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

Charles Henry Granger (1812 - 1893)
Charles Henry Granger
1812 - 1893
Robert Feke (1705 - 1752)
Robert Feke
1705 - 1752
Chi-chien Wang (1907 - 2003)
Chi-chien Wang
1907 - 2003
Louisa Matthíasdóttir (1917 - 2000)
Louisa Matthíasdóttir
1917 - 2000
Georgia O'Keeffe (1887 - 1986)
Georgia O'Keeffe
1887 - 1986
Balcomb Greene (1904 - 1990)
Balcomb Greene
1904 - 1990
Charles Marion Russell (1864 - 1926)
Charles Marion Russell
1864 - 1926
Zygmunt Menkes (1896 - 1986)
Zygmunt Menkes
1896 - 1986
Mel Bochner (1940 - 2025)
Mel Bochner
1940 - 2025
Delphine Diallo (1977)
Delphine Diallo
1977
Georg Loring Brown (1814 - 1889)
Georg Loring Brown
1814 - 1889
Joel Meyerowitz (1938)
Joel Meyerowitz
1938
Mark Staff Brandl (1955)
Mark Staff Brandl
1955
Robert L. "Bob" Rasmussen (1930)
Robert L. "Bob" Rasmussen
1930
David Fredrick Reed (1946)
David Fredrick Reed
1946
Suren Asaturovich Arutyunyan (1950)
Suren Asaturovich Arutyunyan
1950

Creators Abstract Expressionism

Lionel Bulmer (1919 - 1992)
Lionel Bulmer
1919 - 1992
Daniel Ridgway Knight (1839 - 1924)
Daniel Ridgway Knight
1839 - 1924
Allan Houser (1914 - 1994)
Allan Houser
1914 - 1994
Artie Vierkant (1986)
Artie Vierkant
1986
 Joey L (1989)
Joey L
1989
Bernhard Heiliger (1915 - 1995)
Bernhard Heiliger
1915 - 1995
Myron G. Barlow (1873 - 1937)
Myron G. Barlow
1873 - 1937
Sven Ivar Dysthe (1931 - 2020)
Sven Ivar Dysthe
1931 - 2020
Serafima Vasilievna Shakhrai (1905 - 1981)
Serafima Vasilievna Shakhrai
1905 - 1981
Viktor Dmitrievich Zamiraylo (1868 - 1939)
Viktor Dmitrievich Zamiraylo
1868 - 1939
Agnes Martin (1912 - 2004)
Agnes Martin
1912 - 2004
Harald Duwe (1926 - 1984)
Harald Duwe
1926 - 1984
Edward Marshall Boehm (1913 - 1969)
Edward Marshall Boehm
1913 - 1969
Yves Scherer (1987)
Yves Scherer
1987
Hardin Plischki (1937)
Hardin Plischki
1937
Karl Heinz Droste (1931 - 2005)
Karl Heinz Droste
1931 - 2005
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