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The Turner Contemporary in Margate is presenting an exhibition of the work of Ed Clark from 25 May to 1 September.
The exhibition will include work never before seen outside Clark’s native US, on loan from the Detroit Institute of Arts, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Brooklyn Museum.
Clark (1926 to 2019) is seen as a pioneering artist particularly in his use of shaped canvases and his push broom technique. He is regarded as a key figure in the New York School of Abstraction.
Ed Clark
The artist was born in New Orleans, but raised in Chicago. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, Paris. His work is greatly influenced by his life in Montparnasse and downtown New York.
In 1956 he developed his 48-inch push broom technique which allowed him to make large sweeps on the canvas. This is shown in works such as Locomotion (1963).
He co-founded the Brata Gallery in New York, where he created Untitled 1957, which is seen as a seminal work.
Travel played a huge part in Clark’s life, and his work takes in Brazil, China, Greece, Nigeria, Japan, Mexico and Egypt. The exhibition will conclude with latter work by the artist from the mid-1980s to 2000s.
Clarrie Wallis, Director of Turner Contemporary, says of the exhibition, “We are delighted to host Ed Clark’s first European exhibition at Turner Contemporary. His pioneering work from the 1950s, marked using unconventional tools like the push broom, has redefined American abstraction. The natural light of our galleries will uniquely accentuate Clark’s vibrant exploration of colour and form. Just as the varied landscapes from Chicago to Paris and Brazil to Greece shaped his vision, we anticipate his work will resonate profoundly within the luminous spaces of our gallery, complemented by the ever changing sea and sky beyond.”
Where Is It?
The art exhibition is at the Turner Contemporary, Margate. Exhibitions are free although donations are welcomed. Margate is a train ride from London.
Where Is It?
From 25 May to 1 September 2024. Tuesday – Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Main image: Ed Clark, Blacklash, 1964 © The Art Institute of Chicago / Art Resource, NY.
