Arthur Dove (1880 – 1946) was an American artist renowned as one of the pioneers of abstract painting in the United States. Born in Canandaigua, New York, Dove’s initial artistic endeavors were heavily influenced by European modernism, especially the work of the Fauvists and Cubists.
Dove’s style is distinctive for its focus on abstract forms inspired by nature. Unlike some of his contemporaries, who embraced abstraction in a purely geometric sense, Dove sought the essence of the natural world, translating it into shapes, colors, and textures that, while abstract, retained a palpable link to their origins. He believed in capturing the rhythm, movement, and spirit of nature in his compositions.
His transition towards abstraction was gradual, starting with relatively traditional landscape and still life paintings. By the 1920s, however, he had fully embraced abstraction, making him one of the first American artists to do so. Works like “Fog Horns” from 1929 exemplify his style, where the essence of the subject, in this case, the sound of a foghorn, is distilled into pure form and color.
In terms of inspirations, Dove was particularly influenced by the European avant-garde that he encountered during a brief period spent in France. However, his work diverged from them in its deeply personal and introspective approach to abstraction.
Contemporaries in the realm of early American abstraction include artists like Marsden Hartley and Georgia O’Keeffe. The latter, like Dove, often sought inspiration from the natural world, albeit in a distinctively different style.
In summary, Arthur Dove stands as a seminal figure in the development of American abstract art. His unique approach, which sought to capture the essence and spirit of the natural world in abstracted forms, laid essential groundwork for future generations of American abstract painters.
Useful Links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Dove
https://www.wikiart.org/en/arthur-dove
