Morgan Auctions
Lot 1094
Ellsworth Kelly (1923-2015) was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker known for his abstract art that emphasized simplicity, color, and form. He was associated with the minimalist and hard-edge painting movements and is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.Kelly was born on May 31, 1923, in Newburgh, New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later studied art at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. In 1948, he moved to Paris, where he was exposed to the works of European artists and began developing his unique style.Kelly's art was characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and a focus on the relationship between form and space. He often drew inspiration from everyday objects and shapes found in nature. His work encompassed painting, sculpture, and printmaking, and he explored various mediums throughout his career.One of Kelly's notable series is the "Color Field Paintings," which featured large, solid-color canvases. He also created numerous abstract sculptures, often composed of simple shapes such as curves, rectangles, and circles. Kelly's artworks are known for their precise lines, clean edges, and vibrant hues.Over the years, Kelly received numerous accolades for his contributions to the art world. In 2013, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama. His works can be found in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London.Ellsworth Kelly passed away on December 27, 2015, at the age of 92, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire and influence artists today. His work is celebrated for its simplicity, beauty, and its ability to evoke emotional and sensory responses through its pure abstraction.Measures 40 x 32.
