INTRODUCTION
Los Angeles artist Ed Moses, with a career spanning seven decades, has garnered both national and international recognition for his innovative and prolific abstract paintings. His work is synonymous with art, reflecting his dedication to non-objective art. Moses emphasized that his art was a product of evolution rather than change, a philosophy encapsulated in his statement, "I don't believe in change. I believe in mutation, and every painting I make comes out of the painting that preceded it. What I want to do is hang out with the materials until something appears that I had nothing to do with."
EARLY LIFE, EDUCATION, AND EXHIBITIONS
Born in 1926 in Long Beach, California, Ed Moses embarked on his artistic journey. He honed his skills at UCLA, earning both B.A. and M.A. degrees, and early on, exhibited at the renowned Ferus Gallery. This phase marked the genesis of his art.
THE "COOL SCHOOL" AND ART SCENE IN LA
At Ferus Gallery, Ed Moses joined the "Cool School," a collective of groundbreaking artists who redefined Post War art and played a pivotal role in shaping the Los Angeles art scene. The group, including luminaries like Craig Kauffman, Billy Al Bengston, Robert Irwin, and others, collectively pushed the boundaries of art, solidifying Ed Moses' status as an influential painter.
ARTISTIC EVOLUTION AND MEDIUM TRANSITION
Through the years, Ed Moses experienced a transformative journey in his artistic career. His art transitioned and he evolved from drawing to primarily focusing on painting.
MUSEUM SHOWS AND RETROSPECTIVES
In 1976, Ed Moses made his museum debut at the Wight Gallery at UCLA, followed by an exhibition of new abstract and cubist paintings at LACMA, marking a pivotal moment in his career. His evolution as a painter came to the forefront. He was also the subject of a major retrospective at MOCA Los Angeles in 1996, reaffirming the importance of his art.
ARTISTIC LEGACY AND RECOGNITION
Ed Moses has left a profound impact on the Los Angeles art scene and beyond, continuing to inspire new generations of artists through his artwork. His works, including paintings, are showcased in prestigious institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, The Hammer Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Ed Moses' seven-decade career has made him a prominent painter renowned for art. His influence continues to be felt both in the art world and among art enthusiasts.
Related Artist
- Andy Moses, painter and Ed’s son
- Kelly Berg artist, Andy’s wife/Ed’s daughter in law
- Jimi Gleason, worked in Ed’s studio and So Cal artist
- Nellie King Solomon, So Cal artist and abstract painter
- Deborah Dancy, abstract painter
- Marcia Roberts, abstract painter