A pioneering abstract expressionist artist, known for her vibrant, dynamic paintings that explored the emotional and expressive possibilities of color and form.
Lee Krasner, a trailblazing American painter and visual artist, left an indelible mark on the art world with her contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Known for her dynamic and expressive works, Krasner's career spanned over five decades, earning her a reputation as a pioneering figure in modern art.
Born Lena Krassner on October 27, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, Krasner grew up in a Jewish family of modest means. Her early academic training at the Women's Art School of Cooper Union and the National Academy of Design from 1928 to 1932 laid the foundation for her artistic career. The newly opened Museum of Modern Art in 1929 introduced her to Post-Impressionism, which would significantly influence her work.
Krasner's artistic style underwent a significant transformation after enrolling in classes taught by Hans Hofmann in 1937. She incorporated Cubist elements into her paintings, showcasing her ability to adapt and evolve as an artist. During the Great Depression, she joined the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project, producing artworks that spoke to the era's social and economic turmoil.
By the 1940s, Krasner had established herself as a prominent figure among the American abstract artists of the New York School, counting Willem de Kooning and Mark Rothko among her peers. Her personal life was marked by a tumultuous marriage to Jackson Pollock, whom she married in 1945. Their relationship was plagued by Pollock's infidelity and struggles with alcoholism, culminating in his tragic death in 1956.
The late 1950s to early 1960s marked a significant shift in Krasner's work, characterized by more expressive and gestural pieces. As she gained greater artistic and commercial recognition, her style continued to evolve, featuring large horizontal paintings with hard-edge lines and vibrant colors. Krasner received numerous honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Fine Arts from Stony Brook University, in recognition of her contributions to modern art.
Lee Krasner's passing in 1984 was met with an outpouring of tributes and accolades. Critic Robert Hughes hailed her as the "Mother Courage of Abstract Expressionism." A posthumous retrospective exhibition of her work was held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, solidifying her position as a pioneering force in modern art. Today, the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in Springs, New York, and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation continue to promote her legacy and support emerging artists.
Lee Krasner's remarkable career serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft and her unrelenting passion for modern art. Her innovative spirit, tenacity, and artistic genius continue to inspire generations of artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Born in 1912
Pioneering abstract expressionist artist who splattered and dripped paint to create dynamic, emotive works that redefined modern art. Known for chaotic, intricate pieces that evoke raw emotion.
Born in 1903
A pioneer of abstract expressionism, creating bold, rectangular color fields that evoke emotions and spark introspection. His works are a testament to the power of art to transcend language and culture.
Born in 1904
A pioneering abstract expressionist, he revolutionized modern art with bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colors, creating dynamic, emotive pieces that continue to inspire.
Born in 1905
A pioneer of Abstract Expressionism, creating bold, color-field paintings that evoke emotions and spirituality. His iconic "zip" paintings feature vibrant, vertical stripes that seem to pulse with energy.
Born in 1904
A pioneering abstract expressionist, creating large-scale, gestural paintings that explored the human experience and the American West. Known for his bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant color palette.
Born in 1910
A prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement, known for bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colors that evoked intense emotions.
Born in 1915
A pioneer of abstract expressionism, creating bold, expressive works that explored the subconscious and emotional depths of human experience. Known for his iconic "Elegy to the Spanish Republic" series.
Born in 1913
A prominent abstract artist and educator, known for his bold, geometric paintings that explored the spiritual and emotional potential of art. He also wrote extensively on art theory and criticism.
