A B Wright

Alma (A.B.) Brockerman Wright was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1875. Wright grew up in the same neighborhood with two boys who would also go on to become famous artists: Mahonri Young and Lee Greene Richards. Wright was influenced by another artistic figure who lived in the area: George Ottinger. Ottinger allowed Wright and his friends to visit his studio and encouraged them to pursue their interests in art.

Wright attended LDS College and the University of Utah. While at the U of U he was instructed by J.T. Harwood and Herman Haag. Following his education stateside, he traveled to Paris where he studied at the Académie Julian and the Académie Colarossi.  After he completed his education, A.B. Wright traveled throughout the world doing work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He painted murals for LDS temples in Arizona, Hawaii, and Canada. He became the head of the art department at the U of U in 1932. Wright remained in that position until difficult circumstances caused him to leave. He left for France at the dawn of WWII. He was captured by the Germans when they invaded France and held as a prisoner until France was liberated. After the war concluded Wright remained in Europe until his death in 1952.

A.B. Wright is known for both his landscapes and his religious works. Wright’s landscapes were mostly of Utah and he painted them with a unique and recognizable style. He also developed a portrait style reminiscent of James McNeil Whistler’s. Additionally, he painted a multitude of works that were well-received in Europe and were displayed at the Paris Salon.