Frank Bowling

Private Collection, Virginia

Thence by descent to the present owner in 2015

"Painting will continue to declare thingness. You can get hold of the picture, you can hear it, you can tuck it into your shirt, mainly it's best when you're lying down beside it when you can hear the heart beat." — Frank Bowling 

Regarded as one of the most important post-war British artists, Frank Bowling is celebrated for his richly dynamic oeuvre that synthesizes the stylistic languages of Abstract Expressionism, Color Field painting, and Lyrical Abstraction. Through his work, Bowling builds on his knowledge of European traditional painting and draws inspiration from the conceptual qualities of light and color of these historical works to create uniquely powerful abstract pieces. Native from Guyana, the artist also uses his socio-political interests and autobiographical elements to conceive a unique artistic language. 

The present work serves as a prime example of Bowling's innovative and masterly use of texture, materiality, and color. The bright colors he utilizes, combining warm colors onto a dark green background framed in a sunset palette, evokes the landscape paintings that inspired him throughout his career. Furthermore, the sculptural aspect of this oil and mixed media canvas portrays Bowling’s constant commitment to experimentation.