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Elaine de Kooning

Merce Cunningham

Discover Elaine de Kooning (1918-1989), a key Abstract Expressionist & Figurative painter. Explore her portraits, landscapes & insightful writings on postwar art. Wife of Willem de Kooning.
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Giclée / Art Print

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Merce Cunningham

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Artist Biography

Early Life and Education

  • Born: Elaine Marie Catherine Fried, March 12, 1918, in Flatbush, New York
  • Died: February 1, 1989, in Southampton, New York
  • Parents: Mary Ellen O'Brien (Irish Catholic) and Charles Frank Fried (Protestant of Jewish descent)
  • Early exposure to art through museum visits and painting reproductions.
  • Attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn.
  • Briefly attended Hunter College in New York City.
  • Studied at the Leonardo da Vinci Art School and the American Artists School.
  • Worked as an art school model to support herself.

Relationship with Willem de Kooning and Artistic Development

  • Met Willem de Kooning in 1938; he became her mentor and instructor.
  • Married Willem de Kooning in 1943.
  • Shared studio spaces throughout their relationship.
  • Their marriage was characterized by an open relationship and mutual support for each other's careers, though also marked by personal struggles including alcoholism.
  • Early work influenced by Cubism.
  • Developed a distinctive style within the Abstract Expressionist movement.
  • Promoted Willem de Kooning’s work throughout their career.

Artistic Style and Major Works

  • Style: Abstract Expressionism, Figurative Expressionism
  • Known for energetic portraits and landscapes.
  • Explored themes of bullfighting, basketball players, and mythological figures (Bacchus series).
  • Commissioned portrait of John F. Kennedy – a significant achievement demonstrating her ability to capture character and energy.
  • Later works drew inspiration from Paleolithic cave paintings (*Cave Walls* series).
  • Often signed artworks with initials ("EdK") to avoid being categorized solely as a "woman artist" in the male-dominated Abstract Expressionist scene.

Critical Reception and Historical Significance

  • Active member of the Eighth Street Club, a key forum for discussing art ideas.
  • Served as an editorial associate for *Art News*, writing insightful criticism on prominent artists.
  • Her work is included in major museum collections (Museum of Modern Art, National Gallery of Art, Guggenheim Museum).
  • While often overshadowed by her husband's fame, Elaine de Kooning made a significant contribution to American art as both a painter and critic.
  • She provided an important perspective on the Abstract Expressionist movement, advocating for its importance while also exploring figurative subjects.

Teaching Career and Later Years

  • Taught at various institutions including Yale University and the Parsons New School for Design.
  • Spent summers at the Hamptons with Leo Castelli.
  • Reunited with Willem de Kooning in 1976 after a long separation.
  • Continued to paint throughout her life, exploring new themes and techniques until her death on February 1, 1989.
Elaine de Kooning

Elaine de Kooning

1918 - 1989 , United States of America

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style:
    • Abstract Expressionism
    • Figurative Expressionism
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['New York Figurative Expressionism']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Willem de Kooning
    • Franz Kline
    • Arshile Gorky
  • Date Of Birth: March 12, 1918
  • Date Of Death: February 1, 1989
  • Full Name: Elaine de Kooning
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • John F. Kennedy portrait
    • Basketball player series
    • Bacchus series
    • Cave Walls series
  • Place Of Birth: Brooklyn, United States
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