Portraits, Abstractions, and the In-Between: Gathering the Work of Frederick Hammersley presents a selection of drawings, paintings, and prints drawn from Pomona College’s collection. Frederick Hammersley (1919-2009) taught painting for several years at Pomona College. He came to prominence in 1959 in the landmark exhibition “Four Abstract Classicists” which brought together Hammersley, Karl Benjamin, Lorser Feitelson, and John McLaughlin. The landmark exhibition postulated a generational approach to abstraction distinct from the gestural system of Abstract Expressionism; one in which pure abstraction is rendered in hard-edged, flat planes of color. In over 60 years as an artist, Hammersley produced a wide range of drawings, from naturalistic portraits to computer generated drawings. This exhibition showcases some of the range of Hammersley’s work in a similar manner to how he presented it in his home. The clustered mini-installations he created encourage viewers to consider his varied works not as distinct entities but as part of a unified artistic vision.
This exhibition is made possible in part by the generous donation of art works from the Frederick Hammersley Foundation. It is curated by Hannah Pivo PO '14, Josephine Bump '76 Curatorial Intern, and Shayda Amanat SC '14, Graham “Bud” ’55 and Mary Ellen ’56 Kilsby Curatorial Intern.
