"Looking Back"
Important Works by Northwest Master
Morris Graves
From 1930 - 1990
Reception: September 17th, 2009
"I paint to evoke a changing language of symbols. A language with which to remark upon the qualities of our mysterious capacities which direct us
toward ultimate reality." --Morris Graves
An extraordinary exhibition of Morris Graves' masterpieces alongside various relevant works, which form the most powerful Graves show in recent memory.
Beginning with paintings from the early 1930's and moving through to the much loved series of "Flower Paintings" created in the last period of his
oeuvre, this exhibition was culled from the monumental and important Marshall & Helen Hatch Estate Collection, the Morris Graves Estate, as well as,
several other prominent private collections. This presents a rare opportunity to view as well as purchase works by Morris Graves not seen publicly in years.
Highlights include the iconic masterpiece, "Time of Change" 1943, which was featured in the Guggenheim Museum's recent show "The Third Mind" and
an outstanding example of Graves' flower paintings, "Winter Bouquet (rosehaws and hellebore)" 1977, which was featured as the frontispiece of the
well known book "Morris Graves Flower Paintings" by Theodore F. Wolff.
"Winter Bouquet (rosehaws and hellebore)" personifying Graves' intent to portray the otherworldly spirituality and the momentary magnificence of
one of nature's most amazing achievements, flowers. This work embodies the most powerful of Graves' traits as a painter without any of the perceived
so called frivolities and stands as a landmark in his body of work and one of his greatest paintings.
Also shown are various works reflecting Graves' love of the natural world, including the magnificent 1953 "Spirit Bird Transporting Minnow" from the
highly desirable "Spirit Bird" series and a pair of important sumi ink paintings of grasses and water plants from the 1950's showing the great
influence of Asian art on Graves.
To read more on Morris Graves click here.
To return to the 'Current Exhibit' click here.
