Collect: American Art

Note
Philip Evergood was born in New York City to an English mother and an Australian artist father of Polish Jewish decent. Originally Blashki, in 1915 his father changed the family name to Evergood. In 1923 he attended the Art Students League of New York before moving to Europe where he worked at various jobs in Paris while continuing to paint independently. He returned to New York in 1926 to begin a lackluster career that was marked hardships of severe illness and constant financial trouble. It was not until Joseph H. Hirschhorn, a well-known collector, purchased several of his paintings that he rose to prominence. His career continued with him being particularly active during the Depression and World War II. Evergood is noted for his deliberately awkward drawing and his spontaneous bold lines. Seen here in Tin Box and Daisies (Teenage Prayer) the artist depicts the staples of teenage faith, a record player and friend to listen with. Evergood’s complex compositions are enhanced by his choosing of unorthodox colors which provoke humor and playfulness.