Eleanor Nairne, the Keith L. and Catherine Sacks Curator at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, dives deep into the artistic legacy of Lee Krasner. She explores Krasner's evolution and groundbreaking work over six decades, revealing the motivations behind her compelling retrospective. The discussion highlights how Krasner's creativity thrived amidst adversity, especially during challenging times with Jackson Pollock. Nairne emphasizes the reexamination of Krasner's identity within the abstract expressionist movement, showcasing her significant contributions beyond gender definition.
Lee Krasner's artistic evolution showcases a transformative shift from monochromatic tones to vibrant colors influenced by contemporary artists.
The impact of Jackson Pollock's death on Krasner's art marked a pivotal moment, leading to emotionally charged expressions of grief in her work.
Deep dives
Lee Krasner's Artistic Evolution
Lee Krasner experienced a remarkable evolution in her artistic style throughout her career, particularly evident in her transition from creating emphasis on gray, monochromatic works to the vibrant 'little image' paintings in the late 1940s. This shift was significantly influenced by her exposure to contemporary artists like Joan Miró, which inspired a change in her palette and scale. Krasner's paintings became characterized by their jewel-like quality, often bursting with scintillating colors and dynamic forms that were a stark contrast to her earlier, more subdued pieces. Her determination to innovate and explore different mediums, including mosaic tables, highlights her tenacity as an artist despite the challenging circumstances of her personal life.
The Impact of Personal Tragedy
The tragic death of Jackson Pollock in 1956 deeply affected Krasner, marking a critical turning point in her work as she began to express her emotional turmoil through a more visceral art style. The paintings from this period, particularly 'Prophecy,' reflect a raw, intense exploration of grief with distorted forms and fleshy tones, demonstrating Krasner's ability to articulate her interior strife on canvas. This emotional timescape resulted in artworks that were not only visually striking but also resonant with the weight of her experiences, creating an overwhelming emotional charge that affected viewers profoundly. Krasner's process of continuing to paint through her grief illustrates her resilience and commitment to her art during unprecedented challenges.
The Quest for Artistic Identity
Krasner's artistic identity was often overshadowed by her marriage to Jackson Pollock, which posed significant challenges in establishing her own recognition in the art world. Despite being a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement, she battled against being perceived merely as 'Mrs. Pollock,' which complicated her efforts to assert herself as an individual artist. Her desire to be seen as a 'capital A artist,' free from gendered labels, reflects a progressive vision for her time, anticipating a broader conversation about female artists and their place in history. The ongoing struggle for her recognition and the eventual reassessment of her work underscore the significance of Krasner's legacy in redefining the narrative of women in the arts.
Katy speaks with Eleanor Nairne, who first introduced her to Lee Kranser’s work. Back in 2019, Nairne exhibited a groundbreaking retrospective of Lee Krasner’s work while she was senior curator at the Barbican Art Gallery in London. Today she is the Keith L. and Catherine Sacks Curator and Head of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In this episode, a dive into Krasner’s artistic career.
