Artist Keywords

Merton D Simpson

Merton D. Simpson (1928 - 2013) was active/lived in New York, South Carolina / Africa.  Merton Simpson is known for Abstract expressionist painting, portraits, gallery owner.

Subject to Copyright

The following was submitted by the artist, September 2004

One of eight children, Merton Simpson was born in 1928 and grew up in Charleston, South Carolina.  While hospitalized with childhood diphtheria, he took to drawing. His talent was soon recognized by several Charlestonians, among them William Halsey, an artist who gave private instruction to the young Simpson. 

While working with Halsey, Simpson also worked at the Gibbes Museum, the only African American in the still segregated institution. Though not an orphan, Simpson was also a member of the Jenkins Orphanage Band, another important early experience, as music has been a lifelong inspiration to the artist.

Simpson moved to New York in 1948 where he studied at the Cooper Union and at New York University, where one of his professors was Hale Woodruff.  He also worked at Benevy's Frame shop, an experience Simpson calls his "real college." There he met artists Hans Hofmann, Max Web   ...  [Displaying 1000 of 20112 characters.]  Artist bio

Artist auction records

.  askART's database currently holds 164 auction lots for Merton D Simpson (of which 136 auction records sold and 0 are upcoming at auction.)

Artist artworks for sale and wanted

.  There are 1 artworks for sale on our website by galleries and art dealers . There are 3 galleries and art dealers listing works of art by Merton D Simpson as either "Wanted" or "For Sale" .

Research resources

.  askART lists Merton D Simpson in 0 of its research Essays. Merton D Simpson has 31 artist signature examples available in our database.

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