Forrest Moses
“The Chama: October” c. 1980s
Oil on Canvas
Gift of Fay and Jonathan Abrams
Capitol Art Collection
Capitol Art Foundation
Forrest Moses was an American painter celebrated for his abstracted landscapes that evoke the essence of natural environments. Born in Danville, Virginia, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Washington and Lee University in 1956. His service as a naval officer in Southeast Asia, particularly his exposure to Japanese aesthetics, profoundly influenced his artistic philosophy. After his military service, he pursued further studies at the Pratt Institute in New York, focusing on architecture and design.
In 1969, Moses settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the unique light and landscapes inspired much of his work. His paintings often reflect a meditative quality, emphasizing mood and tone over literal representation. Moses embraced principles like wabi-sabi, appreciating the beauty in imperfection and transience.
