Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist

Agnes Pelton, an under-recognized American painter, is the focus of the upcoming exhibition Desert Transcendentalist, which will showcase her metaphysical landscapes inspired by the California desert. The exhibition aims to clarify her significance and role within American Modernism and against the legacy of European abstraction. Pelton's paintings were inspired by religious sources and conveyed her spiritual message to the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

Agnes Pelton, a lesser-known American painter, has been the subject of a comprehensive survey for over 22 years. Her distinctive artwork, characterized by metaphysical landscapes rooted in the California desert near Cathedral City, showcases a unique artistic vision. Pelton's paintings delve into the depths of the human psyche, drawing inspiration from her personal inspirations, superstitions, and beliefs. The upcoming publication aims to shed light on the artist's significance and place within the realm of American Modernism, while also exploring her unique perspective in contrast to the legacy of European abstraction. The book contextualizes Pelton's work alongside her contemporaries, Marsden Hartley and Georgia OKeeffe, and their distinct interpretations of American spiritual modernism.

Pelton's highly symbolic paintings were deeply influenced by a diverse range of religious sources, including Theosophy, Agni Yoga, the spiritual teachings of Dane Rudhyar, and Will Levington Comfort. Throughout her career, she dedicated herself to creating spiritual abstractions, which served as a means to convey her profound "light message to the world." Her artwork reflects a profound exploration of the human condition, tapping into the depths of emotion and spirituality.

Through this comprehensive survey, Agnes Pelton emerges as a visionary artist whose work deserves greater recognition and appreciation. Her unique perspective and profound artistic expression have left an indelible mark on the landscape of modern art, and her contributions to the spiritual and metaphysical realms continue to inspire and resonate with audiences today.

Weight: 1500g
Dimension: 290 x 250 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777439747