Bruce and Anthony Armstrong share more than a father-son relationship. Both self-taught, contemporary abstract artists and photographers, the Armstrongs employ their similarity of style in “Father & Son: Abstract Generations” to explore the relationships of shapes, colors, and generational legacies.

It is only after careful observation of the details— the way the acrylic paint is applied, for example—that you may be able to differentiate between the paintings constructed by the father (Bruce) and those done by the son (Anthony). They are incredibly complementary of each other, reading as one cohesive exhibit, with recurring elements of minimal expressionism and intentional assembly.

Do You See What I See by Bruce Armstrong. Acrylic on canvas. 36 x 48.

Bruce and Anthony, who both have a background in artistic photography, apply an expert eye for composition to their abstract paintings as well. The pieces are vibrant and stark, with strong, thick lines and curves that are intense and organic at the same time. Of his process when creating abstract works, Bruce says: “The formula for my art is best when there is no formula at all... The work itself guides me rather than me directing it.” This intuitive method is evident in his emotive pieces that tame experimental forces into clean, intentional expression.

Anthony describes his photography as aiming to “capture the essence of people and places,” often displaying in black and white, which allows the “viewer [to] see the texture and life.” His pieces are highly textural—though nearly all are two-dimensional acrylic— with depth created by interplaying light, shadow, and color.

Expectations by Anthony Armstrong. Acrylic on canvas. 48 x 48.

It is clear that Bruce’s artistic experience and style have influenced his son’s. Likely they have both been influenced by similar cultural sources as well, having lived and created in Indianapolis. A generation within a family is impacted by its predecessor, in ways that are intentional and in others that are unintended. Artistic communities, likewise, are affected by the work and the environment created by early generations of artists. If the scene is welcoming or elitist, more traditional or more experimental, it can be traced to the mentoring artists, collectives, exhibition spaces, and institutions that have built it that way.

Bruce, along with fellow artist Anthony Radford, founded We Are Indy Arts, inspired by “Indy Renaissance,” the longest running arts collective for African American artists in Indianapolis. The collective is now an influential voice and premiere representative of Black art in the city, bringing together artists from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds. Artists, and the arts scene at large, have benefitted from Bruce’s investment in generational artistic development in Indianapolis.

Untitled 1 by Bruce Armstrong. Acrylic on canvas. 48 x 48.

“Father & Son: Abstract Generations” will be on display in the Harrison Center’s Speck Gallery for the month of August. The exhibit can be viewed in-person by appointment and in our online gallery, where all pieces are available for purchase.