American Modernism

Modernism swept across the world in the early part of the 20th Century originating in Europe with a group of pioneering artists whose ground breaking ideas would shape the world we live in today.

The Americans, who were going through an immense shift due to the industrial revolution, an influx of immigration pouring into its major cities and music exploding with stimulating Jazz, had their own group of artists creating work, abandoning local colours for objects and replacing them with colour, revealing states of feeling and inner reactions to the subject. 

These artists inherited attitudes of modesty towards their accomplishments shared by the American painters that preceded them in the late 19th century, particularly when compared with European painting. It was a period of bold experimentation and significant accomplishment. Many of these American modernists never quite had a platform for their important contributions to art history on a European stage. A much overdue re-evaluation and celebration of these accomplishments is at the heart of this American Modernism show from JC Gallery held at the established Marie Jose Gallery. We look at the key figures who paved the way for later generations in their daring innovations and provocative ideas. From John Marin to Arthur Dove, we look deep into the network of thinkers and decontextualise their relevance in today’s landscape, hoping to bring light to new discoveries for a London audience.

“To be able to show an exhibition of paintings by the American modernists, in this stunning corner of South Kensington at Marie Jose Gallery, is a privilege. This is a fitting celebration of some of the most pivotal figures in the American avant-garde. Many of the works included could fit happily alongside some of the most contemporary works of today.” - James Ward, Director of JC Gallery.

The mission of JC Gallery has always been to bridge the past and the present, to connect the ground-breaking works of modernist visionaries from the past with the contemporary audience of today. We believe that art is not static, but a living, evolving conversation. Through this American modernism exhibition, we preserve a vital piece of American artistic heritage while nurturing the growth of new dialogues and perspectives.

SELECTED WORKS