Grace Hartigan's Email & Phone Number

📖 Summary

Grace Hartigan was an influential American painter known for her bold, gestural style and her contributions to the abstract expressionist movement. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1922, Hartigan showed an early talent for art and eventually attended the Newark College of Engineering. However, she left school to pursue her passion for painting, and in 1945, she moved to New York City where she would become an integral part of the burgeoning art scene.

In New York, Hartigan became associated with the abstract expressionist movement, which was characterized by its rejection of traditional artistic techniques in favor of a more spontaneous and emotional approach to painting. She began to develop her distinctive style, creating energetic, colorful canvases that often incorporated elements of collage and were inspired by a wide range of sources, including literature and popular culture.

One of Hartigan's most notable works from this time is "Shinnecock Canal," which she completed in 1950. This painting demonstrates her use of bold, expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colors, as well as her interest in capturing the energy and atmosphere of the world around her. Hartigan's work from this period often reflects the influence of other abstract expressionists, such as Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock, but she also introduced her own unique perspective and personal experiences into her art.

Hartigan's reputation as an important figure in the abstract expressionist movement continued to grow throughout the 1950s, and in 1953, she became the only woman included in the famous "Ninth Street Show" – a landmark exhibition that showcased the work of numerous abstract expressionist painters. This recognition helped to bring her work to a wider audience and solidified her reputation as a leading artist of her generation.

In the late 1950s, Hartigan's style began to evolve, moving away from the purely abstract and gestural to incorporate more representational elements. She became interested in the work of the old masters, particularly the 16th-century Venetian painter Titian, and began to explore new ways of incorporating imagery and narrative into her paintings. This shift led to a series of works inspired by the life and poetry of the English writer and poet Frank O'Hara, who had become a close friend of Hartigan's. These paintings, known as the "Oranges" series, are notable for their use of figurative elements alongside the bold, gestural abstraction that defined Hartigan's earlier work.

Throughout her career, Grace Hartigan continued to experiment with new techniques and ideas, while maintaining a commitment to emotional expression and personal narrative in her art. Her work drew from a wide range of influences, including literature, music, and the world around her, and she remained an important and influential figure in the American art scene for many years. In 1956, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, and in 1965, she became the first female artist to have a solo exhibition at the renowned Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

After moving to Baltimore in the late 1960s, Hartigan continued to paint and teach, and her work continued to evolve. She explored new media, including printmaking and collage, and continued to develop her distinctive style, creating powerful, dynamic compositions that are a reflection of her personal experiences and the world around her.

Grace Hartigan's bold, expressive paintings continue to captivate and inspire viewers, and her legacy as a pioneering figure in the abstract expressionist movement endures to this day. Her work is represented in numerous public and private collections, and her impact on the art world can still be felt through the many artists who have been influenced by her innovative and deeply personal approach to painting. Grace Hartigan passed away in 2008, leaving behind an enduring legacy as a groundbreaking artist who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.