Mark TOBEY

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Mark Tobey (1890-1976) was an American abstract painter known for his unique “White Writing” style. After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, Tobey worked in New York as a portraitist and fashion illustrator. He converted to the Bahá’í faith in 1918 and embarked on numerous travels to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, where he studied Chinese and Japanese calligraphy. Starting in 1935, he developed a meditative painting style characterized by a flurry of signs, influenced by calligraphy and Zen aesthetics. His works, which influenced artists like Jackson Pollock, earned him numerous awards.

Sumi Still Life, 1957, Sumi on paper, 20,5 x 25 cm
© Courtesy Galerie Jeanne Bucher Jaeger