Bob Thompson (painter) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Thompson
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Bob Thompson in the garden of the Martha Jackson Gallery, New York, 1965
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| Born |
Robert Louis Thompson
June 26, 1937 |
| Died | May 30, 1966 Rome, Italy
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| Occupation | Figurative painter |
Bob Thompson (born June 26, 1937 – died May 30, 1966) was an amazing African-American painter. He was famous for his bright and colorful paintings. His art often mixed ideas from old European art masters with the energy of jazz music and a style called Abstract Expressionism.
Even though he only painted for about eight years, Bob Thompson created over 1,000 artworks. He passed away in Rome, Italy, in 1966. His paintings are now in many museums and private collections across the United States. The Whitney Museum even held a special show of his work in 1998.
Early Life and Learning
Robert Louis Thompson grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. When he was 13, his father passed away. He then lived with family members who helped him discover his love for art and jazz music.
He first tried studying medicine at Boston University. But he soon realized his true passion was art. So, he went back to the University of Louisville to study painting. There, he learned from talented artists like Ulfert Wilke and Mary Spencer Nay.
Becoming an Artist
In 1958, Thompson moved to New York City. This city was a hub for artists and musicians. He quickly became friends with many jazz musicians, like Charlie Haden and Ornette Coleman. He often visited famous jazz clubs like The Five Spot.
He also met writers such as Allen Ginsberg and other artists. He even took part in some of the very first "Happenings." These were exciting, unplanned art events that combined different art forms.
In 1960, Bob Thompson had his first art show all by himself. This was at the Delancy Street Museum. Later, he had more solo shows at the famous Martha Jackson Gallery. His art also gained attention in Detroit after a show there in 1965.
Life and Legacy
Bob Thompson got married in 1960. In 1961, he and his wife moved to Europe. He received a special award called a Whitney Foundation fellowship to help him travel. They visited London and Paris, and then settled in Ibiza, Spain.
Thompson wanted to see and learn from the Old Masters' paintings in Europe. He wanted their art to inspire his own work. Sadly, he passed away in Rome, Italy, in 1966, after a surgery. Even though his career was short, he left behind a huge collection of paintings and drawings.
His Unique Art Style
Bob Thompson spent a lot of time visiting museums. He studied and drew inspiration from art created long ago. A big goal for him was to give new meaning to themes from the Old Masters.
He mixed the grand styles of the Baroque and Renaissance periods with the lively feel of jazz and Abstract Expressionism. This helped make old art feel fresh and important for people today, especially for African-American audiences.
In his early paintings, he often showed large groups of people. He used mostly earthy, natural colors. But around 1963, his style changed. He started focusing on single, important events in his paintings. He also began using much brighter colors.
His later paintings were more expressive and full of feeling. He combined traditional symbols with his own creative ideas. Thompson was often inspired by the ideas of good versus evil. He also explored the connection between people and nature. His figures are often colorful and flat, showing the influence of Abstract Expressionism.
