Frank Bowling

Frank Bowling is a British artist who has developed a unique and virtuosic abstract style that combines aspects of American painterly abstraction with a treatment of light and space that consciously recollects the great English landscape painters Gainsborough, Turner, and Constable. This comprehensive monograph, published in 2011, is now available in an updated and expanded edition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2021
Publisher: Royal Academy of Arts

Over the past decade, Frank Bowling has garnered significant attention and acclaim, including a major retrospective at Tate Britain in 2019. This comprehensive monograph, originally published in 2011, has now been released in an updated and expanded edition. Born in British Guiana in 1934, Bowling immigrated to England in his late teens and pursued his studies at the Royal College of Art alongside notable figures such as David Hockney and Derek Boshier. By the early 1960s, he had established himself as an innovative force within the vibrant London art scene, renowned for his distinctive style that seamlessly merged figurative, symbolic, and abstract elements.

Since the late 1960s, Bowling has divided his time between New York and London, where he has developed a unique and virtuosic abstract style. This style seamlessly blends aspects of American painterly abstraction with a thoughtful exploration of light and space, reminiscent of the great English landscape painters of the past, including Gainsborough, Turner, and Constable. In a compelling text, art writer, critic, and curator Mel Gooding hails Bowling as one of the finest British artists of his generation.

Bowling's artistic journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of creativity and innovation. His paintings are characterized by their bold colors, intricate compositions, and a sense of playfulness that invites viewers to engage with the works on a deeper level. Throughout his career, Bowling has explored a wide range of themes, from the human form to nature, politics, and social issues. His works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists.

In conclusion, Frank Bowling's late recognition and celebration are well-deserved. His comprehensive monograph, published in 2011, and its updated and expanded edition serve as a testament to his enduring legacy as an artist. Bowling's unique style, which blends figurative, symbolic, and abstract elements, has captivated audiences for decades, and his contributions to the art world will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Weight: 1270g
Dimension: 245 x 298 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912520602