Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group

In 1938, the Transcendental Painting Group (TPG) was founded in Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, with the aim of promoting abstract art that pursued enlightenment and spiritual illumination. The group, consisting of nine original members and later joined by Ed Garman, has been neglected in surveys of American art, despite the quality of their works. This book aims to address this neglect, presenting the group's artists as crucial contributors to an alternative through-line in 20th-century abstraction with renewed relevance today. Essays examine the TPG in light of their international artistic peers, their involvement with esoteric thought and Theosophy, their sources in the culture and landscape of the American Southwest, and the experience of its two female members.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2021
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

In the vibrant landscape of 1930s New Mexico, a remarkable convergence unfolded between abstract painting and theosophical spirituality. The Transcendental Painting Group (TPG), founded in Santa Fe and Taos, emerged as a pioneering force in American modernism, defying the prevailing social realism that dominated the art scene. With a vision to promote abstract art that sought enlightenment and spiritual illumination, the TPG comprised nine original members and later welcomed Ed Garman. Despite the exceptional quality of their works, these Southwest artists have been overlooked in most surveys of American art, their paintings rarely exhibited beyond New Mexico. Faced with the dual challenges of being an openly spiritual movement from the "wrong side of the Mississippi" and operating in relative obscurity, the TPG has remained a secret, known only to a select few connoisseurs.

Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group seeks to rectify this oversight, recognizing the groups artists as vital contributors to an alternative through-line in 20th-century abstraction. With renewed relevance today, this volume offers a comprehensive perspective on the groups' work, placing it within the broader context of modern painting and 20th-century American art. Essays delve into various aspects of the TPG, exploring their connections with international artistic peers, their engagement with esoteric thought and Theosophy, the influences of the American Southwest's culture and landscape, and the experiences of its two female members.

The TPG's journey was marked by a profound reverence for nature and a search for spiritual truth. Their paintings, characterized by bold colors, abstract forms, and a sense of transcendence, reflected their inner experiences and their longing for a deeper understanding of the universe. Despite facing obstacles and challenges, the TPG remained committed to their artistic vision, creating a body of work that continues to inspire and intrigue art enthusiasts.

Through the lens of Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of abstract painting on the cultural landscape of 20th-century America. The TPG's legacy reminds us of the power of art to transcend boundaries and challenge societal norms, and their contributions to the evolution of abstract art have left an indelible mark on the artistic world. As we explore the rich tapestry of their work, we are invited to reflect on the enduring spirit.

Weight: 1536g
Dimension: 223 x 301 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942884873