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Donald Sultan Paintings

American, b. 1951

Donald Sultan is a distinguished painter, sculptor, and printmaker who rose to prominence in the late 1970s as part of the “New Image” movement in New York City.

Sultan has a unique artistic method and innovative approach to traditional subject matter. Known as Abstract Representation, Sultan’s paintings, prints and other art are characterized by the use of geometric black forms set against organic areas of bright color, thus bringing an abstract sensibility to his iconographic images of still life. Throughout his career he has revisited and reinvented still life, using images of lemons, poppies, playing cards, fruits, flowers, and other objects. Sultan’s lemons, a recurrent theme in his artworks, have in fact become an iconic image all over the world.

“All of the images of those dark pictures are really about the architecture in the paintings; they seem so massive and strong and permanent, but nothing is permanent,” Sultan has said. “The image in the front is very fragile, but it conveys the loaded meaning of everything that is contained in the painting.”

Sultan is considered to be at the forefront of contemporary art. Although his paintings are often classified as landscapes and still lifes, Sultan states that they are first and foremost abstracts. Besides paintings, drawings, and sculptures, he has created many editions. Sultan’s prints are unique: he uses specific materials like “flocking” to create expressive and powerful prints that are reminiscent of his forceful paintings. Since his first solo exhibition in 1977, Sultan’s artistic career has progressed rapidly; his works are part of the most prominent public and private collections to be found across the globe.

Find original Donald Sultan art on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Weng Contemporary — ArtXX AG)

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Artist: Donald Sultan
Two Dogs Pass, Large Four Part Abstract Painting by Donald Sultan 1988
By Donald Sultan
Located in Long Island City, NY
A monumental unique painting in four 48 x 48 inch panels by Donald Sultan. Artist: Donald Sultan, American (1951 - ) Title: Two Dog Pass Year: January 12th, 1988 Medium: Tar and L...
Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Donald Sultan Paintings

Materials

Latex, Wood, Tar

Six Red Poppies, 2021
By Donald Sultan
Located in Fairfield, CT
Color silkscreen with enamel inks, flocking, and over printed flocking on Somerset 500 gsm Satin Radiant White with deckle edges. Edition of 60
Category

2010s Contemporary Donald Sultan Paintings

Materials

Ink, Satin Paper

Black Flowers
By Donald Sultan
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Donald Sultan. "Black Flowers: is a flock, enamel, and spackle on tile over masonite executed in a dark palette of black, reds, and grays an...
Category

Early 2000s Post-War Donald Sultan Paintings

Materials

Enamel

Yellow Tulip #18
By Donald Sultan
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A work by Donald Sultan. "Yellow Tulip #18" is an oil and tar on paper executed in primary green and yellow on a black ground and depicts an abstr...
Category

1980s Contemporary Donald Sultan Paintings

Materials

Tar, Oil, Paper

Lemons, Tulip, Vase
By Donald Sultan
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
For more than thirty years, Donald Sultan has experimented with and expanded still life painting. He takes familiar objects such as flowers, fruits, playing cards, and factory sites,...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Donald Sultan Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Lemons, Tulip, Vase
By Donald Sultan
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Signed by the artist in pencil left vertical margin.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Donald Sultan Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

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Donald Sultan paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Donald Sultan paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Donald Sultan in mixed media, organic material, tar and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Donald Sultan paintings, so small editions measuring 15 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Larry Poons, Thornton Dial, and Al Held. Donald Sultan paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $19,800 and tops out at $200,000, while the average work can sell for $60,000.

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