John Altoon 1924 - 1967

John Altoon was an important character in the Los Angeles art scene of the 1950s and '60s. His boisterous personality and enthusiasm energized the circle of artists associated with the Ferus Gallery; a nexus of L.A. avant-gardism that included such still influential figures as Ed Keinholtz, Robert Irwin, Ed Moses, Larry Bell, and Ed Ruscha.

Ferus Gallery Artists

Ferus Gallery Artists, 1959
From Left: John Altoon, Craig Kauffman, Allen Lynch, Ed Kienholz, Ed Moses, Robert Irwin, Billy Al Bengston
Photograph by Patricia Faure

But there's also the matter of the artist's personality; this boisterous, hard-drinking, skirt-chasing man plagued by bouts of depression alternating with episodes of mania that often turned destructive and ugly. And he had died young, at the age of 44, from a massive heart attack.

Biographical details from a review and commentary by David Lewinson (San Diego art critic)

Altoon at his Venice Beach studio

Altoon at his Venice Beach studio
Detail of photograph by Malcolm Lubliner


SELECTED PAINTINGS:

Click title links for images

FAY'S CHRISTMAS PAINTING 1958


UNTITLED (TRIP #2) 1959


UNTITLED ( TRIP SERIES) 1959


OCEAN PARK SERIES #8 1962


UNTITLED (HYPERION SERIES) 1964



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