Adolph
Gottlieb
Adolph Gottlieb, a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism, is known for his bold pictographs and emotionally charged colour fields. If you’re looking for original Adolph Gottlieb prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and explore our network's most in-demand works.
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Biography
Adolph Gottlieb is a prominent figure of the Abstract Expressionist movement, which redefined the boundaries of art in the 20th century. His work, characterised by bold colours, abstract forms, and symbolism, has made a lasting impression on Modern Art. Gottlieb's phases of artistic exploration have affirmed his position as a pioneers of Post-War American art.
Born on March 14, 1903, in New York City, Gottlieb was exposed to the thriving cultural scene of early 20th century Manhattan. His artistic interests emerged during childhood, leading him to study at the Art Students League of New York. However, it was his time in Europe, particularly Paris, that offered him a broader perspective on the international art scene. Gottlieb's early work was heavily influenced by the avant-garde movements he encountered abroad, which would later inform his unique artistic voice.
Upon his return to the United States, Gottlieb's art took on a new trajectory. He delved into mythological and primitive motifs, drawing from the collective unconscious and interpreting it through his abstract lens. This period marked the beginning of his Pictographs, where symbolic images were scattered across the canvas within a grid-like structure. These works signified a shift towards the abstraction that would define his later career.
The 1950s and '60s heralded Gottlieb's celebrated Burst series. These works are divided into two zones, top and bottom. The top zone features one or more circular forms in a limited range of colours, while the bottom zone is dominated by a frenetic, gestural outburst of swirling energy, typically painted in black. For Gottlieb, these paintings symbolised the simultaneous existence of polarities, such as darkness and light. He believed these forces were not dichotomous but points on a spectrum, capable of transitioning into one another.
Printmaking was an essential aspect of Gottlieb's broader practice. His 1967 screenprint, Expanding, exemplifies his exploration of abstraction through print. This print features a bold, black burst of form contrasted against a vivid orange background, demonstrating his emotive use of colour and form. The print, like his paintings, captures the dynamic tension and expressive power that are hallmarks of his work.
Throughout his career, Gottlieb collaborated by partaking in artistic movements. He was a key figure in the formation of The Ten, a group of artists challenging the dominance of American realism. His belief in artistic integrity and autonomy was further expressed through his involvement in drafting the The Artist's Reality: Philosophies of Art manifesto, which called for a new, self-determined direction for Modern Art.
Major exhibitions of Gottlieb's work have been held at prestigious institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His legacy endures through the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation, which supports artists in financial need.