Big Bird (diptych) (1965)

The diptych painting Big Bird (1965) by the Guyanese-British artist Frank Bowling revealing the flight of a white swan is one of the most impressive paintings to survive from the early part of his career in which the influence of Francis Bacon is clear. It was submitted to the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Dakar, Senegal in 1966 where it won the Mythical Grand Prize for Contemporary Art. Bowling was dispirited by the accolade, commenting that he would prefer to be known as a painter, not a Black painter. It was purchased from the artist by Bryan Robertson (1925-2002) curator and Director of the Whitchapel Gallery and Contemporary Art Society Executive Committee Member for 15 years, who was key in promoting the careers of many emerging British artists.  

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