John Dwyer McLaughlin was an American abstract painter. Based primarily in California, he was a pioneer in minimalism and hard-edge painting. Considered one of the most significant Californian postwar artists, McLaughlin painted a focused body of geometric works that are completely devoid of any connection to everyday experience and objects, inspired by the Japanese notion of the void. He aimed to create paintings devoid of any object hood including but not limited to a gestures, representations and figuration. This led him to the rectangle. Leveraging a technique of layering rectangular bars on adjacent planes, McLaughlin creates works that provoke introspection and, consequently, a greater understanding of one's relationship to nature.
John McLaughlin, American painter and translator (died 1976)
On May 21, in the year 1898, John McLaughlin, American painter and translator (died 1976). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of May 21, one of 476 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including John McLaughlin (artist). Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 21, 1898 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 5 March 2026.
On This Date in History 476
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