John Hoyland (1934-2011)
Brown, Beige, Pink (1971)

Screenprint
52 x 70 cm
Signed and dated to lower right, numbered 95/100

‘Brown, Beige, Pink’ is an intriguing composition, featuring an abstract mass of gentle tones. It exemplifies Hoyland’s exploration of colour and form, featuring bold geometric shapes in earthy tones juxtaposed against vibrant hues. The composition invites viewers to engage with the interplay of colours and the spatial tension between the forms. The work itself is part of a limited edition series, with known editions held in prestigious collections such as the Yale Center for British Art, the Tate, and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

John Hoyland was a leading British abstract artist, renowned for his bold use of color and dynamic compositions. Born on October 12, 1934, in Sheffield, England, he studied at Sheffield School of Art before attending the Royal Academy Schools in London. Initially influenced by figurative painting, he transitioned to abstraction after being inspired by American Abstract Expressionists such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman.

Hoyland gained recognition in the 1960s, becoming one of Britain’s foremost abstract painters. His work is characterised by vibrant, large-scale canvases with striking geometric and gestural elements. In 1967, he represented Britain at the São Paulo Biennale, and in 1982, he was elected a Royal Academician. His career spanned decades, with major exhibitions at institutions like the Tate and the Royal Academy of Arts.

Hoyland remained a committed advocate for non-figurative painting, rejecting minimalism in favour of emotional depth and expressive colour. He passed away on July 31, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain’s most significant post-war abstract artists.