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William Copley Biography
William Nelson Copley, also known by his nom de plume CPLY, was an American artist whose multifaceted career spanned several decades, from the postwar period through the late 20th century. Born in 1919 in New York, N.Y., and passing away in 1996 in Sugarloaf Key, Fla., Copley was a self-taught artist who became a pivotal figure in the art world, not only for his unique and influential artworks but also for his roles as a gallerist, collector, patron, publisher, and art entrepreneur.
Copley's journey into the art world was anything but conventional. Adopted by a wealthy newspaper magnate, he was the proverbial golden spoon child, yet his life was far from a straightforward path of privilege. His early exposure to Surrealism came through his brother-in-law, John Ployardt, who introduced him to the movement. This introduction sparked a lifelong passion for Surrealism, influencing both his artistic output and his activities as a collector and promoter of Surrealist art.
After serving in the U.S. army from 1941 to 1945 and attending Yale University, Copley's inheritance allowed him to immerse himself fully in the art world. In 1948, alongside Ployardt, he opened the Copley Galleries in Beverly Hills, which, despite its commercial failure, became a legendary venture for showcasing Surrealist art in America. The gallery featured artists such as Joseph Cornell, Max Ernst, René Magritte, and others, marking a significant moment in the introduction of European Surrealist artists to the American art scene.
Copley's own artistic career began to take shape in the early 1950s. Moving to Paris, he developed a distinctive style that combined elements of Surrealist painting with influences from Mexican folk art, American cartoon, and silent-movie imagery. His works from this period are characterized by a ribald figurative style, heart-on-sleeve storytelling, and a continual experimentation with line, color, pattern, allegory, and humor. Throughout his career, Copley's art continually evolved, reflecting his deep engagement with contemporary art movements and his role as a bridge between European Surrealists and American Pop artists.
Despite his initial focus on promoting other artists, Copley never ceased to develop his own artistic voice. His paintings and drawings, filled with madcap narrative scenes, are celebrated for their unique blend of surrealism, humor, and social commentary. Copley's work often revisited themes such as nudes, cars, nationalism, and the poetry of Robert W. Service, showcasing his ability to blend high art with popular culture.
Beyond his contributions as an artist, Copley was an influential figure in the art world through his activities as a collector and patron. His personal collection included some of the most important works of Surrealist art, which he later sold in a landmark auction. He also established The Letter Edged in Black Press, Inc., publishing the SMS (Shit Must Stop) portfolios that brought together works by historical Surrealists and a younger generation of artists, making contemporary art accessible beyond the traditional gallery and museum system.
Copley's legacy is not only in the artworks he created but also in the vibrant connections he fostered among artists, collectors, and the broader public. His life was a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, and his work continues to inspire new generations of artists and art lovers alike. In recognition of his contributions, Copley's work has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, cementing his place as a significant figure in the history of 20th-century art.
William Copley Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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