Symbolism in Mixed Media Abstractions
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Elysium, mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 62″.
Keith Morant, www.morantart.com, (1944-2022) was an internationally acclaimed artist, artist advocate and humanitarian. He created award-winning expressive oil and mixed media abstract paintings. His art has been characterized by unique curvilinear forms and symbols, contrasting colors, and vitality. Throughout his extraordinary art career he achieved a masterful handling of his medium with continuous innovation.
“Songs for Remembrance Exhibition – A Memorial to Keith Morant” was presented at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2022.
Read In Memory of Keith Morant With A Loving Tribute From Fellow Artists
Parnassus, mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 36″.
Born in England, Keith Morant exhibited in London until 1973 when he moved to New Zealand and settled in Christchurch. He exhibited in numerous galleries and art centers in many major cities throughout the world, including New York, Tokyo, and London, to name a few. He also had many exhibitions in Italy. He exhibited at the Ateneo Museum, in Madrid, Ferrara, Bologna and twice in Venice.
Keith was an artist for over 50 years and received innumerable distinguished awards including the ‘Lifetime Achievement In Art’ award at the Florence Biennale, the ‘Palm International Art’ award, Leipzig, Germany and the “Peoples Choice Award” at an International exhibition in Bologna, Italy. He was also honored at the Premio San Valentino International Art Exhibition with the first prize, “President of the Republic’s Medal”.
Venetian, mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 48″.
Keith wrote, “My art is always a journey of discovery into the essence of being. It is an effort to externalize the truth of my own existence on as many levels as possible and communicate a greater awareness of the quality of life… For me, art is always an answer to which the question must be found.”
Keith had highly successful exhibitions with the Fo Guang Yuan Art Galleries in Christchurch and Auckland, New Zealand. These great shows were titled “Ringing True” and “Rhythm Of The World”. Over 600 works were exhibited and fine illustrated books were published with each exhibition. In 2019 Morant exhibited for the third time in his favorite city; Venice.
El Dorado, Mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 62″.
In 2015 Keith Morant won the Second Place Cash Award in the Manhattan Arts International “The Healing Power of ART” juried competition. When he received this award he donated the money to an artists’ organization that gives financial support to artists in need. He also won an Award of Excellence in the Manhattan Arts International, “Hot Topics – Bold Expressions” juried exhibition, curated by James Bacchi, owner of Arthaus Gallery in San Francisco, CA.
Sea Song, mixed media on canvas, 24″ x 36”.
In 2017 Morant established the Morant Foundation, a Trust based in Christchurch, New Zealand that facilitates and creates a higher awareness of art and artists of New Zealand. He wrote, “Many fine creators in this region fail to gain due recognition for their work and it is our hope that, through exhibitions and promotion, we may create a greater awareness of their prowess.” The Morant Foundation arranges exhibitions with no cost or commissions to the artist.
“The Longest Night” was a group show including nine artists presented at Eastside Gallery in Christchurch, New Zealand, to commemorate the solstice. This was the fourth exhibition to be underwritten by the Morant Foundation.
About his creative process Keith wrote, “When I begin a painting I know that, apart from a strong urge to create and a highly developed instinctual direction with tools and materials, there can be no specific design or plan for the picture as a finished product. Following a period of psychological and emotional incubation there emerges an overwhelming physical compulsion to project thought and emotion into material existence… In my work I try to emulate the power of music and evoke the universal through the specific.”
Banner image: Detail of Neural Dance, mixed media on canvas, 36″ x 62″.
Visit Keith Morant’s website at www.morantart.com
Read Keith’s article “Quality in Art and The Artist’s Ego”.
Hi Renee have a great day, it’s great effort towards art by you , and putting work of such great artist as Keith Morat and other, he is not only a great artist but also a great human being, he is very kind and to the ground artist , he is my mentor on social media, I love his work tóo much , best wishes him , and you too, I am an self taught artist from India ,
Looking forward to his exhibition in Edmonton!
Know keith personally have lots of his work he has been an inspiration to me getting painting I enjoy it as a pastime
Beautiful work Keith.
Hi Renee and Keith
I was one of the artists whose work was recently chosen to be exhibited in the first juried Morant Foundation exhibition held here in Christchurch, New Zealand.
It was an honour to be part of it and I thank Keith Morant for such a great opportunity.
Thanks so much Ruth!
Now you are having a ball at the select Artist’s Residency in Venice and we wish you all the best in creative joy!
Dear Renee, this is truly a wonderful promotion that presents my work and intentions in the best possible way.
Thank you very much!
Dear Keith,
When I took on the mission of promoting the best artists possible — like you — I knew had to create a stellar platform.
You are most welcome and I appreciate your participation.
All the best, Renee