A selection of lithographs by Robert Motherwell from the “Three Poems Suite” 1988. In this series
Motherwell illustrates the poetry of the Mexican poet Octavio Paz. The poems which each piece
represents are displayed on the reverse of the frame.

Please click on an image for full details



To check availabilty please call 01225 331500 or email chris@thewhiteroomgallery.com



Artist Biography

Robert Motherwell (1915 - 1991)

Robert Motherwell was an American painter, collagist, writer, editor and teacher, one of the pioneers
and principle exponents of Abstract Expressionism. He took up painting seriously in 1941 after
studying philosophy at Stanford and Harvard universities and the erudite approach of his writings
played a large part in setting the intellectual tone of the Abstract Expressionist movement.

Motherwell was unusual among Abstract Expressionists in that his painting was essentially abstract
from the beginning of his career. However, his work was deeply influenced by Surrealism
(particularly in the use of automatism) and there is often a suggestion of figuration in the large
amorphous shapes of his paintings. Moreover, the intellectual sensibilities he brought to his work
are reflected in the inspiration from literature, history, or his personal life. For example he
painted a series of works (more than 100 pictures) entitled 'Elegy to the Spanish Republic'. By the
late 1960's his style had moved towards Colour Field Painting.

He was an extremely prolific artist and also displayed great energy as a writer, teacher, and lecturer.
From 1958 to 1971 he was married to Helen Frankenthaler.