Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Frank Bowling Biography
Sir Richard Sheridan Patrick
Michael Aloysius Franklin Bowling, OBE RA, known as Frank
Bowling, is a distinguished British artist whose career
spans over six decades, marked by relentless innovation,
exploration, and a profound engagement with the materiality
and history of painting. Born on February 26, 1934, in
Bartica, British Guiana (now Guyana), Bowling's journey from
the Caribbean to the heart of the British art scene is a
testament to his enduring quest for artistic expression and
recognition.
Bowling's early life in Guyana was shaped by the lush
landscapes and vibrant culture of the Caribbean. In 1953, at
the age of 19, he moved to London, a city that would become
his lifelong home and the backdrop for his emergence as a
pivotal figure in contemporary art. His initial foray into
the arts was influenced by his experiences in the Royal Air
Force, where he served after arriving in the UK. It was
during this period that Bowling's passion for art was
ignited, leading him to pursue formal education in the
field.
Bowling's academic journey began at the Chelsea School of
Art, followed by a scholarship to the prestigious Royal
College of Art (RCA) in 1959, where he studied alongside
luminaries such as David Hockney and R.B. Kitaj. Graduating
in 1962 with a silver medal for painting, Bowling's early
work was characterized by a figurative approach, deeply
influenced by the likes of Francis Bacon. However, it was
his transition to abstraction that would define his legacy.
In the late 1960s, Bowling moved to New York, a decision
that marked a significant turning point in his career.
Immersed in the vibrant and tumultuous art scene of the
city, he began to explore the possibilities of color and
form, moving away from figurative representation towards a
more abstract expression. This period saw the creation of
his iconic "Map Paintings," where stenciled outlines of
continents float on dreamy fields of color, reflecting
Bowling's contemplation of identity, displacement, and the
global black experience.
Bowling's work is characterized by its innovative use of
materials and techniques. From the poured paintings of the
1970s, where paint is meticulously dripped down the canvas,
creating layers of vibrant color, to the incorporation of
various textures and objects, his practice is a continuous
exploration of the physical and conceptual possibilities of
painting. His later works, often large-scale and richly
textured, are a testament to his mastery of color and form,
inviting viewers into immersive visual experiences.
Throughout his career, Bowling has been a vocal advocate for
the recognition of black artists and the complexity of their
experiences. His writings, particularly during his time in
New York, challenged the art world's categorizations and
championed the right of black artists to engage with
abstraction and aesthetics beyond the political.
Bowling's contributions to art have been recognized with
numerous accolades, including his election as a Royal
Academician in 2005, the award of an OBE for Services to Art
in 2008, and a knighthood in 2020. His work is held in
prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate
Britain, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Despite the challenges and barriers he faced, Bowling's
enduring commitment to his vision has solidified his
position as a pioneering figure in contemporary art. His
work not only challenges the boundaries of painting but also
offers a profound commentary on the intersections of
culture, history, and identity. At 89, Bowling continues to
paint, his creative energy undiminished, a testament to a
life dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence and
innovation.
Frank Bowling Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
You can send us pictures of the work: