This is the first retrospective publication devoted to the British abstract expressionist artist, Gerald Wilde. For the first time, it is possible to survey examples of his work from all his periods. After being sadly neglected during his life — in spite of the admiration felt for him by fellow artists — he is being given his rightful place.
The only abstract expressionist who emerged in England, Wilde was a pioneer in painting technique. His early work is full of scenes of London life seen with great intensity. For many people, he was inextricably linked with Gulley Jimson, the painter-genius of Joyce Cary’s novel. In his last period, he was producing the most remarkable images of ideas as if seeing their energy directly.
This book contains twenty-eight color plates revealing the quintessence of Wilde’s art as well as forty-six illustrations. The introduction by David Sylvester gives testament to Wilde’s genius, with essays by William Feaver, Flash Allen (aka Marie Harding), and Corinna MacNeice.
-
Why this book matters
- The first and only retrospective devoted to Gerald Wilde — the sole abstract expressionist to emerge from England, and one of the most unjustly neglected artists of the 20th century
- 28 color plates and 46 illustrations offer the first comprehensive survey of his work across all periods
- Introduction by David Sylvester — one of the most respected art critics of the 20th century — with essays by William Feaver and others who knew Wilde personally
- Wilde’s late work — images of ideas rendered as pure energy — anticipates directions in abstract art that remain vital today
- An essential act of cultural recovery: restoring a pioneering painter to his rightful place in the history of British and international art
