Princeton Exhibition Highlights Willem de Kooning's Formative Period from 1945 to 1950
A new exhibition at the Princeton University Art Museum focuses on Willem de Kooning's pivotal years from 1945 to 1950, a time when the Dutch-American artist achieved critical recognition. The show features 18 key works from this era, including pieces like 'Black Friday' (1948), which blends abstract and figurative elements with fleeting imagery, and 'Gansevoort Street' (circa 1949), depicting a New York street in reddish tones. De Kooning's first solo exhibition in 1948 at the Charles Egan Gallery in Manhattan marked a turning point, garnering praise from critics such as Clement Greenberg. Co-curator John Elderfield notes that this period was transformative, as de Kooning refined his use of material, line, and color, influencing his later career and modern painting. The exhibition is housed in the museum's new building, which opened in October and offers expanded gallery space. It runs through July 26, 2026, and is the second solo show dedicated to de Kooning at the institution, highlighting his artistic evolution and lasting impact.
Key facts
- Willem de Kooning gained mainstream attention with his first solo exhibition in 1948 at the Charles Egan Gallery in Manhattan.
- The exhibition at the Princeton University Art Museum showcases 18 works from 1945 to 1950, a breakthrough period for the artist.
- Key paintings include 'Black Friday' (1948) and 'Gansevoort Street' (circa 1949), illustrating de Kooning's blend of abstraction and figuration.
- Co-curator John Elderfield describes this era as transformative, shaping de Kooning's mature style and modern art trends.
- The show is presented in the museum's new building, which opened in October and features 80,000 square feet of gallery space.
- Art critic Clement Greenberg praised de Kooning's 1948 exhibition, noting his control and maturity as an artist.
- De Kooning participated in a 1951 symposium at the Museum of Modern Art, discussing his perspective on abstract art.
- The exhibition runs through July 26, 2026, and is the second solo de Kooning show at the museum, focusing on his early development.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Princeton University Art Museum
- Charles Egan Gallery
- Museum of Modern Art
- The Willem de Kooning Foundation
- Artists Rights Society
- The Museum of Modern Art
- Willem de Kooning Foundation
- Artists Rights Society (ARS)
Locations
- New York
- Manhattan
- Princeton