Order a giclee of c.1930 (framed lid)

The artwork "c.1930 (framed lid)" by Ben Nicholson Om is a captivating piece that showcases the artist's unique style and technique. Created in 1930, this pen drawing measures 27 x 40 cm and is currently housed at the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, United Kingdom.

Artistic Style and Influences

Ben Nicholson Om's work is characterized by its abstract compositions, often featuring geometric shapes and bold lines. This piece, in particular, displays a series of three wooden boxes with distinct designs, arranged in a row to create an artistic display. The use of different colors and patterns on each box adds depth and visual interest to the overall composition. Key Features of this artwork include:

The use of pen as the primary medium, which allows for precise lines and intricate details
The arrangement of the boxes, which creates a sense of balance and harmony
The varying designs on each box, which showcase the artist's experimentation with different patterns and colors

Artist Background and Other Works

Ben Nicholson Om was a British painter born in 1894, known for his abstract compositions and still-life works. Some of his notable pieces include 1925 (landscape) and Jan 27 1933. To learn more about the artist and his works, visit the Ben Nicholson Om page on WahooArt.
For those interested in exploring more of Ben Nicholson Om's artwork, WahooArt offers a range of handmade oil painting reproductions, including pieces by other renowned artists. Discover the masterpieces of Tate Liverpool and other prominent museums through WahooArt's extensive collection: Discovering the Masterpieces of Tate Liverpool.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

Ben Nicholson OM: A Life in Abstract Art

Born: April 10, 1894, Denham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Died: February 6, 1982, London, United Kingdom

Early Life and Artistic Training

Ben Nicholson was born into an artistic family; his father, Sir William Nicholson, and mother, Mabel Pryde, were both accomplished painters. This environment fostered a deep appreciation for art from a young age.
He received early education at Tyttenhangar Lodge Preparatory School, Seaford, Heddon Court, Hampstead, and Gresham's School in Holt, Norfolk.
Nicholson formally studied at the Slade School of Fine Art (1910-1911), where he was a contemporary of notable artists like Paul Nash, Stanley Spencer, Mark Gertler, and Edward Wadsworth. Anecdotally, he spent considerable time playing billiards during this period, finding aesthetic appeal in the game's geometry and movement.

Artistic Development and Influences

Early Works: Nicholson’s initial artistic endeavors involved naturalistic still lifes, influenced by his father’s style.
Cubist Influence: Around 1926, he began to explore abstraction, heavily influenced by Synthetic Cubism and the work of Pablo Picasso.
Neoplasticism & Primitive Style: A meeting with Piet Mondrian introduced him to Neoplasticism, while his encounter with Henri Rousseau sparked an interest in a primitive style. These influences significantly shaped his artistic direction.
Key Movements: Nicholson became involved with several important art movements of the time, including the Seven and Five Society (of which he was chair), Unit One, and Abstraction-Création.

Major Works and Artistic Style

Reliefs: Nicholson is particularly renowned for his abstract reliefs, beginning in 1933. These works combined painting with sculptural elements, creating a unique visual experience. The white reliefs of the mid-1930s are considered among his most significant achievements.
Still Lifes and Landscapes: While known for abstraction, Nicholson also produced compelling still lifes and landscapes, often incorporating geometric forms and muted colors.
The Nicholson Wall: A notable public work is the "Nicholson Wall," a mural created for the garden of Sutton Place in Guildford, Surrey, demonstrating his belief that abstract art should be accessible to a wider audience.
Materials & Techniques: He experimented with various materials and techniques, including oil paint, pencil, gravel, and masonite, often combining them in innovative ways.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Modern British Art: Ben Nicholson is recognized as a pivotal figure in modern British art, contributing significantly to the development of abstraction and relief sculpture.
International Recognition: His work garnered international acclaim, with exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Venice Biennale and retrospectives at major museums worldwide. He received numerous awards, including the Order of Merit in 1968.
Auction Records: Nicholson’s paintings command high prices at auction, reflecting their artistic merit and historical importance. For example, "Sept 53 (Balearic)" sold for $1,650,500 at Christie's New York in 2011, and “Fiddle and Spanish Guitar” fetched €3,313,000 at Christie’s Paris in 2012.
Influence on Subsequent Artists: Nicholson’s innovative approach to abstraction and his exploration of form and space have influenced generations of artists.

Ben Nicholson OM

1894 - 1982 , United Kingdom

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style:
- Abstract art
- Cubism
- Constructivism
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Henri Rousseau
- Piet Mondrian
- Pablo Picasso
- Cezanne
Date Of Birth: April 10, 1894
Date Of Death: 1982
Full Name: Ben Nicholson OM
Nationality: British
Notable Artworks:
- Sept 53 (Balearic)
- Fiddle and Spanish guitar
- 1946 (still life)
Place Of Birth: London, United Kingdom