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Feeding Grounds

Mark Tobey

Artwork Details

Feeding Grounds
1954
Mark Tobey
tempera on paper
24 1/8 x 18 1/4 x 1 3/8 in. (61.28 x 46.36 x 3.49 cm);17 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (45.08 x 29.85 cm)
Gift of Evan Maurer in honor of Helmut F. Stern
2009/1.545

Description

Subject Matter:

In 1923, while living in Seattle, WA, Mark Tobey met the Chinese painter Deng Kui, who taught him techniques of Chinese calligraphy. In 1934 he traveled to China and Japan. Improvising with calligraphy the following year, Tobey originated the distinctive "white writing" that marked his maturity as an artist. This painting is an example of this calligraphic, overall style.

Physical Description:

This is a vertical, rectangular, abstract painting of white ground with shapes that resemble letters floating in tones of gold, brown, gray, and black. 

Usage Rights:

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