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Alice Trumbull Mason: A Pioneer of American Abstraction

Early Life and Education

Born in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut in 1904, Alice Trumbull Mason descended from a distinguished artistic lineage – her ancestor was the renowned history painter John Trumbull.
Her early life included extensive travel throughout Europe, fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures and art forms.
She formally began her artistic training in 1921, studying at the British Academy in Rome, where she honed her skills in sketching and art history.
Upon returning to New York in 1924, Mason continued her education at the National Academy of Design under Charles Webster Hawthorne.

Artistic Development and Influences

A pivotal moment in Mason’s artistic development came with her studies under Arshile Gorky at the Grand Central Art School (1927-1931).
Gorky introduced her to Cubism and Kandinsky's spiritual approach, laying the groundwork for her exploration of abstraction.
A 1928 trip to Italy and Greece profoundly impacted Mason’s work; she was deeply moved by Byzantine mosaics and archaic Greek sculpture, which infused her compositions with an architectural dimension.
In 1929, following the death of her mother, Mason declared a commitment to abstraction, stating her joy in being “not governed by representing things anymore.”

Career and Artistic Style

Mason’s early works were characterized by biomorphic forms and pure abstraction.
Over time, her style evolved towards a distinctive "architectural abstraction," emphasizing structural elements and geometric compositions.
She became a founding member of the American Abstract Artists (AAA) in 1936, actively participating as Treasurer, Secretary, and eventually President.
Mason’s work explored the relationship between form, color, and space, often rejecting representational imagery in favor of pure plastic expression.

Major Achievements and Recognition

She first exhibited her work in New York in 1942, though recognition during her lifetime was limited.
Mason also pursued printmaking at Atelier 17, creating works that gained some attention.
A retrospective exhibition of her work was held at the Whitney Museum of American Art two years after her death in 1971, bringing belated recognition to her contributions.
Her daughter, Emily Mason, also became a notable abstract painter, continuing the family’s artistic legacy.

Later Life and Historical Significance

Following the tragic loss of her son in 1958, Mason struggled with depression and alcoholism.
She continued to paint until 1969, leaving behind a body of work that reflects a lifelong dedication to abstraction.
Alice Trumbull Mason is now recognized as an important figure in the development of American abstract art, bridging the gap between early modernist experimentation and later Abstract Expressionist movements.
Her commitment to non-objective art and her exploration of architectural forms continue to inspire artists today.

Alice Trumbull Mason

Alice Trumbull Mason

1904 - 1971 , United States of America

Quick Facts

Birth Date: 1904
Birth Place: Litchfield Hills, United States of America
Death Date: 1971
Influenced: Emily Mason
Influenced By: Arshile Gorky, Charles Webster Hawthorne, Byzantine architecture
Movement: Abstract Art, American Abstraction
Name: Alice Trumbull Mason
Nationality: American
Notable Works: March Time, Untitled Abstraction, Untitled (from the portfolio American Abstract Artists)

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Untitled Abstraction

Untitled Abstraction

March Time

Untitled, from the portfolio American Abstract Artists

Untitled, from the portfolio American Abstract Artists