Joe Downing

Joe Downing Tapestries and Rugs

The Modern Masters Tapestries Gallery is delighted to showcase a stunning collection of captivating tapestries and rugs, enriched by the visionary artistry of Joe Downing.

Joe Downing, a Franco-American painter, was born on November 15, 1925, in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. After serving in World War II and studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, he moved to France in 1950. Downing made his home between Paris and Ménerbes until his passing in 2007.

Downing was championed by the Arnaud gallery in Paris, a hub for artists in the lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. He described this artistic community as a “village.” His canvases reflected this sense of vibrancy, becoming a captivating puzzle where his unrestrained passion for color shone through.

Downing wasn’t confined to traditional canvases. He embraced unconventional surfaces, painting on old doors, windows, and even leather, showcasing his artistic spirit’s versatility.