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

Aaron Young (1972)
Aaron Young
1972
Jenna Gribbon (1978)
Jenna Gribbon
1978
Nabil Nahas (1949)
Nabil Nahas
1949
Wolfgang Laib (1950)
Wolfgang Laib
1950
Tom Blackwell (1938 - 2020)
Tom Blackwell
1938 - 2020
Bruce Metcalf (1949)
Bruce Metcalf
1949
Michael Glancy (1950 - 2020)
Michael Glancy
1950 - 2020
John Ford Clymer (1907 - 1989)
John Ford Clymer
1907 - 1989
Hugo Robus (1885 - 1964)
Hugo Robus
1885 - 1964
Otto Piene (1928 - 2014)
Otto Piene
1928 - 2014
Sonya Sklaroff (1970)
Sonya Sklaroff
1970
Vera Lutter (1960)
Vera Lutter
1960
Katherine Elizabeth Nash (1910 - 1982)
Katherine Elizabeth Nash
1910 - 1982
Anthony (Tony) Sisti (1901 - 1983)
Anthony (Tony) Sisti
1901 - 1983
Amy Sillman (1955)
Amy Sillman
1955
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)
Albert Einstein
1879 - 1955

Creators Abstract Expressionism

Dominique Issermann (1947)
Dominique Issermann
1947
Deborah Kass (1952)
Deborah Kass
1952
Georg Grimm (1846 - 1887)
Georg Grimm
1846 - 1887
Patricia Ayres (1975)
Patricia Ayres
1975
Thomas Eigel (1959)
Thomas Eigel
1959
U San Win (1905 - 1981)
U San Win
1905 - 1981
Tommi Anton Parzinger (1903 - 1981)
Tommi Anton Parzinger
1903 - 1981
Gabriehl Nikolaevna Beloiartseva-Vaisberg (1910 - 1998)
Gabriehl Nikolaevna Beloiartseva-Vaisberg
1910 - 1998
William Henry Johnson (1901 - 1970)
William Henry Johnson
1901 - 1970
Erasmus Schröter (1956 - 2021)
Erasmus Schröter
1956 - 2021
Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov (1873 - 1955)
Nikolay Konstantinovich Kalmakov
1873 - 1955
Gerhard Rühm (1930)
Gerhard Rühm
1930
Gilberto Zorio (1944)
Gilberto Zorio
1944
Franz Heckendorf (1888 - 1962)
Franz Heckendorf
1888 - 1962
Hans Rickers (1899 - 1979)
Hans Rickers
1899 - 1979
Carlo Zauli (1926 - 2002)
Carlo Zauli
1926 - 2002