Abstraction has been the art style of choice for many American artists since the end of the Second World War and a favorite of Mott-Warsh Collection co-founder, Maryanne Mott. Eschewing representational imagery from the physical world, abstractionists make elements such as form, line, shape, color, and texture the subject matter of their compositions. Focusing on process and materials, these artists create an innovative language that allows them to communicate emotions, ideas, and experiences.

This exhibit features a portion of the engaging abstract paintings, sculptures, and works on paper that can be found in the Mott-Warsh Collection. Artists represented in this show include Ranti Bam, McArthur Binion, Lula Mae Blocton, Richard Hunt, Hugo McCloud, Allie McGhee, Mary Lovelace O’Neal, Howardena Pindell, Mildred Thompson, William T. Williams, Hale Woodruff, and more.

MW Black Box Gallery

Leaning into Abstraction

This compilation of images and excerpts taken from interviews with artists represented in the Mott-Warsh Collection shed light on their motivation to pursue abstraction as a means of creative expression.