Ben Nicholson OM

Ben Nicholson OM (1894 - 1982) was a leading figure of British Modernism in the 20th Century and a founding member of The Penwith Society in 1949. Nicholson was an influential figure in British abstraction and was known for his innovative approach to art and his exploration of geometric forms. In the Penwith Portfolio, his lithograph “Abstract 1936” was from an original painting he did. The work showcases Nicholson's distinct style, characterized by clean lines, interlocking shapes, and a harmonious balance of form and color. It exemplifies Nicholson's fascination with the relationships between shapes and how they interact with negative space. The composition is carefully constructed, with geometric elements arranged to create a sense of rhythm and movement. The use of muted colors, typical of Nicholson's palette during this period, enhances the tranquil ambience of the artwork.