Richard Pousette-Dart: an overlooked figure of Abstract Expressionism celebrated with new exhibition

Beginnings, at Kettles Yard, Cambridge, is the first solo exhibition of his work in the UK, inspired by research exploring the friendship and transatlantic correspondence of the artist with Kettles Yard creator Jim Ede.

A key, yet often overlooked figure of Abstract Expressionism and the New York School, which transformed American art in the post-war years, Pousette-Dart’s contemporaries included Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman and Willem de Kooning. Deeply influenced by Oriental philosophy, Transcendentalism and Native American art, his style changed throughout his career.

The majority of works on display have been borrowed from US museums and collections, and have not previously been seen in this country. The exhibition is also accompanied by a publication reflecting new research into the life and work of Pousette- Dart and his significant contribution to American art in the 20th Century.

Born in Minnesota in 1916, Pousette-Dart was the son of a painter and a poet and musician. Largely self-taught, he worked in New York in the 1940s where he worked with sculpture, painting and photography. He later taught at a number of universities and his students included Christopher Wool and Ai Weiwei.

Beginnings is on show at Kettles Yard, Cambridge from 23 October 2018 until 6 January 2019.