Clyfford Still Sold at Auction Prices

Painter, b. 1904 - d. 1980

(b Grandin, ND, 1904) American Painter. Clifford E. Still received his BFA from the Spokane University in 1933. Still had his first solo show at the San Franciso Museum of Art in 1943. At the show, Still met Mark Rothko, who would become his friend and influence his work. While in New York, Rothko introduced him to Peggy Guggenheim, who gave him a solo show at her gallery, Art of the Century, in 1946. Still moved to San Fancisco where he taught and developed Abstract Expressionism with Rothko. After several years, Still moved back to New York where, in the early 1950’s, he would sever ties with the art world and from then on rarely exhibit his work. Upon leaving the art world, Still moved to Maryland, where he continued to paint until his death in 1980. After Still passed away, it was discovered that he had created and retained over 2000 pieces of work. A competition was held to decide which U.S. city would be allowed to house this abundant collection. Denver won the honor and revealed the Clifford Still Museum in early 2009.