Sam FRANCIS

Biography

Samuel Lewis Francis, better known as Sam Francis, was born on June 25, 1923, in San Mateo, California, and died on November 4, 1994, in Santa Monica. He is recognized as one of the most prolific and influential American painters of the 20th century, famous for his non-figurative works that revolutionized the field of abstract painting.

Francis began developing his interest in art while hospitalized during World War II, a period during which he started painting. After the war, he studied painting at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his BA in 1950 and his MA in 1951. His early works were strongly influenced by abstract expressionism, notably the works of Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock.

His unique style, characterized by large swaths of vibrant color, evolved over time, incorporating elements of action painting and Color Field painting. Francis was often associated with the New York School, although he spent much of his career in Europe and Asia, significantly influencing his approach to color and light.

In the 1950s, Francis traveled to Paris, where he was greatly influenced by Tachism, a style of painting characterized by the use of color splotches. He was also inspired by Zen philosophy and Asian art, particularly after visiting Japan. These experiences contributed to the evolution of his style, where he began to incorporate empty spaces and fluid forms, giving his works a meditative and introspective quality.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Francis continued to experiment with techniques and materials, including lithographs, engravings, and monotypes. His work became darker and more introspective, often in reaction to his personal struggles, including several serious illnesses.

Francis was also a philanthropist, creating the Sam Francis Foundation shortly before his death to manage his artistic legacy and support other artists. He was featured in countless individual and collective exhibitions worldwide, and his works are present in the permanent collections of many prestigious museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London.

Sam Francis left an indelible mark on the art world, not only through his vibrant and emotional paintings but also through his philosophical approach to artistic creation. His artistic vision continues to influence and inspire generations of contemporary artists.