Terry Frost (English, 1915-2003)

Born on October 13, 1915, in Leamington Spa, England, Terry Frost was a renowned British abstract artist celebrated for his dynamic use of colour and bold geometric shapes. His unique artistic style captured the essence of joy and vitality, leaving an indelible mark on the world of modern art.

Frost's artistic journey began in his twenties when he discovered his passion for painting while serving in the British Army during World War II. Captured in 1941, Frost spent 4 years as a prisoner of war, he was recognised for his artistic ability and encouraged by one of the other prisoners in the camp to pursue life as an artist, this was Adrian Heath. It was during this time that he started to create art as a means of solace and escape, finding inspiration in the everyday objects and landscapes around him. Landscape will continue to be of great importance to Terry Frost as his last remaining link to reality even in his most abstract compositions.

Throughout his career, Frost's artworks evolved, reflecting his deep exploration of form, line, and composition. Frost was at first a figurative painter, greatly influenced by Victor Passmore who taught him at Camberwell School of Art and Craft. Later - and at this point more influenced by Ben Nicholson - Terry Frost would begin to explore abstract compositions. His artistic language often balances the harmony between geometric shapes and vibrant colours, creating a visual poetry that continues to resonate with viewers today.

Frost's distinctive style received critical acclaim both in the United Kingdom and internationally. His artworks can be found in prestigious collections, including the Tate in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, among others. Frost's contributions to the art world were officially recognized when he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1998.