Anita Shapolsky Gallery, renowned for its dedication to Abstract Expressionism, is pleased to present A dialogue between Ernest Briggs and Peter Bonner. This exhibition brings together two generations of abstraction, juxtaposing the bold, gestural work of Ernest Briggs with the introspective, process-driven paintings of Peter Bonner. A key figure in the second generation of Abstract Expressionism, Briggs embodied the movement’s raw energy and spontaneity, using vigorous brushwork to express emotion and the rugged intensity of human nature. In contrast, Bonner explores perception, identity, and memory through layered compositions that invite contemplation beyond the surface.

Ernest Briggs (1923–1984) studied in San Francisco before moving to New York, bridging both the California and New York Schools of Abstract Expressionism. A student of Clyfford Still at the California School of Fine Arts, Briggs found early success in San Francisco before relocating to New York in late 1953. Initially painting in a figurative, symbolic style, he later developed a dynamic visual language of strong, lyrical brushstrokes and geometric compositions. His work from the 1950s is characterized by loose abstractions and rhythmic brushwork, while in the 1960s, he experimented with acrylic and oil, producing large canvases distinguished by dark, deep hues and lighter strokes, often leaving portions unfinished or unprimed.

In his later years, Briggs simplified his forms while maintaining his bold color palette, introducing structured compositions with horizontal and vertical elements that explored the synergy between form and spatiality. His works are held in major collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Hirshhorn Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Art, the Carnegie Institute, and the San José Museum of Art.

Peter Bonner, originally from Australia and now based in New York, seamlessly bridges abstraction and figuration. A master of material and form, his paintings reflect a dynamic interplay between structure and intuition. Moving fluidly between the human figure and landscape, Bonner builds his compositions through a process of continual construction and deconstruction. Some of his works exist purely in the realm of paint, while others incorporate materials such as sand, rice paper, and charcoal, adding depth and texture to his visual language. His carefully curated color palette either amplifies or softens the surface, depending on the conceptual intent of the piece. Through his work, Bonner explores perception, memory, and the essence of experience, drawing viewers beyond the surface into deeper emotional and intellectual engagement.

This exhibition reaffirms Anita Shapolsky Gallery’s mission to highlight artists who push the boundaries of abstraction while remaining deeply engaged with painting’s traditions. By placing these two artists in conversation, A dialogue between Ernest Briggs and Peter Bonner offers a fresh perspective on abstraction’s evolution, celebrating both its historical foundations and contemporary innovations.