Edwin John Victor Pasmore, often known simply as Victor Pasmore, was a prominent British artist and architect, celebrated for his contributions to the development of abstract art in Britain. Born on December 3, 1908, in Chelsham, Surrey, England, Pasmore's journey as an artist began in the realm of figurative painting before evolving into a pioneer of abstract art.
Pasmore's early life was marked by his exposure to art through his father, who was an amateur artist. He attended the Harrow School of Art from 1927 to 1929, where he received formal training in painting. Later, he studied at the Central School of Art and Design in London.
In the 1930s, Pasmore's artistic style was heavily influenced by the works of the Post-Impressionists, particularly Paul Cézanne. His early paintings, characterized by their figurative and representational nature, displayed a strong affinity for the traditional techniques and subject matters of the time.
However, Pasmore's artistic trajectory took a significant turn in the 1940s when he became associated with the avant-garde movement in Britain. He began experimenting with abstract art, gradually departing from figurative representation to explore geometric abstraction and the use of color and form as primary expressive elements.
One of Pasmore's notable contributions to abstract art was his involvement in the establishment of the influential art group "Circle" in 1937, which aimed to promote abstract art and foster collaboration among artists. Through his participation in Circle, Pasmore engaged in discussions and collaborations with other prominent artists, including Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth, further shaping his artistic vision and direction.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Pasmore gained international recognition for his abstract paintings, which often featured geometric shapes, bold colors, and a sense of spatial ambiguity. His work during this period reflected his interest in the principles of Constructivism and the exploration of pure abstraction.
In addition to his work as a painter, Pasmore made significant contributions to the field of architecture. He became interested in urban planning and design, advocating for the integration of art and architecture in urban environments. His architectural projects, such as the Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee, England, exemplified his belief in the potential of art to enhance public spaces and foster social interaction.
Throughout his career, Pasmore remained dedicated to exploring new forms of artistic expression and pushing the boundaries of abstraction. His legacy continues to influence contemporary artists and architects, reaffirming his status as a pioneering figure in the history of British art.
References:
- Cork, Richard. "Pasmore, Victor (1908–1998), artist and architect." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press, 2004.
- Gooding, Mel. "Abstract art and the possibility of universal understanding: Victor Pasmore and the beginning of abstraction in Britain." Art History, vol. 15, no. 3, 1992, pp. 308-333.
- Lewis, Jeremy. "Victor Pasmore: Towards a New Reality." Tate Publishing, 2014.