Philip
Taaffe
Philip Taaffe's complex, multi-layered paintings have established him as a key figure in Contemporary Abstract Art. If you're looking for Philip Taaffe original prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network's most in-demand works.
Philip Taaffe art for sale
Discover Philip Taaffe prints for sale, exclusively available through our private network of collectors. Explore signed and unsigned screenprints, lithographs, digital prints, and rare editioned proof prints by era-defining blue chip artists.
Sell Your Art
with Us
with Us
Join Our Network of Collectors. Buy, Sell and Track Demand
Biography
Philip Taaffe emerged as a prominent artist in the 1980s, during a period of renewed interest in painting. His approach to abstraction set him apart from his contemporaries, as he incorporated elements from various cultural and historical sources into his work.
Taaffe's artistic journey began at the Cooper Union in New York, where he studied under figures such as Hans Haacke and Dore Ashton. This foundation, combined with his extensive travels and interest in cultural traditions, shaped his artistic vision.
Throughout his career, Taaffe has pushed the boundaries of abstract painting, creating works that are both visually and intellectually engaging. His paintings feature intricate patterns, bold colours, and layered imagery that invite prolonged contemplation.
Taaffe's artistic breakthrough came in the early 1980s when he began creating works that appropriated and reinterpreted elements from earlier abstract artists. His 1984 work We Are Not Afraid marked a significant moment in his career, with the artwork being understood as a deliberate response to the bold simplicity of Barnett Newman's work.
As his style evolved, Taaffe incorporated an increasingly diverse range of influences into his work. His extensive travels, particularly to the Middle East and North Africa, profoundly impacted his artistic vocabulary. These experiences led to the integration of Islamic geometric patterns and botanical motifs into his paintings.
Taaffe's work has been exhibited globally, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London. His paintings are held in numerous public and private collections, cementing notable position in Contemporary Art.