Gerald Laing
(1936–)
(–2011)
Gerald Laing
1936–2011
Gerald Ogilvie Laing (1936–2011) was a British pop artist and sculptor. Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, Laing was celebrated for his iconic paintings and sculptures featuring celebrities and pop culture figures. His artistic pursuits varied, encompassing various styles from avant-garde pop art to minimalist and figurative sculpture. Besides his creative endeavors, Laing was also a distinguished educator, teaching sculpture at the University of New Mexico and Columbia University in New York City.
During the late 1960s, Gerald Laing shifted towards abstract art and sculpture, influenced by the cool aesthetic of the New York art scene. After relocating to the Scottish Highlands in 1969, he began working with substantial forms and rugged materials. By 1973, Laing had transitioned to figurative sculpture and became a leading artist in this style. An example of his sculptural work is the Fountain of Sabrina, 1980-81, in Broad Quay, Bristol. In 2003, he returned to painting, focusing on the Iraq War. He titled his new series of works New Paintings for Modern Times, 2004–09, which drew inspiration from the Gulf War and modern media.
His works are held in public and private collections worldwide, including the Tate, V&A, National Portrait Gallery, and National Gallery in London, as well as the Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum in New York.