Lloyd Raymond Ney: Abstract work on paper, 1945 Ink on paper. 11 x 15w" or 28 x 38 cm. Hand-signed and dated 'Ney 45'. Provenance: Rago Auctions, Jessica Leigh Collection, Bedford Art Gallery Brooklyn, New YorkLloyd Raymond Ney, affectionately known as "Bill" among friends, was a trailblazing figure in the realm of Modernist art, leaving an indelible mark on the creative landscape of New Hope, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Born in Friedensburg, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1893, Ney's artistic journey commenced at the Philadelphia Museum and School of Industrial Art, followed by enrollment at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), where he studied under the tutelage of Henry McCarter starting in 1914. Ney's passion for art blossomed amidst the vibrant atmosphere of PAFA, where he formed enduring bonds with fellow artists Richard Wedderspoon and Charles Garner, all of whom would later converge in New Hope.In 1917, Ney's burgeoning talent earned him PAFA's prestigious Cresson Traveling Scholarship. However, his artistic pursuits were momentarily interrupted by World War I, during which he served his country until 1919. Post-war, Ney embarked on a transformative three-year sojourn in Europe, where he immersed himself in the avant-garde milieu of Paris. In 1924, a return to Paris rekindled Ney's artistic fervor, as he found inspiration in the works of luminaries like Jules Pascin, Tsuguharu Foujita, and Pablo Picasso, solidifying his resolve to make New Hope his permanent home the following year.Throughout his illustrious career, Ney's artistic pilgrimage took him across continents, painting in locales as diverse as St. Tropez, Mexico, Key West, and the Virgin Islands. His creative odyssey garnered widespread acclaim, with his works featured in prestigious exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum in New York for fifteen consecutive years from 1941 to 1956. Ney's friendship with Hilla Rebay, the director of the Guggenheim, proved instrumental, providing a platform for mutual artistic exchange and critique.Beyond the Guggenheim, Ney's oeuvre graced esteemed galleries and institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In the throes of the Great Depression, Ney's commitment to his craft remained unwavering, as he lent his talents to the Works Progress Administration (WPA), contributing murals and imparting knowledge as an instructor.Not content to confine his creativity to the canvas, Ney also ventured into real estate, revitalizing New Hope's architectural heritage while nurturing its burgeoning arts scene. His vision for Mechanics Street as a haven for boutiques and galleries underscored his commitment to fostering artistic community and expression.In 1941, Ney's artistic legacy found a new dimension as he was commissioned by the WPA to craft a mural for the post office in New London, Ohio, showcasing his versatility and ingenuity beyond traditional mediums.Lloyd Raymond Ney's artistic odyssey culminated in a lasting legacy, exemplifying the transformative power of creativity and the enduring influence of one individual's passion. On May 10, 1965, Ney's physical journey reached its conclusion, but his artistic spirit continues to inspire generations, immortalized in the vibrant tapestry of Modernist art.

Appears to be in Excellent Condition, Framed under glass, Not examined outside the frame

11 x 15 in