Offered by: Converso
1118 N Ashland Ave Chicago, IL 60622 , United States Call Seller 312.493.5366

Showrooms

Mars Piece by Thomas Akawie California Realism 1970

$ 12,000
  • Description
    Mars Piece by Thomas Akawie California Realism 1970
    Airbrush on Resin, Vacuum-Formed,
    A rare 1970s piece by Thomas Akawie, created using airbrush on resin formed with a vacuum machine. This work was produced while Akawie was active in a vibrant circle of artists exploring the emerging style now known as California Realism. Akawie, along with contemporaries such as Vija Clemens, developed a virtuosity in airbrush technique that pushed the boundaries of realism and abstraction.
    This piece is believed to have originated from a NASA-related project during the 1970s and reflects Akawie's precision and visionary style.
    Notable Recognition:
    Whitney Biennial Fellow
    About the Artist:
    Thomas Frank Akawie (1935–2019) was a highly regarded American artist and educator. Born in New York City, he later moved to California, graduating from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in 1959 and an M.A. in 1963. He taught at UC Berkeley, Cal State Los Angeles, and was a longtime professor at the San Francisco Art Institute (1966–1999).
    According to Art in the San Francisco Bay Area: 1945–1980 by Thomas Albright, Akawie began with Abstract Expressionism and evolved into intricate airbrushed works combining architectural symmetry, mystical imagery, and later, Photo Realism. His subjects ranged from visionary landscapes to esoteric symbolism drawn from Tarot, astrology, and ancient cultures.
    Selected Exhibitions:
    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
    Whitney Museum of American Art, NY
    Oakland Museum of California
    Los Angeles County Museum of Art
    San Jose Museum of Art
    Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.
    Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
    Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia
    Denver Art Museum
    De Young Museum, San Francisco
    Akawie's work is included in numerous private and public collections and he is widely recognized as a pioneer of airbrush painting in American fine art.
  • More Information
    Period: 1950-1979
    Materials: resin
    Condition: Good. good original vintage condition
    Creation Date: 1970
    Styles / Movements: Modern, Mid Century
    Dealer Reference #: C00003660
    Incollect Reference #: 797869
Sign In To View Price close

You must Sign In to your account to view the price. If you don’t have an account, please Create an Account below.

Loading...
Loading... Loading...
  • This website uses cookies to track how visitors use our website to provide a better user experience. By continuing to browse this website, you are agreeing to our cookie policy
    Ok
Join InCollect close

Join to view prices, save favorites, share collections and connect with others.

Forgot Password?
  • Be the first to see new listings and weekly events
    Invalid Email. Please try again.
    Enter