Mark Tobey, American-Swiss painter and educator (b. 1890)

Mark George Tobey, an influential American painter born on December 11, 1890, and passing away on April 24, 1976, developed a distinctive artistic style characterized by densely structured compositions. His unique approach, often referred to as "white writing," drew profound inspiration from Asian calligraphy, manifesting in intricate, all-over patterns that covered his canvases. While his work visually shared some resemblances with Abstract Expressionism, a prominent mid-20th-century art movement, Tobey's philosophical motivations diverged significantly from those of most Abstract Expressionist painters. Rather than focusing on raw, gestural emotion, his art was deeply rooted in spiritual inquiry, universal unity, and a meditative engagement with line and form, reflecting his profound interest in Eastern philosophies.

Tobey's innovative contributions were widely celebrated, earning him considerable recognition across both the United States and Europe. He holds a pivotal place in American art history as a founder of the renowned Northwest School, a group of artists including Guy Anderson, Kenneth Callahan, Morris Graves, and William Cumming. As the senior figure in age and experience among them, Tobey exerted a significant influence, acting as both a friend and mentor. He fostered a shared intellectual environment, particularly through his enthusiasm for philosophy and Eastern religions, which permeated the artistic ethos of the group. Like many of his peers in the Northwest School, Tobey cultivated his artistic skills predominantly through self-study, following his initial, foundational studies at the Art Institute of Chicago.

In 1921, Tobey demonstrated his commitment to artistic education by establishing the art department at The Cornish School in Seattle, Washington, a significant institution for performing and visual arts. His personal life was marked by an incessant wanderlust, taking him on extensive travels across the globe. He journeyed through Mexico, various countries in Europe, the Middle East (including Palestine, Israel, Turkey, and Lebanon), and Asia (China and Japan). These travels were not merely for leisure but deeply informed his spiritual and artistic development, broadening his perspective and infusing his art with a universal sensibility.

A pivotal moment in Tobey's life was his conversion to the Baháʼí Faith, which became an increasingly central and influential part of his worldview and artistic expression. The faith's emphasis on the unity of religions and humanity resonated deeply with his own pursuit of universal themes. One of the enduring art historical questions surrounding Tobey's legacy pertains to the potential influence of his all-over paintings—marked by their distinctive oriental brushwork and calligraphic strokes—on Jackson Pollock's groundbreaking drip paintings. This intriguing debate remains largely unanswered, highlighting the complex web of artistic cross-pollination in the mid-20th century.

Born in Centerville, Wisconsin, Tobey spent the majority of his life in the vibrant artistic community of Seattle, Washington. However, in the early 1960s, he made a significant move to Basel, Switzerland, where he lived with his companion, Pehr Hallsten. It was in Basel that Mark Tobey, a truly global artist whose work bridged cultures and continents, passed away in 1976, leaving behind a profound and influential body of work.

Mark Tobey's Artistic Vision and Life

The Northwest School and Its Philosophic Core

Mark Tobey was a seminal figure in the formation of the Northwest School, an informal yet influential group of artists who emerged from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Unlike the often aggressive and individualistic Abstract Expressionists of New York, the Northwest School, under Tobey’s mentorship, tended towards a more introspective, mystical, and nature-infused aesthetic. Their work frequently incorporated elements inspired by indigenous art, local landscapes, and especially Eastern philosophies and religions. Tobey's profound engagement with these ideas provided a spiritual and intellectual bedrock for the group, distinguishing their contributions significantly within the broader American art scene.

The Baháʼí Faith and Universal Themes

Tobey's conversion to the Baháʼí Faith in 1918 was not a casual adoption but a deeply transformative experience that aligned perfectly with his evolving artistic and spiritual quest. The Baháʼí Faith champions principles such as the unity of God, the unity of religion, and the unity of humanity. These core tenets resonated with Tobey's desire to transcend cultural boundaries and express a universal spiritual language in his art. His intricate, interconnected lines and "all-over" compositions can be seen as visual metaphors for the interconnectedness of all existence, reflecting the Baháʼí vision of a unified world. This spiritual framework provided a deep philosophical underpinning to his artistic output, moving his abstraction beyond mere aesthetic experimentation into the realm of profound meaning.

"White Writing" and Calligraphic Abstraction

Tobey's most recognizable innovation, often termed "white writing," involved creating dense, intricate webs of white or light-colored lines on a darker ground. This technique, directly inspired by his studies of Asian calligraphy, particularly Chinese brush painting, was not merely decorative. For Tobey, calligraphy was a spiritual practice, a way of imbuing line with energy, rhythm, and profound meaning. His calligraphic abstractions were not literal representations but rather expressions of inner states, universal energy, and the dynamism of the modern world. This style fundamentally diverged from Western traditions of painting that emphasized perspective and a central focal point, instead inviting the viewer into a boundless, interconnected universe of form and movement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Mark Tobey best known for?
Mark Tobey is primarily known for his innovative "white writing" style, a form of abstract painting characterized by dense, intricate, and calligraphic lines that often cover the entire canvas. This style was deeply influenced by Asian calligraphy and Eastern philosophies, setting his work apart from many of his contemporaries.
How did Asian art influence Mark Tobey?
Asian art, particularly Chinese and Japanese calligraphy, profoundly influenced Tobey. He studied calligraphic techniques and philosophies, incorporating the spiritual discipline, rhythmic quality, and expressive power of line into his abstract compositions. This influence extended beyond technique to a deeper philosophical engagement with universal interconnectedness.
Was Mark Tobey associated with Abstract Expressionism?
While Tobey's abstract, all-over compositions shared some visual similarities with Abstract Expressionism, his philosophical motives differed significantly. Abstract Expressionism often emphasized raw emotion and individualistic expression, whereas Tobey's work was rooted in spiritual inquiry, universal unity, and a meditative approach inspired by Eastern thought.
What was Mark Tobey's role in the Northwest School?
Mark Tobey was a founding and highly influential member of the Northwest School, a group of artists from the Pacific Northwest. He served as a mentor and friend to others in the group, such as Morris Graves and Kenneth Callahan, sharing his interests in philosophy and Eastern religions, which became a hallmark of the school's unique, mystical aesthetic.
Did Mark Tobey influence Jackson Pollock?
The question of whether Tobey's "all-over" paintings and calligraphic strokes influenced Jackson Pollock's famous drip paintings remains a subject of debate among art historians. There is no definitive answer, but the visual similarities and Tobey's earlier development of the all-over composition invite speculation.
What was the significance of the Baháʼí Faith in Tobey's life and art?
Tobey's conversion to the Baháʼí Faith was a pivotal moment, shaping his worldview and artistic expression. The faith's principles of the unity of humanity and religions resonated with his pursuit of universal themes, influencing the interconnectedness and spiritual depth often found in his abstract work.
Where did Mark Tobey live for most of his life?
Although born in Wisconsin, Mark Tobey lived in the Seattle, Washington area for the majority of his life, where he was a central figure in its art scene, including founding the art department at The Cornish School. He later moved to Basel, Switzerland, in the early 1960s, where he resided until his death in 1976.