Richard Mayhew, the celebrated artist known for his ethereal “mindscape” paintings that blurred the lines between abstraction and landscape, passed away on Thursday at the age of 100, per artnews.com. Mayhew’s unique approach to art, which he described as painting “forty acres and a mule,” left an indelible mark on the American art scene and challenged conventional notions of landscape painting.
Born in 1924 in Amityville, New York, Mayhew’s artistic journey spanned over eight decades. His mixed African American and Native American heritage profoundly influenced his work, infusing his canvases with a deep connection to the land and its complex history. “Their blood is in the soil of the United States,” Mayhew once said, referring to his ancestral roots.
Mayhew’s artistic evolution took him from the streets of New York to the museums of Europe. After serving in the Marines during World War II, he pursued formal art education at various institutions, including Columbia University and the Art Students League. His talent was recognized early on, earning him a solo show at the Brooklyn Museum in 1955.
The artist’s association with Spiral, a collective of African American artists formed during the civil rights movement, further solidified his place in art history. As the last surviving member of this influential group, Mayhew carried forward its legacy of challenging systemic racial barriers in the art world.
Mayhew’s distinctive style, which he termed “mindscape painting,” set him apart from his contemporaries. His works, characterised by vibrant hues and atmospheric qualities, were not mere representations of physical landscapes but emotional interpretations of space and memory. “I use landscape as a metaphor to express emotion,” Mayhew explained, emphasising the psychological depth of his art.
The artist’s mastery of colour became a hallmark of his work. His canvases often featured electric shocks of violet, magenta, and neon green, creating visual experiences that transcended traditional landscape painting. Mayhew’s ability to evoke complex emotions through colour and form earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
Despite his significant contributions to American art, Mayhew’s work was not widely recognised by major institutions until later in his career. Recent years have seen a renewed interest in his oeuvre, with retrospectives, monographs and acquisitions by prominent museums bringing his art to a broader audience.
•Featured Image: Richard Mayhew Courtesy the artist’s estate and Venus Over Manhattan
