Brit Abstraction

So we’ve come to the end of the Brit Week. I know I’ve missed a load of painters (and sculptors if you’re so inclined). The reason for this quick survey was that it had become really apparent that somehow this Post War history was unknown to me (and many others I know as well). I had no idea of Greenberg’s connections to the UK. I had even less of an idea of how his ideas about painting were still flourishing there – especially among a broad community of painters and sculptors. Truth is I felt like this endeavor was a bit chancy – and by that I mean that I am commenting on work that I do not know and have not actually seen from photos and articles. A ghost in the machine so to speak. Chalk that up to the eArt World in which we live – extremely wide exposure with exceptionally shallow participation and understanding. It requires us to make a lot of assumptions.

I’d like to point out that Abcrit (@AbstractCrit) is doing a hell of a job promoting British Abstract Artists and their histories. Also there’s a newer online publication called Instant Loveland (@instantloveland) that is providing a broader perspective of the current scene. Both are recommended for great reading, spirited debate (if you’re so inclined), and knowledgable writing. And these are great places to begin any further research you might endeavor. 

You might also check out the Late Modern master Alan Gouk whose work, thought and writing deserves our attention. I’m also enjoying the more contemporary Abstract Mannerists Patrick Jones (@AbstractPatrick) and John Pollard (@jpollard72). And last but not least one of my favorites – the critic and excellent Modernist painter, Matthew Collings (@m_collings ) – who has much to say about just about everything. And I do mean everything. Again this has been brief and there is so much to see and read – but I’ll leave that to you.