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John Harrison Levee
Untitled

1959

$15,000
£11,157.46
€13,063.19
CA$20,930.09
A$23,421.36
CHF 12,229.53
MX$287,941.27
NOK 154,289.68
SEK 145,185.83
DKK 97,461.38
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About the Item

John Levee, an American abstract expressionist, served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Following the war, he harnessed the educational opportunities provided by the G.I. Bill, which facilitated his move to Paris to immerse himself in a burgeoning art scene. This decision proved pivotal, as Paris in the 1950s was a vibrant hub of cultural and artistic exchange. In 1959, amidst this stimulating environment, Levee created "Abstract Composition," a gouache on paper that exemplifies the confluence of influences he absorbed in Paris. His relocation to the city enabled him to engage with a diverse spectrum of artistic ideas, blending both European and American art movements. Paris offered a welcoming atmosphere for avant-garde expression, which Levee embraced wholeheartedly. The 1950s were marked by an electrifying dialogue between American abstract expressionism and European abstraction. As a thriving center for such exchanges, Paris allowed artists like Levee to meld the spontaneous, dynamic elements of abstract expressionism with the structured approach characteristic of European abstraction. "Abstract Composition" reflects this synthesis, showcasing bold colors and energetic gestures while maintaining a refined composition. Levee's artistic journey in Paris was enriched by his friendship with fellow American artist Sam Francis, who was also working in the city. Their relationship fostered the exchange of creative ideas, and Francis's vibrant use of color and exploration of light left a significant mark on Levee's work. Despite being based in Paris, Levee was influenced by the groundbreaking techniques of Jackson Pollock. The innovative drip painting method, central to American abstract expressionism, left an imprint on Levee's style, evident in the expressive, gestural brushwork of his art, though his compositions remained more restrained than Pollock’s vast canvases. Additionally, Levee likely drew inspiration from the legacy of Paul Cézanne. Works like Cézanne’s "The Kitchen Table," possibly seen at the Jeu de Paume, may have subtly influenced Levee's compositional choices, with Cézanne's exploration of color and form resonating in Levee’s abstract expressionism. Ultimately, John Levee's "Abstract Composition" is not only a product of post-war opportunity but also of art's rich cultural dialogues. It highlights how Levee, navigating through the vibrant influences of Jackson Pollock, the colorful palettes of Sam Francis, and the compositional insights of Cézanne, created a piece that captured the spirit of mid-20th-century artistic innovation. The blend of styles and influences within this work underscores the dynamic exchanges shaping global art during that era. John Levee, is best known for his works from the mid-20th century, particularly the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, he was part of the vibrant art scene in Paris and created many of his notable pieces. This period is often considered his most creative and influential due to his engaging experimentation with form, color, and texture, which contributed to the abstract expressionist movement.
  • Creator:
  • Creation Year:
    1959
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    New York, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2836215969972

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