Manierre Dawson

Manierre Dawson was an American artist best known for his works of abstract art. Dawson is considered by some to be one of the first to paint true abstract art because his works were taken directly from his mind and not simply modifications of things in nature. Indeed, most art historians can agree that Dawson is the originator of abstract art in America. Dawson’s paintings of vigorous geometric shapes and patterns in an array of brilliant color had important effects in the art community worldwide. He was also an accomplished sculptor who sculpted many works that are as wonderfully unusual as his paintings. 

Manierre Dawson was born in December, 1887 in Chicago, Illinois to parents who appreciated his talent for art but did not consider it a suitable profession. Because of this, Dawson attended school to study civil engineering and architecture and did not receive much formal artistic instruction. However, his interest in art did not dwindle and was heavily influenced by his collegiate pursuits which is discernible in the geometric designs and numbers found in his pieces.  

After graduating from college, Dawson began working at an architectural firm. It was during his second year with the company that he was permitted by his employer to take a leave of absence and travel to Europe to study architecture. Dawson’s journey very quickly transformed into an examination of the various art museums throughout Europe. He traveled to multiple countries and painted a slew of works. Upon his return, and motivated by what he’d seen overseas, Dawson took to painting with new fervor and completed dozens of works. Just as math had complimented his earlier paintings, his vocation for farming (he had married a farmer’s daughter) began to show itself in these later pieces. Many of his works reflected the flora of his orchards, and fertility symbols began to appear as he and his wife raised their children. Despite these external influences, most of Dawson’s works continued to remain abstract and original. In 1968, Manierre Dawson was diagnosed with cancer, but he continued to paint and appreciate art until his death in 1969.