David Bomberg: Modernist innovator to expressionist landscape painter

David Bomberg went from being fêted as a daring and successful innovator prior to World War One to persona non grata in the eyes of the British art establishment. 

For much of his later life his changes in style were met with incomprehension. After his death, however, his seminal role in the development of British modernism together with his talent as the creator of powerful expressionist landscapes and moving portraits was finally appreciated. In addition his significance as a teacher of some of the most famous artists of the late 20th century was recognised. 

This talk will provide an introduction to the exhibition, giving a chronological survey of the stages in Bomberg’s career, and will focus on the quality of his draughtsmanship and his use of colour which underpinned his work throughout his life.

Dr Sandra Ritson is an active member of the Friends of the Laing Art Gallery and has studied and taught history, art appreciation and French. She now gives talks to various art appreciation groups, particularly on the Post-Impressionist period.  She has always been an admirer of Bomberg’s work.

Read more about the Bomberg exhibition.