This catalogue the second volume in a proposed series of five chronicles Sean Scully's
paintings of the 1980s. Beginning with major breakthrough works early in the decade it
profiles the development of Scully's mature style as well as his growing success in America and
internationally. Scully a native of Ireland was educated in England and moved to the United
States in 1975. By the early 1980s he was established in New York and making works that would
influence his work years to come. In works both small (Solomon) and large (Heart of Darkness)
Scully developed a powerful style of richly painted stripes and shapes with a masterly control
of color and strongly built canvases. In an era of low regard for abstract painting Scully
invigorated and reinvented the form to include rich evocations of places literature and other
art forms and emotions. By the end of the decade he was universally regarded as one of the
most important artists of the second half of the twentieth century. SEAN SCULLY (*1945 Dublin)
is one of the most famous artists of his generation. In addition to numerous exhibitions
worldwide he has been honored with important awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and
Harckness Fellowship. SEAN SCULLY (*1945 Dublin) is one of the most famous artists of his
generation. In addition to numerous exhibitions worldwide he has been honored with important
awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and Harckness Fellowship.
