Rolph scarlett biography

A recent acquisition of eleven compelling works by Canadian-born artist Rolph Scarlett is bringing renewed attention to his significant contributions to abstract art. Known for his deep exploration of non-objective forms and his connection to key figures in the modernist movement, Scarlett's artistic journey offers a fascinating study in the evolution of abstract expression. It's wonderful to see institutions like the RMG championing artists who, like Scarlett, dedicated their lives to the pursuit of pure artistic form.

"For the artist venturing into non-objective realms, the quest for inspiration lies not in the external world, but within the depths of their own being, seeking to ignite that spark of inherent inner vision." – Rolph Scarlett

Artist Rolph Scarlett firmly believed that abstraction represented the pinnacle of creative expression, eloquently articulating his profound search for pure form in his writings. Born in Guelph, Ontario, in 1889, Scarlett was a multifaceted modernist talent, excelling as a painter, designer, and jeweler. His move to New York City in 1908 marked a pivotal point, where he briefly engaged with the Art Students League before heading to Los Angeles to pursue work as a set and industrial designer. It's intriguing how different creative fields can intersect and influence an artist's trajectory.

A transformative period occurred in the 1920s during a European sojourn, where Scarlett encountered the influential artist Paul Klee. This meeting proved significant, as Klee encouraged Scarlett to delve into the realm of spontaneous abstraction. Upon his return and subsequent settling in New York City in 1937, Scarlett forged a valuable friendship with Hilla von Rebay, the visionary first director of the Guggenheim Museum and a fervent advocate for abstract art. This connection deeply immersed Scarlett in modernist ideals, leading to his role as a lecturer at the Museum of Non-Objective Painting in New York (later known as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum). His early non-objective pieces clearly echo the influences of Klee and Kandinsky, often showcasing geometric elements, vibrant color palettes, and a distinctive rhythmic quality. While the core aesthetic concerns of his close circle, including Rebay and Rudolf Bauer, leaned towards the expression of the spiritual through abstraction, Scarlett's focus gravitated more towards aesthetics and a sense of universal order. He remained a highly productive painter, continually investigating the possibilities of abstraction until his passing in 1984. His impactful work can be found in numerous prestigious public and private collections, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It makes you think about the enduring power of abstract art to transcend time and connect with viewers across generations.

This particular exhibition proudly presents eleven works by Rolph Scarlett, recent additions to the RMG's collection. These paintings beautifully illustrate the breadth of his artistic evolution, ranging from structured geometric abstractions to his later, more fluid and emotionally expressive style. The RMG's ongoing commitment to narrating the story of modernism in Canada is commendable, and Rolph Scarlett undeniably played a vital role in this narrative through his significant contributions to the development of abstract art in North America. It's through such exhibitions that we can truly appreciate the depth and complexity of an artist's vision.