Place: Auckland
Born: 1935
Biography:
Maxwell Harold Gimblett, a renowned New Zealand and American artist, was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1935. He is celebrated for his harmonious synthesis of post-war American and Japanese art, which brings together abstract expressionism, modernism, spiritual abstraction, and Zen calligraphy.
Gimblett's work was included in the exhibition The Third Mind: American Artists Contemplate Asia, 1869-1989 at the Guggenheim Museum, and is represented in that museum's collection as well as the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of Art, National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Throughout the year, Gimblett leads sumi ink workshops all over the world.
Gimblett's artistic style is characterized by a blend of Eastern and Western influences. His work embodies the spiritual and philosophical traditions of both cultures, making him a unique figure in the art world. As a leading artist, Gimblett has received honorary doctorates from Waikato University and the Auckland University of Technology, and was awarded the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).
Some of Gimblett's notable works include Buddha Amida, a masterpiece that embodies the spiritual and philosophical traditions of both East and West. Created in 1985, this acrylic on canvas piece measures 305 x 305 cm and is currently housed at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (Auckland, New Zealand). Another notable work is The Days and Nights in the Wilderness: A Constant Flow of Light Falls on the Land, a painting by Colin John McCahon that embodies the artist's unique blend of spirituality, landscape, and abstraction.
Maxwell Harold Gimblett is a prominent figure in the art world, known for his harmonious synthesis of post-war American and Japanese art. His work continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts around the world. With his unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, Gimblett's artistic style is a testament to his innovative and creative spirit. As a leading artist, he has made significant contributions to the development of art, and his work can be found in various museums and collections around the world.