At 87 years of age, Mary Abbott is one of just a handful of the first generation Abstract Expressionist artists alive today. As an artist heavily indebted to the existential qualities found in post-war art, Abbott’s entire body of work, reflect the expressive energies embedded in the ideologies of Abstract Expressionism. The sense of immediacy and adventure which dominates her canvases, are snapshots of her most intimate relationship, with that of nature.

 

Each work carries with it a sense of exalting and dynamic space, perhaps homage to the sublimity and honesty of her peers and mentors in the late 1940’s,1950’s and 60’s, namely Rothko, Baziotes and de Kooning. Using her brushstroke with varying speeds and creating colors with varying intensities, Abbott successfully created works which match in comparison to her contemporaries, works which exemplify the modern traditions and culture of the times and works which remain timeless in their appeal.

 

While Abbott’s adventurous personality bred varied styles and techniques across her oeuvre, it was without sacrifice to her main initiative of translating the ambiguities of sensation into a concrete impression and energy within the canvas, much like the dynamics of a conversation.