Sam Francis (1923 - 1994) - photo 1

Sam Francis

Samuel Lewis Francis, an American painter and printmaker, was known for his pivotal role in postwar American painting and his contributions to the Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting movements. Born in San Mateo, California, Francis' early life was marked by a deep personal loss and a significant injury during his service in the Army Air Corps, which led him to pursue painting while recovering in a hospital. His work, characterized by splashes of bright contrasting colors against expansive white canvases, drew international acclaim, particularly in Europe and Japan, underscoring his influence on the global art scene​.

Francis' art evolved through various phases, from monochromatic works to vibrant, large-scale pieces, and was deeply influenced by his time in Paris and Japan, reflecting elements of Tachisme and possibly Zen Buddhism. Notable for creating large murals and his "Edge" series, Francis also founded The Lapis Press, further contributing to the art community by producing visually compelling texts. Despite facing health challenges towards the end of his life, he remained prolific, leaving behind a legacy celebrated through the Sam Francis Foundation, which aims to perpetuate his creative legacy​​​​.

Francis' artworks are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Centre Pompidou-Musee National d'Art Moderne, Paris, highlighting his enduring influence on contemporary art. His auction records and continued recognition in solo exhibitions posthumously underscore the lasting impact of his work on both collectors and the art community​​​​.

For those passionate about modern art and its history, staying informed about Samuel Lewis Francis' contributions and the ongoing exhibitions of his works can be enriching. Sign up for updates related to Francis to ensure you don't miss out on new sales and auction events showcasing his vibrant legacy.

Date and place of birt:25 june 1923, San Mateo, USA
Date and place of death:4 november 1994, Santa Monica, USA
Nationality:USA
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Graphic artist, Painter
Art school / group:Washington Color School
Art style:Abstract Expressionism, Modern art, Post-painterly abstraction, Post War Art, Tachisme, Contemporary art

Creators USA

John Henry Bradley Storrs (1885 - 1956)
John Henry Bradley Storrs
1885 - 1956
Roman Grigoryevich Chatov (1900 - 1987)
Roman Grigoryevich Chatov
1900 - 1987
John Salminen (1945)
John Salminen
1945
Richard Serra (1938 - 2024)
Richard Serra
1938 - 2024
Amy Elkins (1979)
Amy Elkins
1979
David Losavio (1993)
David Losavio
1993
Matthew Ritchie (1964)
Matthew Ritchie
1964
John De Cesare (1890 - 1972)
John De Cesare
1890 - 1972
Alfred Jacob Miller (1810 - 1874)
Alfred Jacob Miller
1810 - 1874
Tom Blackwell (1938 - 2020)
Tom Blackwell
1938 - 2020
Edgar Leeteg (1904 - 1953)
Edgar Leeteg
1904 - 1953
Dominic Chambers (1993)
Dominic Chambers
1993
Shara Hughes (1981)
Shara Hughes
1981
Laura Gilpin (1891 - 1979)
Laura Gilpin
1891 - 1979
Danielle Orchard (1985)
Danielle Orchard
1985
Theodore Butler (1861 - 1936)
Theodore Butler
1861 - 1936

Creators Abstract Expressionism

Anselmo Bucci (1887 - 1955)
Anselmo Bucci
1887 - 1955
Vilmos-Jozsef Istvanovich Berets (1915 - 1999)
Vilmos-Jozsef Istvanovich Berets
1915 - 1999
Inge Höck (1922 - 2014)
Inge Höck
1922 - 2014
Jean Coune (1900 - 1963)
Jean Coune
1900 - 1963
Jürgen Leippert (1944)
Jürgen Leippert
1944
Roelof Paul Citroen (1896 - 1983)
Roelof Paul Citroen
1896 - 1983
Stanton Macdonald-Wright (1890 - 1973)
Stanton Macdonald-Wright
1890 - 1973
Elena Graure-Manta (1956)
Elena Graure-Manta
1956
Isaac Soyer (1902 - 1981)
Isaac Soyer
1902 - 1981
Anna Lois White (1903 - 1984)
Anna Lois White
1903 - 1984
Evelyn Waugh (1903 - 1966)
Evelyn Waugh
1903 - 1966
Ottmar Hörl (1950)
Ottmar Hörl
1950
Konstantin Fyodorovich Yuon (1875 - 1958)
Konstantin Fyodorovich Yuon
1875 - 1958
Shimshon Holzman (1907 - 1986)
Shimshon Holzman
1907 - 1986
Hanne Darboven (1941 - 2009)
Hanne Darboven
1941 - 2009
Peter Leisinger (1942)
Peter Leisinger
1942
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