Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Paul Jenkins Biography
Paul Jenkins, born William Paul Jenkins on July 12, 1923, in Kansas City, Missouri, was an American painter renowned for his contributions to the Abstract Expressionism movement. His work is celebrated for its vibrant use of color and innovative painting techniques, which set him apart from his contemporaries and solidified his place in the annals of modern art.
Jenkins's early life in Kansas City was marked by significant encounters and experiences that would shape his artistic journey. As a teenager, he worked in a ceramics factory, an experience that profoundly influenced his understanding of color and form. This early exposure to the tactile and transformative nature of materials left a lasting impression on Jenkins, informing his later explorations in painting. His interest in the visual arts was further nurtured through visits to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where he was drawn to its Asian art collection, and encounters with notable figures such as Thomas Hart Benton and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Following his service in the U.S. Naval Air Corps during World War II, Jenkins utilized the G.I. Bill to pursue formal art education. He moved to New York City in 1948, where he studied at the Art Students League under the tutelage of Yasuo Kuniyoshi, a period during which he befriended influential artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. These relationships and his immersion in the New York art scene exposed Jenkins to the burgeoning Abstract Expressionism movement, which would come to define his artistic output.
Jenkins's painting technique was characterized by his innovative use of paint pouring, a method that eschewed traditional brushwork in favor of allowing paint to flow freely across the canvas. This approach enabled him to create dynamic, fluid compositions that captured the essence of movement and change. Jenkins often manipulated the flow of paint with blade-like devices, a technique influenced by his observations of glazing in ceramics. His color palette was bold and saturated, resulting in luminous, abstract compositions that seemed to pulsate with energy.
Throughout his career, Jenkins remained deeply interested in the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of art. He was influenced by a wide range of thinkers and writers, including Carl Jung, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Eastern philosophies, which informed his conceptual approach to painting. Jenkins's work, particularly his Phenomena series, sought to transcend the purely visual to touch upon the spiritual and mystical aspects of existence. He described his paintings as embodiments of spiritual reflections on the present moment, a concept that resonated with the Abstract Expressionist emphasis on the canvas as an arena for the expression of inner states.
Jenkins's contributions to art were recognized through numerous solo and group exhibitions both in the United States and internationally. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Jenkins's legacy is that of an artist who continually pushed the boundaries of abstract painting, exploring new techniques and philosophical ideas that enriched the visual language of the 20th century.
Paul Jenkins passed away on June 9, 2012, in New York City at the age of 88. His artistic vision and innovative techniques continue to inspire and influence artists and art lovers alike, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the history of modern art.
Paul Jenkins 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
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professionalism.
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