The first time i encountered work by Cole Morgan was at an exhibition at gallery de TWEE PAUWEN in The Hague. It struck me as an easy form of abstraction, but original in its approach and very accessible for Abstract Modern Art. Since i have seen many more pictures by Cole Morgan. At auction, during visits at the dentist, legal offices and attorneys….even saw one at a hairdresser. So many people have learned to look at his pictures and admire his works. Recognizable yes, original perhaps, ever lasting modern art?….probably not, because when you have seen one painting by Morgan , in my opinion you have seen them all. These paintings are constructed works, with brightly colored elements he composes his paintings and differs on the ones he made before. Because of his clientele, his price level has always been high and this way of producing paintings has been quite lucrative for him.
Now that his paintings appear at auctions their true value disappoints and many a collector has made a wrong investment for the moment. Nevertheless…. if you look at them as pure decorative paintings, these paintings convince. They are somewhat childish and because of their simplicity appeal to many and therefore are encountered in many offices . My advise…When you can pick one up at a reasonable price, do not hesitate and enjoy it as long as you like it, but do not expect to make a profit on it. This is art is to be consumed. There are some very nice books on Cole Morgan available at www,ftn-books.com
