Sir Frank Bowling is living proof that age is just a number - and for this 92-year-old British art legend, it's still game on! As we delve into the world of 'Seeking the Sublime' at Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum, until January 2027, we're reminded that life has been one heck of a journey for this trailblazer. From his humble beginnings in British Guiana to becoming the first black artist elected a Royal Academician in 2005, Bowling's story is a masterclass in perseverance and creativity.
But what drives this titan of art? It's not just about producing sublime canvases - it's about staying true to himself. Born in British Guiana (now Guyana) at the ripe old age of 19, he joined the RAF before graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1962 with a spring in his step and paint in his heart. His career has been a whirlwind affair, marked by stints as a Guggenheim fellow in New York and exhibitions at the Whitney Museum - not to mention that landmark retrospective at Tate Britain in 2019.
And yet, despite all the accolades, Bowling is refreshingly honest about his personal demons. He's been open about his love of booze, admitting he started drinking rum as a nipper - although his doc has given him the thumbs down on his current favourite tipple: a 16-year-old Lagavulin whisky. It's a candid conversation that highlights just how complicated our relationships with drink can be, especially in later life.
But Bowling isn't all about serious stuff. He's got a wicked sense of humour too - as evidenced by the time he turned up to Chelsea Arts Club's New Year's Eve bash dressed as a Christmas pudding in his swimming trunks and holly (yes, really!). And when asked what he'd rather be remembered for, he lets rip with a laugh: 'Being famous is far more enjoyable than being anonymous - especially if it means I can dress up in a suit and tie!'
At the end of the day, it's clear that Bowling's passion for art remains unrelenting. And what does he reckon his greatest achievement is? Simply this: being able to paint as he wants, whenever he wants - no matter how many hours that keeps him awake at night. It's a commitment to creativity that's inspiring us all.