American Painter Jack Youngerman Dies at 94, Known for Geometric Abstraction and Shaped Canvases

Jack Youngerman, renowned for his geometric abstract art, died on 25 February 2020. His work uniquely fused Constructivism and Hard-edge painting, frequently utilizing shaped canvases and a vibrant primary color scheme, sometimes infused with psychedelic elements. Youngerman's formative years as an artist were spent in Paris, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, funded by GI Bill benefits after his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. It was there that he was inspired by Henri Matisse. After returning to New York in 1956, he showcased his art at the Betty Parsons Gallery in 1958. He was featured in the influential Sixteen Americans exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1959, alongside notable artists like Frank Stella and Jasper Johns. In 1966, he was part of Systemic Painting at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, which later held a retrospective of his work in 1986. Youngerman was married for many years to actress and activist Delphine Seyrig, known for her role in Alain Resnais's 1961 film Last Year at Marienbad.