Frank Bowling's Americas: New York, 1966-75

This book explores Frank Bowling's time in the US from 1966 to 1975, a period of artistic growth and transformation. Bowling's work explored the tension between representational imagery and fields of color, moving towards full abstraction. The book features over 30 paintings from this critical period, accompanied by curatorial essays and statements by contemporary artists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Museum of Fine Arts,Boston

Bowling's transition to abstraction, set against the backdrop of 1960s-70s debates on abstract art and the Black Arts movement, was a defining moment in his artistic journey. In 1966, with a determination to make his mark on modern painting, Bowling relocated from his temporary home base in London to New York City. This move marked a chapter of extraordinary productivity and artistic growth that would profoundly shape his thinking and practice.

Upon arriving in New York, Bowling found himself immersed in an art scene in flux. Abstract painting was gaining popularity, and vigorous debates were unfolding around Black cultural identity and artistic practice. Bowling actively participated in this dynamic scene, engaging in a wide range of activities. He exhibited his work widely, contributed to art magazines, engaged in dialogues with peers, and even organized the influential 5+1 exhibition in 1969, which showcased five leading African American abstract artists alongside himself.

During these transformative years, Bowling's own work underwent a gradual evolution toward full abstraction. He explored the tension between representational imagery and fields of color, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. His paintings from this period, many of which are included in Frank Bowling's Americas, showcase a vibrant and multifaceted artistic vision.

This comprehensive volume presents more than 30 paintings from this critical period, many of which have been rarely seen. The paintings are contextualized within both Bowling's artistic trajectory and the broader New York art scene at a time of aesthetic and racial reckoning. Accompanied by curatorial essays and statements by contemporary artists, the book offers a fresh perspective on an artist whose work has remained constantly in motion.

Born in British Guiana in 1934, Frank Bowling arrived in London in 1953 and graduated from the Royal College of Art. His artistic journey spans several decades, during which he has established himself as a significant figure in contemporary art. Bowling's work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, and his influence can be seen in the work of many emerging artists.

In conclusion, Frank Bowling's transition to abstraction in the 1960s marked a pivotal moment in his artistic career. His relocation to New York City brought him into contact with an art scene in flux, where abstract painting was gaining popularity and debates on Black cultural identity were unfolding. Bowling's participation in this dynamic scene, combined with his own artistic exploration, led him to fully embrace abstraction in his work. Frank Bowling's Americas is a testament to the artist's remarkable talent and the lasting impact of his artistic vision.

Weight: 1247g
Dimension: 284 x 257 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780878468874