Claire Falkenstein, a sculptor whose work has left an indelible mark on the abstract expressionism movement, hails from the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned her degree in art from the University of California, Berkeley in 1930. At Mills College, she studied under Alexander Archipenko, also forming connections with figures such as László Moholy-Nagy and György Kepes. Her early works, blending abstract painting and ceramic sculpture, stand out for their non-objective approach, marking the beginnings of abstraction in the United States with an interest in fluid forms and negative spaces.

"If you look at my work and find a kind of rhythm or continuity, it's because I've invested not only formally, but intellectually as well."

In the 1940s, Falkenstein emerged in the San Francisco art scene, collaborating with renowned artists and exploring new materials and techniques. Her "Exploded Volumes" sculptures illustrate this period of innovation. In 1950, she settled in Paris, experimenting with unconventional materials and developing a unique visual language. Her monumental works, especially for prestigious clients like Princess Pignatelli and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, showcase her bold use of glass and metal.

Returning to California in 1963, Falkenstein left a lasting imprint through architectural collaborations and public works. Her prolific career includes over 4,000 pieces, exhibited internationally and held in major collections.