Journeyings: Recent Works on Paper by Frank Bowling RA

27 May—23 October 2011

In the Tennant Gallery

Frank Bowling RA, 'Octoberbloom II', 2009. Acrylic paint and gel on paper. © the artist. Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd. This exhibition offers an opportunity to explore recent works on paper by the painter Frank Bowling RA (b. 1936).

Bowling’s art reflects his travels, actual and aesthetic, between his birthplace of British Guiana (now Guyana) and his homes and studios in London and New York; between the tradition of English landscape painting and the legacy of American Abstract Expressionism.

Like the much larger paintings on canvas for which Bowling is renowned, these works in acrylic paint and gel on heavy paper have a powerful physical presence created by their vibrant colours and tactile surfaces. Originating in Bowling’s need to find a new way to paint while recovering from illness, their gestural quality seems magnified by their smaller scale. The works are abstract, yet the viewer is led to figurative or representational associations by the artist’s obvious preoccupation with space and light and the allusive titles that he gives them.

Excerpts from a forthcoming documentary film on Frank Bowling’s life and work by Rose Jones, currently in production, will also be on view.

Admission
Complimentary entry with a valid Royal Academy exhibition ticket. £3 without. RA Friends go free.

Opening times
Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Closed Monday

PUBLICATION

The exhibition coincides with the launch of a comprehensive monograph on the art of Frank Bowling, written by Mel Gooding and published by the Royal Academy. A compelling text charting Bowling’s career and establishing him as one of the finest British artists of his generation is accompanied by 130 colour illustrations. Frank Bowling by Mel Gooding is available in the RA Shop, priced £29.95. Read more here

EVENTS

Artist’s Talks

Wednesday 22 June
Frank Bowling in conversation with the sculptor Michael Sandle RA
2pm in the Tennant Gallery.

Wednesday 28 September
Frank Bowling in conversation with the architect Ian Ritchie RA
2pm in the Tennant Gallery.

Curator’s Talks

Tuesday 5 July and Tuesday 6 September
An introduction to the exhibition by the curator.
3.30pm in the Tennant Gallery.

Events are free with an exhibition ticket.

RELATED EXHIBITION

Frank Bowling features in 'Latest Work by ROLLO Artists' at ROLLO Contemporary Art, London
15 Sep - 4 Nov 11

• Royal Academy of Arts