Skip to main content

Video Loading

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 17

Derek Carruthers
Colourful Surrealist Abstract Geometric Acrylic on Paper.
2005

$861.97List Price

About the Item

Late 20th century abstract geometric acrylic on paper by British artist Derek Carruthers. Signed bottom right and signed and dated to the reverse. A wonderfully colourful and lively juxtaposition of various geometric shapes, at times overlapping at times distinctly separate. Born out of an architectural grounding Carruthers liked to play with space. There is also a surrealist element to this painting as the artist liked to pose questions; why is there a small figure in the black egg shape in the centre of the image? A real pop of colour to attract the eye in any room. Derek Carruthers was an artist who persisted in asking questions. His whole career was inspired by the determination to enquire into the nature of art, examine its purpose, and attempt to explore that place where the individual life of the mind meets the external appearance of the world, where personal sensation rubs up against cultural assumptions. Not surprisingly, Carruthers explored, over the years, a language of pure form, abstract space, 2 and 3 dimensions, narrative and concept, personal and universal figuration. Looking back, over decades of work, however, each of these voices is pursuing a coherent set of questions, reflecting on the stuff of human experience. Carrthuers’ individual pieces can intrigue and charm, they can be warm and poetic and they can also offer gritty resistance to the easy gaze. They can challenge us to think about ourselves, our environment, our expectations, our place in the world. Carruthers grew up in the north-west of England having been born in Penrith, and one of his earliest memories of what art might be was formed by his encounter with the extraordinary creations of Kurt Schwitters. The latter had fled Germany in 1937, after his art had been labelled ‘degenerate’. He stayed, first, in Norway and then arrived in Britain in 1940. Carruthers had already encountered Schwitters' work as a boy, and had been launched on his own life-long examination of the nature of art. Carruthers was further inspired by Victor Pasmore and Hamilton (British Constructivists) who were working closely together at King’s College London and eventually offered a challenging course to all first year students. Thus, Carruthers – who was at King’s in 1953 to 1957 was encouraged to take a rigorous approach to probing abstraction, spatial relationships, and the interlinking of art and architecture. Having had the good fortune to have been an art student at such a time and in such a place, it is not surprising that Carruthers embarked on a voyage of artistic discovery. He showed his works with the major touring exhibition, organised by the Arts Council, in 1963, ‘Construction England’, together with Pasmore and Mary and Kenneth Martin. His work was also included in exhibitions of new art at the Drian Galleries, Porchester Place, in 1963 to 1965. Reflecting the more recent re-examination of post-War, British Constructivism, Carruthers’ work was also included in the 1992 show, ‘British Abstract Art of the 50s and 60s’, held at the Belgrave Gallery. This early work, in which solid or relief forms change their nature as they – or the viewers – move through space and time, deliberately challenges the human tendency to find comfort in regarding the world as fixed and knowable. In these years, too, Carruthers taught at Sunderland and Leicester Colleges of Art, before moving to lead the Fine Art course, as a Professor, at Trent Polytechnic (now the Nottingham Trent University). He was a dedicated educator, leaving to pursue his own art, full time, only in the mid 1980s. Inspired, perhaps, by this freedom, the 1980s saw Carruthers exploring new ideas. He turned from working in 3-dimensions, or collage and relief, and rediscovered the power of traditional materials, oil and watercolour, on canvas and paper. He moved away from Non-Objectivity towards a practice which explored both abstracted and figurative imagery. Throughout, he remained preoccupied with exploring the human condition: by this trite remark, we mean that he continued to question how each individual experiences the world; he explored the ways in which human beings create totems to make their mark, as if to claim immortality; he tries to, ‘symbolise the triangular relationship between humankind and religion and the art / architecture which it inspires’. Hence - as well as warm glimpses of holidays and home life - his work yields the Egyptian pyramid, the Graeco-Roman heroic figure, the Christian monument; and, ultimately, the ‘sexless, ageless, raceless anonymity’ of the artist’s lay figure. Derek Carruthers continued to ask questions, both about his life in a particular time and place, and about the lot of the human being on a universal scale. As an artist and a scholar, he saw himself at the intersection of these challenging states. And he makes you think........

Creator:
Derek Carruthers
Creation Year:
2005
Dimensions:
Height: 29.93 in (76 cm)Width: 22.25 in (56.5 cm)Depth: 0.04 in (1 mm)
Medium:
Acrylic,Handmade Paper
Period:
21st Century
Condition:
Gallery Location:
Cotignac, FR
Reference Number:
Seller: GB/Carruthers/Abstract. 1stDibs: LU1430214122892

You May Also Like

Mid-Century Modern Shapes Painting of Pastel Coloured Curves, Acrylic on Paper

By Ryan Rivadeneyra

Located in Barcelona, ES

This is a hand-painted acrylic painting on high-quality 300g paper by artist Ryan Rivadeneyra. These painting, influenced by modernist artists of the 50's, 60's, and 70's, explore ab...

Category

2010s Post-Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Handmade Paper

Mid-Century Modern Shapes Painting of Pastel Coloured Curves, Acrylic on Paper

Ryan Rivadeneyra
Mid-Century Modern Shapes Painting of Pastel Coloured Curves, Acrylic on Paper, 2024

$820

H 40 in W 28 in

Melodic motion, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper

By On Hansen

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Traces of lived experiences appear in On Hansen's works, exploring the possibilities of formal abstraction and seeking an organic experience between space an...

Category

2010s Minimalist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Crayon, Ink, Wax, Acrylic, Handmade Paper, Graphite

Melodic motion, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper

On Hansen
Melodic motion, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper, 2022

$1,200

H 35 in W 25.5 in D 0.1 in

Passage, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper

By On Hansen

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Traces of lived experiences appear in On Hansen's works, exploring the possibilities of formal abstraction and seeking an organic experience between space and time through painting a...

Category

2010s Minimalist Paintings

Materials

Crayon, Ink, Wax, Acrylic, Handmade Paper, Graphite

Passage, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper

On Hansen
Passage, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper, 2022

$1,200

H 35 in W 25.5 in D 0.1 in

Surōdansu, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper

By On Hansen

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Traces of lived experiences appear in On Hansen's works, exploring the possibilities of formal abstraction and seeking an organic experience between space an...

Category

2010s Minimalist Paintings

Materials

Crayon, Ink, Wax, Acrylic, Handmade Paper, Graphite

Surōdansu, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper

On Hansen
Surōdansu, Mixed media painting on Awagami paper, 2022

$1,200

H 35 in W 25.5 in D 0.1 in

Forest Tile Grid, Abstract Geometric Pattern, Green and Red, Bauhaus Chessboard

By Natalia Roman

Located in Barcelona, ES

These series of paintings by Natalia Roman gather their inspiration from geometric, minimalist shapes and paintings from the beginning of Modernism, with a special emphasis on Art De...

Category

2010s Bauhaus Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Handmade Paper

Forest Tile Grid, Abstract Geometric Pattern, Green and Red, Bauhaus Chessboard

Natalia Roman
Forest Tile Grid, Abstract Geometric Pattern, Green and Red, Bauhaus Chessboard, 2022

$720

H 28 in W 28 in

Silo (Contemporary Abstract Painting, Framed)

By Guy Lyman

Located in New Orleans, LA

"I have been painting seriously for somewhere around 35 years, but have only ever sold regionally - most recently, through my gallery on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Through 1stDibs and other online platforms I am now (thankfully) able to reach a worldwide audience and am selling paintings...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Charcoal, Oil Crayon, Acrylic, House Paint, Handmade Paper

Silo (Contemporary Abstract Painting, Framed)

Guy Lyman
Silo (Contemporary Abstract Painting, Framed), 2022

$1,280 Sale Price

20% Off

H 25 in W 21 in

Tree of Knowledge II (Tapestry of Nature) : abstract work of art

Located in New York, NY

Abstract work of art with figurative elements by Elizabeth Myers Castonguay. Her work is dedicated to creating art about human equality and preservation of the biodiversity of nature. This painting is a complex work of art that incorporates abstraction and figurative elements. One can notice images of books, human hands, bitten apple and even an entire beautiful landscape in this canvas. Stark contrast of dark background with bright shapes and elements create drama and tension. This work can become a unique gift and will be a wonderful addition to any space, be it a living room of a modern home or a lobby of a commercial building. Elizabeth Myers Castonguay is an accomplished artist, whose work was exhibited at Denise Bibro...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Metal

Tree of Knowledge II (Tapestry of Nature) : abstract work of art

Elizabeth Myers Castonguay
Tree of Knowledge II (Tapestry of Nature) : abstract work of art, 2022

$8,500

H 42 in W 60 in

Pink Geometric Altar Diptych, Surreal Landscape, Modern Monument Architecture

By Natalia Roman

Located in Barcelona, ES

These series of paintings by Natalia Roman gather their inspiration from geometric, minimalist shapes and paintings from the beginning of Modernism, with a special emphasis on Art De...

Category

2010s Color-Field Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Handmade Paper

Pink Geometric Altar Diptych, Surreal Landscape, Modern Monument Architecture

Natalia Roman
Pink Geometric Altar Diptych, Surreal Landscape, Modern Monument Architecture, 2022

$670

H 28 in W 40 in

French Contemporary Abstract Art by J.-L. Veret - Conversation

By Jean-Luc Veret

Located in Paris, IDF

Acrylic & marouflaged paper mounted on canvas Jean-Luc Veret is a French artist born in 1953 who lives & works between Paris & Corancy, France. He recognizes himself as a protean ar...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Handmade Paper

French Contemporary Abstract Art by J.-L. Veret - Conversation

Jean-Luc Veret
French Contemporary Abstract Art by J.-L. Veret - Conversation, 2022

$1,000

H 85.44 in W 25.6 in D 1.19 in

French Contemporary Abstract Art by J.-L. Veret - Mystère

By Jean-Luc Veret

Located in Paris, IDF

Acrylic & marouflaged paper mounted on canvas Jean-Luc Veret is a French artist born in 1953 who lives & works between Paris & Corancy, France. He recognizes himself as a protean ar...

Category

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Handmade Paper

French Contemporary Abstract Art by J.-L. Veret - Mystère

Jean-Luc Veret
French Contemporary Abstract Art by J.-L. Veret - Mystère, 2022

$300

H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 1.19 in

More From This Seller

Abstract On The Theme of Music, Hommage to Kandinsky.

Located in Cotignac, FR

An abstract painting on musical notation paper, hommage to Kandinsky, by French artist Delisle. Signed bottom right. This dynamic artwork is an abstract composition characterized by...

Category

20th Century Other Art Style Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic, Oil

Abstract On The Theme of Music, Hommage to Kandinsky.

Delisle
Abstract On The Theme of Music, Hommage to Kandinsky.

$1,029

Contemporary French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper.

Located in Cotignac, FR

Contemporary Abstract Expressionist acrylic on paper by French artist Christian Manoury. Signed to the front and to the reverse and presented in a custom made white case frame. A be...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Contemporary French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper.

Christian Manoury
Contemporary French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper., 2024

$1,580

Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field Landscape, Les Champs VI

Located in Cotignac, FR

A contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed to the back of the canvas. Inspired by the wonderful countryside surr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field Landscape, Les Champs VI

Christian Manoury
Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field Landscape, Les Champs VI, 2021

$5,028

'Landscape'. French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper.

Located in Cotignac, FR

Contemporary abstract expressionist acrylic in green and peach of a landscape on paper by French artist Christian Manoury. Signed bottom right. Dated 2021 and signed to the reverse. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Minimalist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

'Landscape'. French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper.

Christian Manoury
'Landscape'. French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper., 2021

$1,436

Contemporary French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper.

Located in Cotignac, FR

Contemporary Abstract Expressionist acrylic on paper by French artist Christian Manoury. Signed to the front and to the reverse and dated 2019. A beautifully ethereal painting...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Contemporary French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper.

Christian Manoury
Contemporary French Abstract Expressionist Acrylic on Paper., 2019

$1,556

Abstract Expressionist Acrylic and Oil on Paper

Located in Cotignac, FR

Abstract Expressionist oil and acrylic on paper by Dutch artist Joep Goeting. Signed and dated 1972 to the bottom left and presented under glass in a gilt wooden frame. An early and...

Category

Late 20th Century Neo-Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil, Acrylic

Abstract Expressionist Acrylic and Oil on Paper

Joep Goeting
Abstract Expressionist Acrylic and Oil on Paper, 1972

$3,352

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed