Margaret Peterson (1902–1997) was a prominent American modernist painter who played a significant role in abstract art during the 20th century. Known for her vibrant and symbolic works, she developed a unique style influenced by a wide range of sources, including Native American and ancient art, as well as modern European movements like Cubism and Surrealism.

Early Life and Education:

Born: 1902 in Seattle, Washington, Peterson developed an early interest in art and pursued formal training at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her degree in art. She later studied mural painting at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
Throughout her early education, Peterson was exposed to various art movements and thinkers, which informed her interest in abstraction and symbolic imagery.

Artistic Style and Themes:

Symbolism and Abstraction: Peterson's work is noted for its highly symbolic and abstract qualities. Her paintings often feature bold, geometric forms and a strong use of color to convey emotional depth and cultural narratives.
Influences: She was deeply inspired by pre-Columbian art, particularly Native American, Mayan, and Aztec motifs. This influence is reflected in her abstract forms and use of symbolic imagery, which often evoke ancient myths and spiritual themes.
Modernism: Although her work is rooted in abstraction, Peterson’s art also shares affinities with European modernism, incorporating elements from Cubism and Surrealism. She was also inspired by the Mexican muralist movement, and her work often explored social and political themes.

Career and Legacy:

Teaching: Peterson became a respected educator, teaching art at the University of California, Berkeley. However, during the McCarthy era in the 1950s, she refused to sign a loyalty oath, which led to her resignation from the university. This was a turning point in her career, as she focused more on her art and moved to British Columbia, Canada.
Later Life: In British Columbia, she continued to create, gaining a reputation for her abstract works inspired by indigenous art and landscapes. Her works were exhibited throughout North America, and she became an influential figure in the West Coast art scene.

Notable Works and Exhibitions:

Peterson’s works have been exhibited in several prestigious institutions, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in Canada. Her paintings are celebrated for their spiritual depth, vibrant color, and abstracted interpretations of nature and mythology.

Legacy:

Influence: Margaret Peterson is regarded as an important figure in modernist and abstract art, particularly in the context of West Coast American and Canadian art. Her blending of modernist abstraction with indigenous symbolism created a unique voice in 20th-century art.
Her work continues to be studied and appreciated for its innovative approach to blending cultural symbolism with modernist aesthetics, contributing to the broader history of abstraction in American art.

Margaret Peterson’s refusal to compromise her principles during a politically charged time, along with her dedication to teaching and the development of modern abstract art, ensures her a lasting legacy in the art world.