Joe Downing
1925–2007 · USA / France
About Joe Downing
Joseph Dudley “Joe” Downing (1925–2007) was an American painter, collagist, and sculptor born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, and raised near Horse Cave. After Army service in Europe during the Second World War, he briefly attended Western Kentucky University, trained in optometry in Chicago, and took classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
A return visit to France in 1950 became permanent. Downing maintained a studio in Paris and later a home in Ménerbes. His work moved from painting toward abstract collage and constructions while ranging across canvas, paper, wood, leather, and architectural fragments. He also published poetry and artist’s books. Downing died in Ménerbes on December 29, 2007.
Information
Joseph Dudley “Joe” Downing (1925–2007) was an American painter, collagist, and sculptor born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, and raised near Horse Cave. After Army service in Europe during the Second World War, he briefly attended Western Kentucky University, trained in optometry in Chicago, and took classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
A return visit to France in 1950 became permanent. Downing maintained a studio in Paris and later a home in Ménerbes. His work moved from painting toward abstract collage and constructions while ranging across canvas, paper, wood, leather, and architectural fragments. He also published poetry and artist’s books. Downing died in Ménerbes on December 29, 2007.