Anthony Caro (1924–2013) and Alan Green (1932–2003) are prominent figures in post-war British art. Annely Juda Fine Art is proud to have worked closely with both artists, and subsequently their estates, for over 50 years.
Caro and Green represent distinct yet complementary approaches to post-war abstraction, each redefining the boundaries of their mediums. Caro’s exploration of form, emphasising balance and tension in three dimensions, contrasts with Green’s focus on the materiality and autonomy of painting. Both artists, however, shared a profound commitment to challenging conventions, pushing the possibilities of their chosen mediums and inspiring subsequent generations of artists.
By juxtaposing Caro’s groundbreaking sculptures with Green’s dynamic paintings, we witness a compelling interplay between the physical and the pictorial. Both artists pushed the limits of abstraction, offering unique perspectives on space and form. Together, their works create a rich dialogue between sculpture and painting, highlighting the vitality and innovation of post-war British art.
Anthony Caro (1924–2013) is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in twentieth-century sculpture. His landmark 1963 exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery featured large, brightly painted abstract sculptures placed directly on the floor, breaking with traditional sculptural norms and redefining how three-dimensional art engages with viewers. While best known for his steel works, Caro also experimented with materials such as bronze, wood and Perspex.
Caro’s teaching at St Martin’s School of Art (1953–1981) profoundly influenced a new generation of British sculptors, including Philip King, Tony Cragg and Richard Long. His work has been celebrated in major retrospectives at institutions such as MoMA, New York; Tate Britain, London; and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo. Recognised with numerous accolades, including a knighthood in 1987 and the Order of Merit in 2000, Caro’s legacy is unparalleled.
Alan Green (1932–2003) was a key figure in British abstract painting. Influenced by Abstract Expressionism emerging in America, Green began creating colour field paintings in the 1960s, exploring the interplay between two-dimensional pictorial space and three-dimensional materiality. His works feature structured surfaces where movement, light and colour emerge through layered paint.
Green championed the autonomy of painting, lamenting the self-consciousness that he felt hindered contemporary artists from experiencing “real things” freely. Annely Juda Fine Art has hosted several solo exhibitions of Green’s work, including major surveys in 2014 and 2022 that traced his evolution from early Block Paintings to his final Disc series. His works are held in prominent collections worldwide, including Tate, the British Museum and MoMA, New York.
