Peter Young, a Los Angeles native, made a significant shift in his career around 1963 when he decided to pursue painting. Despite not seeking gallery representation, his all-over plaid and dot paintings gained attention in the art world. Young’s unique approach to painting, which he calls “Maximalism,” sets him apart from Minimalist and formalist artists of his time.
Growing up, Young was influenced by modernist painters Lee Mullican and Luchita Hurtado, who embraced mysticism and nonwestern sources in their work. This exposure to alternative systems shaped Young’s artistic vision. In 1969, Young took a break from New York and spent time in Costa Rica with the Boruca tribe, creating paintings wrapped around sticks tied together. This departure from traditional painting methods showcased his innovative approach to art.
After returning to the United States, Young settled in Bisbee, Arizona, where he continued to experiment with his art. His “stick” paintings, currently on display at Craig Starr Gallery, feature canvas stretched over ponderosa pine branches held together by twine. These handcrafted pieces challenge the rigid abstract paintings popular in New York at the time. Each painting in the series is numbered and dated, with subtle lines painted over the monochromatic background.
Young’s work evokes Native American motifs and challenges the aesthetic norms of the New York art world. By connecting his canvases to nature rather than traditional stretchers, Young embraces a more organic and vulnerable approach to painting. His resistance to artistic agendas and groupthink remains relevant today. Young’s visually striking oeuvre reflects a deeper exploration of American art history that has yet to be fully appreciated.
The exhibition “Peter Young: ‘Stick’ Paintings, 1970” at Craig Starr Gallery showcases 11 of Young’s unique creations. Each painting reflects his commitment to craftsmanship and his unconventional approach to art. By blending abstract forms with natural materials, Young’s work offers a fresh perspective on American abstraction and challenges the boundaries of traditional painting techniques. Visit the exhibition at Craig Starr Gallery to experience Young’s innovative and thought-provoking art firsthand.
