Peter Voulkos Paintings
Peter Voulkos was a West Coast sculptor known for incorporating an array of modernist influences into his ceramics practice. Widely acknowledged as the progenitor of a profound transformation in American ceramics known variously as American Clay Revolution or the California Clay Movement, Voulkos is considered the seminal figure in the development of contemporary ceramic art in America.
As both a working artist and educator, Voulkos was instrumental in unleashing a transformative wave of creativity in clay. As the originating force behind a novel, uniquely American movement in ceramics, Voulkos’ legacy and present-day influence on the medium cannot be overstated.
Voulkos studied painting and printmaking under the GI Bill at Montana State College after serving as an airplane gunner in the US Army in World War II. He soon discovered a passion for sculpture, graduating with an MFA in 1952.
An influential educator with a lengthy career at various institutions, Voulkos established the ceramics department at the Los Angeles County Art Institute (now the Otis College of Art and Design), where he taught from 1954–59, and at the University of California, Berkeley, where he taught from 1959 until his retirement in 1985. He also taught at Black Mountain College and the Archie Bray Foundation.
Voulkos toured universities throughout the United States conducting live ceramic workshops to audiences until his death. Notable students of his include Paul Soldner, John Mason, Ken Price, Billy Al Bengston, Ron Nagle, Stephen de Staebler and James Melchert.
Voulkos was the recipient of many awards throughout his career, including the Gold Medal at the International Exposition of Ceramics (1995, Cannes, France); the Rodin Museum Prize at the First Paris Biennale (1955, Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, France); a Guggenheim Fellowship (1984); a Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement (1997, College Art Association); and honorary doctorates from four American art schools.
Artworks by Voulkos have been exhibited at major institutions around the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY); the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York, NY); the Museum of Art and Design (New York, NY); the Smithsonian Museum of American Art (Washington, D.C.); the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Los Angeles, CA); the San Francisco Museum of Art (San Francisco, CA); the Seattle Art Museum (Seattle, WA); the American Craft Museum (New York, NY) and the National Museum of Modern Art (Tokyo, Japan).
Voulkos has artworks in in the permanent collections of many major international institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, NY); the Museum of Modern Art (New York, NY); the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC); the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (Los Angeles, CA); the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Philadelphia, PA); the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, MA); and many more.
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1990s Peter Voulkos Paintings
2010s Abstract Peter Voulkos Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Contemporary Peter Voulkos Paintings
Canvas, Mixed Media
2010s Contemporary Peter Voulkos Paintings
Gesso, Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Angela WakefieldThe Chrysler Building 42nd Street New York City by Contemporary British Artist, 2021
2010s Neo-Expressionist Peter Voulkos Paintings
Oil, Wood Panel
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Peter Voulkos Paintings
Mixed Media, Wood Panel, Photographic Paper
2010s Neo-Expressionist Peter Voulkos Paintings
Oil, Wood Panel, Mixed Media
20th Century Post-War Peter Voulkos Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Contemporary Peter Voulkos Paintings
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Early 2000s Abstract Peter Voulkos Paintings
Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Peter Voulkos Paintings
Acrylic, Cardboard
2010s Neo-Expressionist Peter Voulkos Paintings
Oil, Wood Panel
2010s Abstract Peter Voulkos Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
1950s Peter Voulkos Paintings
Oil, Paper
Peter Voulkos paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
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- What did Peter Voulkos create?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Peter Voulkos created large sculptures from clay, which he then cast in bronze. He was also known for creating intricate vases and plates. Shop a selection of Peter Voulkos pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022For his bronze-casted work, Peter Voulkos used the assemblage technique to create a sort of 3-D collage. He would also gouge and pinch his ceramic works to manipulate their traditional shape. On 1stDibs, you can shop a selection of Peter Voulkos pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers from the comfort of your home.