Philip Hicken, Abstract Serigraph, Signed and Numbered 2/19, C. 1970's

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Description

Philip Burnham Hicken (June 27, 1910 – 1985) was an American painter, printmaker, and educator renowned for his mastery of … Read more Philip Burnham Hicken (June 27, 1910 – 1985) was an American painter, printmaker, and educator renowned for his mastery of color and significant contributions to modern silkscreen printing. This is a limited edition serigraph, titled "Autumnal" lower left, numbered 2/19, and signed Hicken lower right. It measures 19 inches x 29 inches (including the simple gilt wood frame.) The frame has two minor dings as shown in the photos.

This item will be carefully packed, insured and shipped from Sebastopol, California.

Early Life and Education

Born in Revere, Massachusetts, Hicken developed an early interest in art. After high school, he worked at Forbes Lithograph Company, where he honed his understanding of color. During the Great Depression, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in Windsor, Massachusetts, where his artistic talent was recognized, leading to his first solo exhibition at the Berkshire Museum in 1941.

Career and Contributions

In 1936, Hicken began working with the Federal Art Project, collaborating with artists from Springfield, Massachusetts, and New York City to develop the modern silkscreen technique, known as serigraphy. He continued creating prints into the 1970s, producing over 100 works and establishing himself as a pioneer in the field.

After serving as an artist in the U.S. Army during World War II, Hicken embarked on a teaching career. He held positions at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (1950–1953) and Boston University (1956–1957). In 1957, he became Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at the Art Institute of Boston, a role he maintained for many years.

An active member of the Artists Association of Nantucket, Hicken influenced many local artists through his mentorship. He spent his later years living year-round on Nantucket with his wife, Val, until his death in 1985.

Philip Hicken’s innovative techniques and dedication to education have left a lasting impact on the American art scene, particularly in the realms of printmaking and color theory.

He was a member of the National Serigraph Society; American Artists Congress; Art Union of Western MA; Boston Society Watercolor Painters; Boston Printmakers; Cambridge Art Association; Royal Society Art; and Nantucket Art Association.

Exhibition venues included the National Serigraph Society, 1940-46; Library of Congress, 1944, 1946; National Gallery of Art, 1945; Mint Museum Art, 1946; Boston Arts Festival, MA. 1954; National Academy, Rome, Italy, 1954; and Copley Galleries, 1969. See less