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Cleve Gray Biography
Cleve Gray, born Cleve Ginsberg on September 22, 1918, was an American painter renowned for his contributions to Abstract Expressionism, Color Field painting, and Lyrical Abstraction. His artistic journey, spanning over several decades, reflects a deep engagement with the aesthetic movements of the 20th century and a profound commitment to the exploration of color and form.
Gray's early life and education laid the foundation for his artistic career. He was born into a family that would change their name to Gray in 1936, perhaps a symbolic gesture that foreshadowed his future endeavors in redefining his identity through art. Gray's formal art training began at a young age, studying with Antonia Nell, a student of George Bellows, from the age of 11 to 14. His education continued at the prestigious Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he was under the tutelage of Bartlett Hayes and was awarded the Samuel F. B. Morse Prize for the most promising art student.
In 1940, Gray graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in Art and Archaeology, a member of Phi Beta Kappa. His studies at Princeton under James C. Davis and George Rowley, particularly his thesis on Yuan dynasty landscape painting, would influence his later work's emphasis on structure and historical art forms.
After graduation, Gray moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he began exhibiting his landscape paintings and still lifes. However, the outbreak of World War II saw him join the United States Army, serving in the signal intelligence service in Britain, France, and Germany. His wartime experiences, including being the first American GI to greet Pablo Picasso and Gertrude Stein after the liberation of Paris, would leave an indelible mark on his worldview and artistic perspective.
Following the war, Gray continued his informal art training with French artists André Lhote and Jacques Villon, further refining his skills and deepening his understanding of European modernist movements. Upon returning to the United States in 1946, he settled in Warren, Connecticut, on a property that would become his lifelong home and studio.
Gray's professional work is characterized by a veteran presence in the art world, with numerous exhibitions from his early days in Tucson to postwar Paris and New York. His marriage to noted author Francine du Plessix on April 23, 1957, created a partnership that thrived on mutual creativity, with both working in separate studios on their Connecticut property.
Throughout his career, Gray's paintings were held in the collections of numerous prominent museums and institutions. His work was celebrated in a posthumous retrospective curated by art critic Karen Wilkin at the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Florida, affirming his lasting impact on the art world.
Gray's approach to painting was both intellectual and emotional, often engaging with large-scale canvases that allowed him to explore the dynamics of color and form. His work in the Color Field movement is particularly notable, as he sought to transcend the confines of the canvas and engage viewers in a direct, visceral experience of color.
In addition to his painting, Gray was also an editor and writer, contributing to the understanding of other artists' work through his editorial projects. His engagement with the works of John Marin and Hans Richter, among others, demonstrates his commitment to the broader art community and his intellectual curiosity.
Cleve Gray passed away on December 8, 2004, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of artistic innovation and a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge viewers. His life's work stands as a testament to the power of abstract art to convey complex emotional and intellectual states, and his influence can still be felt in the art world today.
Cleve Gray 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.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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