Realist art seeks to reflect the truth of reality. Abstract art, on the other hand, pursues the exact opposite goal. Early abstract painters often used color, form, shape, and lines in their work. These paintings, sculptures, or other works are typically unrelated to known objects, landscapes, or figures.
Abstract art provides artists with greater creative freedom. At the same time, it allows these abstract artists to change the traditional definition of “art.” In the eyes of today's designers, abstract art encompasses a variety of styles and artistic techniques. Overall, all abstract artworks strive to express originality, visuality, and creative expression in a non-representational way.

Next, let's take a closer look at ten different types of abstract art. You can also explore The most popular abstract art paintings in 2025 to see what's currently trending.

1. Ink Splashing, Ink Dripping, and Splattering
   A typical example is the work of abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock. Abstract art forms such as ink splatter, ink dripping, and splashing can inject diversity and vitality into design projects.
   These works are particularly suitable as backgrounds for packaging and large-scale print designs, such as posters and banners. This is because they add color, texture, and dynamism to the layout. Additionally, they provide an unexpected yet cohesive and versatile backdrop for text and logos.
   To learn more about the ideas behind abstraction, read How Do You Interpret the Meaning of Abstract Art.

2. Color Blocking
   American painter Mark Rothko's large-scale “color field” works pioneered a new direction in abstract art. His massive paintings explored the psychological and dramatic potential of block-like colors. Since these abstract artworks eschew figures or landscapes. Therefore, these large-scale paintings transformed the essence of abstract painting.
   If you want to apply the effect of block colors to the design. Then, you can also refer to the works of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. As an early proponent of modern abstract painting, his works are rich in colorful graphic inspiration.
   Since this type of abstract art uses basic color blocks as the background for the grid layout. Therefore, these paintings present a simple and attractive visual effect.

3. Marble Patterns
   Japanese traditional art “sumi-e” is considered one of the early forms of abstract art. Artists float colored ink on water and transfer it to absorbent media (such as paper or fabric). Each sumi-e technique is unique, resulting in ethereal and abstract beauty.
   Marbled paper was widely used in bookmaking in the 18th and 19th centuries. Therefore, this artistic style is closely associated with intellectual culture. Marbled backgrounds can be used in book or stationery design. Additionally, they can be applied to website design to add a tactile experience to graphic design.

4. Cubism
   In the early 20th century, painters Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque experimented with this technique. They attempted to depict all possible perspectives of a subject or object simultaneously. This experiment gave birth to Cubism. It is also an abstract art style in which the subject appears fragmented and geometric.
   Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky further abstracted the Cubist style. As a result, he is regarded by many art experts as a pioneer of non-representational art.
   Designers can update Cubism with low-poly backgrounds and architectural plane elements. This can give background textures, vector graphics, and application designs a 3D immersive visual effect.

5. The Art of Lines
   The leading abstract artist in this style is the Catalan artist Joan Miró. He combined abstract line painting with surrealist imagery. Many of his works use or are influenced by lithography techniques. This may have reinforced the graphic characteristics of his works.
   Abstract line art is known for using basic, continuous lines to create patterns and shapes. Line art is simple and beautiful. Designers can use it to express concepts and create symbols and logos.

6. Memphis Style
   In the early 1980s, a group of Italian designers and artists founded the eclectic Memphis style. The Memphis style emphasizes geometric shapes, bright colors, and patterns. Its influence ranges from Art Deco to kitsch.
   Some consider the Memphis style to be tacky, while others appreciate its joyful and adventurous spirit. Contemporary designers have rediscovered the Memphis style and given it new life. In addition, some companies have recognized the positive and uplifting tone of this style. Designs using the Memphis style help attract and convert customers.
   Today, the Memphis style is experiencing a revival in three dimensions. CAD-generated renderings and stunning 3D backgrounds are breathing new life into this style. For more design ideas, explore 12 Different Types of Wall Art Styles to Elevate Your Home.

7. Organic Abstract Art
   Organic abstract art is characterized by fluid, curved shapes and soft, medieval tones. In the 1950s, artists such as Charles and Ray Eames rediscovered indigenous art techniques. They then incorporated them into design, emphasizing natural materials, textures, and colors.
   For decades, designers have favored the organic abstract style for its minimalist aesthetic. They have applied it to brand building, advertising, and packaging design.

8. Halftone
   Halftone refers to the dot pattern created when an image is broken down into a series of dots during the printing process. Pop artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein reinterpreted this effect. In the 1960s and 1970s, these artists often aimed to make their works resemble newspaper billboards.
   Designers can add a retro vibe to layouts by using halftone backgrounds or overlays. Additionally, they may experiment with different halftone designs to add texture and interest to gradients. Bright, eye-catching colors complement this pop art-inspired style. On the other hand, designers can also use monochromatic tones to emphasize the newspaper background.

9. Surrealism
   Surrealism is not strictly considered abstract art. However, its goal is to create distorted versions of reality by twisting realistic images. In the early 20th century, psychoanalysis influenced artists such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, and Frida Kahlo. Their paintings and sculptures contrasted seemingly absurd and unexpected images to expand the mind's creativity.
   Although Surrealism was eventually replaced by abstract modernist art. However, its style continues to inspire artists and designers who value surprise and pleasure. Look for unique photographs of sculptures, objects, and figures that incorporate Surrealist elements into their design.

10. Abstract Relief and Sculpture Art
    Painting is often considered the primary medium for abstract art. However, many artists use sculpture and relief to present abstract concepts in 3D form.
    A notable example is British sculptor Barbara Hepworth. She created giant sculptures using metal, stone, and wood. These works represent the pinnacle of modernist art from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Summary
Abstract art emphasizes the visual atmosphere and individuality of images rather than their real-world content. As a result, abstract painting offers great flexibility. Since abstract images do not contain actual objects or figures. Therefore, designers can apply this style to a wide range of projects.
Second, abstract visual elements have a powerful psychological impact. Numerous studies have shown that abstract art forms can have a significant emotional impact on viewers. This may stem from the fact that abstract art frees the brain from the constraints of reality.
Many well-known graphic design styles have been inspired by abstract painting. For example, early Swiss style, Memphis style, and minimalist style. Geometric shapes, minimalist layouts, and vibrant colors are their distinctive features.

Discover more styles in our curated collections like Abstract Wall Art, Vintage Wall Art, and Curved Wall Art to find the perfect fit for your space.