Byron Browne

American, 1907 - 1961

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Born on June 26, 1907, in Yonkers, New York, Byron Browne emerged as a notable artist with a distinctive style that made a lasting impact on the American art scene. His artistic journey began at the National Academy of Design, where he studied under C.W. Hawthorne and Ivan Olinsky from 1924 to 1928. However, in a bold rejection of academicism in 1928, Browne intentionally destroyed much of his early work.

During this transformative period, Browne encountered abstract art through the influence of Arshile Gorky. The 1930s saw Browne contributing to the Murals Division of the Works Progress Administration (WPA's) Federal Art Project. In 1935, he further expanded his artistic horizons by studying with Hans Hofmann and joining the Artists' Union. A pivotal moment came in 1937 when Browne became a founding member of the prestigious American Abstract Artists, solidifying his position in the avant-garde art movement.

Byron Browne's artistic style was truly unique, characterized by geometric abstractions infused with cubist elements, creating a body of work that remains instantly recognizable. At the time of his passing on December 25, 1961, at the age of 54, Browne had completed nearly 1,000 works. His artistic legacy lives on in over fifty museums nationwide, including esteemed institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Museum of American Art, the MFA Boston, and the Whitney Museum.

Beyond his achievements as a painter, Browne was a dedicated teacher. Starting in 1948, he imparted his artistic wisdom at the Art Students League and became a professor of advanced painting at New York University in 1949. Byron Browne's contributions to the art world and education continue to resonate, making him a significant figure in American art history.