Donald Sultan (born 1951) is an American artist known for his distinctive style that merges elements of abstraction and realism. He is primarily recognized for his large-scale still life paintings characterized by bold colors, flattened shapes, and an emphasis on texture. Sultan was born in Asheville, North Carolina, and he studied at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He gained prominence in the 1980s as part of the Neo-Expressionist movement, which was characterized by a return to figurative painting with emotional intensity. Sultan's signature technique involves building up layers of tar, plaster, and industrial materials onto a wooden surface, creating a textured background. Over these textured surfaces, he depicts everyday objects such as fruits, flowers, and architectural elements using stencils, producing a sense of graphic simplicity and boldness. His works often feature recurring motifs such as lemons, poppies, and playing cards. In addition to his still life paintings, Sultan has also worked in other mediums, including printmaking, sculpture, and large-scale public art installations. He has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions and his work is represented in major museums and collections around the world. Donald Sultan's art is characterized by a unique combination of traditional subject matter and contemporary aesthetics. His ability to transform ordinary objects into visually arresting compositions has made him a notable figure in contemporary art.
Measures 7.75 x 7.75
Printed circa 1970s
Verso is blank.
Mounted to archival quality paper.