SAM FRANCIS

• SAM FRANCIS, an American painter of the 20th century, was born in San Mateo, California in 1923. He is renowned as an international artist of abstract expressionism. Considered by many critics as one of the most innovative painters of the 20th century, Francis served in the United States Air Force during World War II and obtained degrees in psychology and botany from the University of California, Berkeley. Establishing studios in Paris, Bern, New York, Tokyo, and California, Francis held numerous exhibitions in major art institutions worldwide. His creative inspirations stemmed from abstract expressionism, Eastern philosophy, Western thought, the French Impressionists, and the coastal regions of his homeland. Throughout his career, Francis's artworks evolved from monochromatic abstract paintings to vibrant, symbolically rich ""open"" paintings. A significant portion of his oil paint canvases remained blank, showcasing bright contrasts. Francis's works often capture a sense of light, shadow, color, and dynamic energy in imaginative ways.