Willem de Kooning
American (born the Netherlands), 1904–1997

Inspired by the open expanses and sunlight seen on his frequent trips between Manhattan and Long Island, Abstract Expressionist Willem de Kooning used broad, assured brush strokes that appear to rush across this canvas, suggesting powerful natural forces shifting in space. Forms overlap and veils of color painted over wet color enhance the sensation of light and space behind the forms.

De Kooning’s restless and energetic brushwork had grown out of his contact with abstract Surrealism in the 1930s. The Surrealists believed the spontaneous gestures of the artist’s hand permitted unconscious fantasies to emerge in drawings and paintings.

Oil on canvas, 1959
Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey, 1972.32
©Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York