Peter Plagens (American, b. 1941), Untitled

Mixed media collage on paper, unsigned, float mounted and framed under Plexiglass.

Sheet size 31 1/2 x 47 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 34 1/2 x 50 1/2 in.

Peter Plagens is an acclaimed American artist, art critic, and writer whose career spans several decades, blending abstract painting with incisive commentary on contemporary art. Born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Los Angeles, Plagens pursued his artistic education at the University of Southern California (BFA) and Syracuse University (MFA). His paintings are known for their vibrant color palettes, dynamic compositions, and interplay between geometric forms and gestural marks. Often categorized within the realm of abstract expressionism, his work also reflects influences from minimalism and modernist traditions. Plagens’ art has been exhibited widely, appearing in prestigious galleries and institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his achievements as a painter, Plagens is a prominent art critic and writer, contributing to publications such as Artforum, Newsweek, and The Wall Street Journal. His thoughtful and often provocative critiques have earned him a reputation as a leading voice in the art world, adept at contextualizing contemporary movements and trends. Plagens has taught at numerous universities, including California State University, Northridge, University of Southern California, and University of North Carolina. where he influenced a generation of young artists with his deep insights into modern and contemporary art. He has authored several books, including Moonlight Blues: An Artist's Art Criticism and the novel Time for Robo. Balancing his dual roles as an artist and critic, Plagens has maintained a nuanced perspective on the creative process and the cultural landscape, cementing his legacy as both a visual innovator and a sharp observer of the art world.

Good estate condition; not examined out of the frame.