Philip Guston (1913-1980) was a Canadian American artist who was part of the second generation of Abstract Expressionists. He spent most of his life in the United States, moving from Montreal to Los Angeles in 1919 with his family. Guston was largely self-taught as an artist, and he began painting murals for the Federal Art Project in 1935 while studying at Manual Arts High School and Otis Art Institute.
Guston’s friendship with Jackson Pollock began in 1927, and he later became associated with the New York School of artists. During the latter half of his career, Guston transitioned from Abstract Expressionism to figurative scenes. His works have been perceived as both personal and political, using figurative elements to create social commentary that is both humorous and tragic.
Despite being born in Canada, Guston’s parents fled Eastern Europe to escape the Ku Klux Klan’s racism and pogroms against Jews. This background may have influenced Guston’s later exploration of social issues within his art.
Overall, Philip Guston was a significant figure in post-war American art, known for his unique style that bridged abstraction and representation. His ability to create works that were both personal and universal made him an important voice within the artistic community throughout much of the twentieth century.
