njegovo je umjetničko putovanje bilo prožeto neprestanim istraživanjem i nepokolebljivom posvećenošću stvaranju novog vizualnog jezika za naciju koja se borila s pitanjima identiteta i modernizma. Yooov put prema apstrakciji započeo je formalnim školovanjem na Sveučilištu Bunka Gakuin u Tokiju, od diplomiranja na odjelu slikarstva na ulju 1938. godine.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

6of 17

Margaret Alexandra Luke

Canadian Born in Montreal Abstract art, Painters Eleven

Margaret Alexandra Luke

Birth and Background: Luke was born on May 14, 1901, in Montreal. Community Involvement: Beyond painting, Luke actively contributed to the arts community in Oshawa. Recognition and Collections: Luke’s contribution is recognized through her inclusion in major collections, including: MCMichael Canadian Art Collection: A leading institution dedicated to showcasing Canadian art.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

7of 17

Gheorghe Șaru

Romanian Born in Călinesti Abstract Modernist

Gheorghe Șaru

In 1963, his studies at the Accademia di Belle Arti Pietro Vannucci in Perugia, Italy, further refined his understanding of classical construction and modern experimentation. Beyond the canvas, Șaru was a man of diverse creative pursuits; he designed public mosaics, illustrated children's books, and collaborated on intricate tapestry works with his wife, the artist Liana Saru. Gheorghe Șaru, known to many as George Saru, was a painter whose life and work served as a bridge between the rich traditions of Romanian folk art and the experimental frontiers of European modernism.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

8of 17

Bob Brighton

British Geometric squares

Bob Brighton

Brighton’s artistic development wasn't entirely solitary; he drew inspiration from a diverse range of sources. He developed a distinctly personal vocabulary within this framework, prioritizing the interplay of color and the dynamic tension between positive and negative space. The influence of Josef Albers ' "Homage to the Square" is also evident – Albers ’ exploration of how colors interact when placed adjacent to each other served as a crucial guide for Brighton, demonstrating that the meaning of a color isn’t inherent but rather emerges from its relationship with others.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

9of 17

Karl Schmid

Švicar Born in Zürich Konstruktivizam

Karl Schmid

Rođen u Zürichu 1914. godine, njegove su rane godine bile zasjenjene osobnom tragedijom i nestabilnošću; gubitak oca tijekom Velikog rata i složene borbe njegove majke s mentalnim zdravljem stvorili su okruženje koje je zahtijevalo neizmjernu otpornost. Upravo je ovdje kretala njegova figura unutar orbita divova poput Oskara Kokoschke i Ernsta Ludwiga Kirchnera.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

10of 17

Karlo Zvirynskyi

Ukrainian Born in Lviv Abstract art, Nonconformism

Karlo Zvirynskyi

He continued his education at the Lviv Institute of Applied and Decorative Art, where he formed a crucial relationship with Roman Selskyi, who became a lifelong friend and mentor. However, Zvirynskyi’s studies were interrupted in 1949 when he was expelled for openly criticizing socialist realism —a testament to his early commitment to artistic freedom. Born in the small village of Lavriv nestled within the Carpathian Mountains, Zvirynskyi’s journey was one of quiet rebellion and profound spiritual exploration, ultimately establishing him as a key exponent of abstract expressionism and a significant contributor to the Soviet nonconformist art movement.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

11of 17

Thiago Boecan

Brazilian ['Neo-Figurative Art', 'Abstract Art']

Thiago Boecan

The influence of Brazilian Neo- Figurative Art is palpable – a movement known for its psychological intensity and exploration of the human condition. This process often involves a captivating interplay of vibrant reds and browns, as seen in works like ‘ Color Study C-1 ’, where color itself becomes a vehicle for exploring internal tensions.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

12of 17

David Kakabadze

Gruzijski Born in Kutaisi Avangarda, kubizam Wikipedia in 9/32 languages

David Kakabadze

David Kakabadze, rođen 1889. godine u selu Kukhi blizu Khonija u Gruziji, predstavlja ključnu figuru u razvoju gruzijske umjetnosti dvadesetog vijeka. Njegov rani život, iako ukorijenjen u jednostavnosti seljačke obitelji, obilježen je intelektualnom radoznalošću koju je omogućilo sponzorstvo, što mu je dopustilo studiranje na Sankt Peterburškom univerzitetu, gdje je 1916. godine diplomirao prirodne znanosti.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

14of 17

Victor Servranckx

Belgian Born in Diegem Abstract, Cubism, Constructivism, Surrealism Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

Victor Servranckx

It was during this period that he encountered René Magritte, a relationship that proved profoundly influential. Prior to his studies at the Academy, Servranckx worked as a designer for the wallpaper factory Usines Peters-Lacroix (U.P.L.), an experience that likely informed his later interest in geometric patterns and industrial aesthetics. Notably, Servranckx favored simple, often neutral titles like “ Opus 1,” “Opus 2,” etc., for his paintings – a deliberate strategy designed to strip away any referential context and allow viewers to engage with the work purely on its formal qualities.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

15of 17

Charles Gibbons

Kanadski Born in Zimbabve Apstraktni ekspresionizam Wikipedia in 2/32 languages

Charles Gibbons

Charles Gibbons, kanadski umjetnik rođen 1957. godine, uzima protagonističe ulikom u svijetu umjetnosti svojim očaravajućim apstraktno-ekspresionističkim djelima. Njegov stil, iako apstraktan, čini se duboko ukorijenjenim u principima apacije ekspresionizma, pokreta koji je proizašao 1940-ih godina. Ovaj utjecaj vidljiv je u njegovim radovima, koji često uključuju neimenovana djela, nalik onima Heimo Zobernigovog Untitled (200 x 200 cm), prikazujući umjetnikovu sklonost prema nepredstavljivim formama.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

16of 17

John Hoyland

Britanac Born in Sheffield Apstraktni ekspresionizam Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

John Hoyland

Odrastajući u obitelji radničke klase, Hoylandov rani susret s umjetnošću došao je kroz formalno školovanje u Sheffield School ofacija i obrta, nakon čega su uslijedile studije na Sheffield College of Art. Preokret je stigao uz stipendiju Peter Stuyvesant Foundation koja mu je omogućila putovanje u New York 1964. godine.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

17of 17

Aldo Cláudio Felipe Bonadei

Brazilac Born in São Paulo Apstraktno slikarstvo, Grupo Santa Helena Wikipedia in 3/32 languages

Aldo Cláudio Felipe Bonadei

Aldo Cláudio Felipe Bonadei, slavni brazilski slikar talijanskog podrijetla, rođen je u São Paulu, u Brazilu, 17. lipnja 1906. godine. Tijekom perioda od 1923. do 1928. godine, Aldo je stjecao znanje pod vodstvom cijenjenog brazilskog akademskog slikara Pedra Alexandrina, a često je posjećivao i ateljee talijanskih slikara Antonia Rocca i Amadea Scavone.

Signature works · The 100 signature works

Signature works

Signature Abstract Art works

  1. They tens mainstay IV od Hilma Af Klint

    They tens mainstay IV

    Hilma Af Klint

    1907

  2. Plumen od Johannes Itten

    Plumen

    Johannes Itten

    1957

  3. The Kiss od Constantin Brâncuși

    The Kiss

    Constantin Brâncuși

    1912

  4. Work od Yoo Youngkuk

    Work

    Yoo Youngkuk

  5. Diamond = Mirror x K od Douglas Abdell

    Diamond = Mirror x K

    Douglas Abdell

    1989

  6. From Beginningless Time od Margaret Alexandra Luke

    From Beginningless Time

    Margaret Alexandra Luke

    1961 · The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa

  7. Stackables od Gheorghe Șaru

    Stackables

    Gheorghe Șaru

    1999

  8. Purple Squares on Brown od Bob Brighton

    Purple Squares on Brown

    Bob Brighton

    2009 · Sheffield Central Library

A timeline

Abstract Art through its signature works

  1. 1907
  2. 1912
  3. 1921
  4. 1921
  5. 1955
  6. 1957
  7. 1961
  8. 1962
  9. 1989
  10. 1989
  11. 1999
  12. 2009
  13. 2010

Figures

The figures

Every name

List of 17 famous Abstract Art umjetnici, every name

  1. 1Hilma Af KlintHilma Af KlintŠvedska · 1862–1944
  2. 2Johannes IttenJohannes IttenŠvicar · 1888–1967
  3. 3Constantin BrâncușiConstantin BrâncușiRumun · 1876–1957
  4. 4Yoo YoungkukYoo YoungkukKorejac · 1916–2002
  5. 5Douglas AbdellDouglas AbdellAmerican · rođen 1947
  6. 6Margaret Alexandra LukeMargaret Alexandra LukeCanadian · 1901–1967
  7. 7Gheorghe ȘaruGheorghe ȘaruRomanian · 1920–2003
  8. 8Bob BrightonBob BrightonBritish · 1936–2017
  9. 9Karl SchmidKarl SchmidŠvicar · 1914–1998
  10. 10Karlo ZvirynskyiKarlo ZvirynskyiUkrainian · 1923–1997
  11. 11Thiago BoecanThiago BoecanBrazilian ·
  12. 12David KakabadzeDavid KakabadzeGruzijski · 1889–1952
  13. 13Andrzej NowackiAndrzej NowackiPolish · rođen 1953
  14. 14Victor ServranckxVictor ServranckxBelgian · 1897–1965
  15. 15Charles GibbonsCharles GibbonsKanadski · rođen 1957
  16. 16John HoylandJohn HoylandBritanac · 1934–2011
  17. 17Aldo Cláudio Felipe BonadeiAldo Cláudio Felipe BonadeiBrazilac · 1906–1974

Questions

Your questions

  • Which Abstract Art umjetnik is the most famous?

    First place goes to Hilma Af Klint (#1); Johannes Itten (#2) and Constantin Brâncuși (#3) complete the podium.

  • Who are the 5 most famous Abstract Art umjetnici?

  • Who was the first Abstract Art umjetnik?

    The earliest-born umjetnik in this list is Hilma Af Klint (#1), born in 1862.

  • Which techniques define Abstract Art?

    “Teoretizirao je sedam različitih vrsta kontrasta boja — nijansu, vrijednost, temperaturu, komplementarnost (neutralizaciju), simultani kontrast, zasićenost i ekstenziju — te osmislio niz vježbi dizajniranih da otključe intuitivno razumijevanje tih principa.” — from our biography of Johannes Itten (#2).

  • Where were most Abstract Art umjetnici born?

    Švicarska: 2 of the 17 umjetnici in this list were born there, then Švedska (1) i Rumunija (1).

  • Who are the most famous female Abstract Art umjetnici?

    This list includes 2 women: Hilma Af Klint (#1) i Margaret Alexandra Luke (#6).

  • Where are the great works of Abstract Art today?

    The museums holding the most key works of this list are Maritime Museum (1), MAM Rio (1) i National Gallery of Art (1).

  • In which period did Abstract Art flourish?

    Most umjetnici in this list were born in the 1880s (2 of 17), between 1862 and 1957 overall.

  • Who are famous Abstract Art umjetnici today?

    The highest-ranked living umjetnici in this list are Douglas Abdell (#5), Andrzej Nowacki (#13) i Charles Gibbons (#15).

  • Where can I see more works by these umjetnici?

    Our catalogue holds 390 works by these umjetnici.

Read

Stories on OriginalUniqueArt.com

Other movements

Famous artists of other movements

Other periods

Famous artists across the periods

Discover more

More artists to discover