A Journey of innovation and experimentation
In 1966, Frank Bowling moved to New York City, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene. There, he encountered the works of the Abstract Expressionist painters, such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. This new artistic language resonated deeply with Bowling, and he began to experiment with abstraction.
Frank Bowling soon developed his own innovative techniques, incorporating materials such as acrylic paint, metallic pigments, and even plastic toys into his compositions. Created in 1974, one of his most renowned techniques is known as ‘pouring.’ This technique involves diluting acrylic paint with water and pouring it onto the canvas. Bowling ingeniously constructed a movable wooden platform, resembling a seesaw, to allow a free-flowing of paint from a height onto the unstretched canvas, which is secured to a tilted surface.
Through this innovative method, Bowling achieved mesmerising artworks that exude a captivating sense of depth and motion. Over the years, this technique has gained popularity amongst emerging and hobbying artists, and continues to be admired for its unique visual impact.
In 1971, Frank Bowling’s groundbreaking work “Map Paintings” was exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art. This series of paintings was inspired by his Guyanese heritage and featured abstracted maps of South America and the Caribbean. This fusion of abstraction and geographical imagery allowed Bowling to explore themes of identity, history, and the nature of artistic representation.
In the 1980s and beyond, Frank Bowling continued to break new ground in his artistic practice. He began to experiment with ‘stencilling’ and ‘collage,’ incorporating various materials into his paintings, such as lace, fabric, and even shells. These techniques imbued his work with a rich, tactile quality, further expanding the boundaries of abstract art.
Bowling has since divided his time between London and New York, maintaining studios in both cities. This transatlantic lifestyle allowed him to draw inspiration from different cultural contexts, giving his work an ever-evolving dynamism. As a result, his art has continued to resonate with audiences across the globe.
At the age of 89, Bowling’s experimental spirit continues. In May 2023 the artist unveiled his first ever digital artwork, “Arrival” in Piccadilly Circus, London. The piece brought the artist’s work to the masses, marked Bowling’s own arrival into the UK, and appropriately coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Windrush.
Recognition and legacy
It wasn’t until the 21st century that Frank Bowling’s work began to receive the recognition it deserved. In 2005, he was elected a Royal Academician, a prestigious honour that highlights his significant contribution to the British art world. Moreover, his art has been exhibited in various notable institutions, including the Tate Britain, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Serpentine Gallery.
In 2019, the Tate Britain held a major retrospective of Bowling’s work, showcasing the full breadth of his artistic achievements. This exhibition was a testament to his enduring influence on the contemporary art scene and brought his work to the attention of a wider audience
In recognition of his contributions to the art world, Frank Bowling was honored with prestigious awards and distinctions. In the 2008 Birthday Honours, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This was followed by a knighthood in the 2020 Birthday Honours, acknowledging his exceptional services to art.
Additionally, Bowling received the esteemed 2022 Wolfgang Hahn Prize from the Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst am Museum Ludwig. This renowned prize further highlights his significant impact and achievements in the field of art.
