Frank Bowling Art
British, b. 1936
Frank Bowling, born Richard Sheridan Franklin Bowling on February 26, 1934, in Bartica, British Guiana (now Guyana), is a pioneering artist whose career has reshaped the landscape of abstract art. Renowned for his vibrant, textured paintings and groundbreaking approach to abstraction, Bowling has spent over six decades forging a unique artistic identity that bridges personal narrative, cultural history, and formal experimentation. His journey from his early days in Guyana to becoming one of the most influential figures in contemporary art is a testament to his resilience, innovation, and commitment to his craft.
Bowling’s early life in British Guiana was marked by a fascination with art and storytelling, which later found expression in his work. In 1953, he moved to London, where he initially pursued a career in writing and acting before enrolling at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in 1959. At the RCA, Bowling studied alongside luminaries such as David Hockney and R.B. Kitaj. Although he initially explored figurative painting, his style evolved dramatically over time. He graduated in 1962, earning the prestigious Silver Medal for his work, and quickly established himself as a rising star in the British art scene.
In the mid-1960s, Bowling’s practice began to reflect his growing interest in abstraction, influenced by his exposure to American abstract expressionism during a formative visit to New York. He became increasingly preoccupied with the expressive possibilities of colour and texture, leading to his renowned "Map Paintings" in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These works feature large-scale abstract compositions overlaid with stencilled outlines of continents, exploring themes of geography, identity, and post-colonial history. The "Map Paintings" reflect Bowling’s dual identity as both Guyanese and British and mark his early efforts to merge personal experience with universal themes.
Throughout the 1970s, Bowling established studios in both London and New York, deepening his engagement with abstract art. During this period, he began experimenting with techniques such as pouring and staining paint directly onto the canvas, creating luminous works characterized by their rich, layered surfaces. This innovative approach earned him critical acclaim and positioned him as a significant figure in the New York art world, particularly among proponents of colour field painting.
Bowling’s later work continued to push boundaries, incorporating materials such as acrylic gels, gold leaf, and collaged elements. His large-scale paintings evoke a sense of movement and transformation, often inspired by his reflections on memory, migration, and the natural world. Despite the deeply personal nature of his art, Bowling’s work resonates on a universal level, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between colour, form, and meaning.
In 2005, Bowling was elected as a member of the Royal Academy of Arts, becoming the first Black artist to receive this honour. His contributions to art have been recognized with numerous awards and major exhibitions, including a landmark retrospective at Tate Britain in 2019. Today, his work is held in prestigious collections worldwide, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.to
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Doughlah G.E.P., 1968-71 - Contemporary Art, Abstract Art
By Frank Bowling
Located in London, GB
Title: Doughlah G.E.P., 1968-71
Year made: 2023
Material: Giclée print on 330gsm Somerset Velvet cotton rag paper with an embossed publisher stamp
Edition of 250
It comes with COA f...
Category
2010s Abstract Frank Bowling Art
Materials
Giclée
Hothead - Contemporary Art, Abstract Art
By Frank Bowling
Located in London, GB
Hothead, 2016
Giclée print on 330gsm Somerset Velvet cotton rag paper with an embossed publisher stamp
82 x 78 cm - Framed
80 x 75 cm - Sheet
Edition of 250
It comes with COA from t...
Category
2010s Abstract Frank Bowling Art
Materials
Giclée
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Frank Bowling art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Frank Bowling art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Frank Bowling in cotton, fabric, digital print and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Frank Bowling art, so small editions measuring 12 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Yinka Shonibare, Jennifer Baker, and Andrée B. Carter. Frank Bowling art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,159 and tops out at $6,500, while the average work can sell for $3,159.