Discover the life and work of the women of the FAMM
(1908 – 1984)
Painter
American
Lee Krasner was a force of nature, constantly pushing abstraction to new heights. She is one of the major artists of the Abstract Expressionist movement, with her paintings characterized by movement, rhythm, and color. Her versatile oeuvre includes paintings and drawings, which she would often cut up to make collages. Krasner was a perfectionist, only presenting what she deemed faultless, which unfortunately means some of her works have been destroyed, depriving the public of part of her output.
Her interest in art dates back to her childhood, and she began her artistic training in high school. She first attended The Cooper Union, an art school in New York for women, and then the National Academy of Design. In 1937, she joined the class of Hans Hofmann, a German painter and iconic figure of Abstract Expressionism, who encouraged her to explore lyrical abstraction where colour plays a central role.
In 1945, she married Jackson Pollock, world renowned artist, and leading figure in Abstract Expressionism. Lee Krasner had a decisive influence on her husband's career, actively promoting his work and recognition.
She is one of the few female artists to have had a retrospective exhibition at the MoMA, highlighting her importance in the art world.