Elaine de Kooning's JFK portraits debut at Berry Campbell this fall
From October 29th, the Berry Campbell Gallery in New York will present a significant solo exhibition dedicated to Elaine de Kooning, showcasing her creations from 1948 to 1988. This marks the first extensive solo display since the National Portrait Gallery's "Elaine de Kooning: Portraits" exhibition held in 2015–2016. Numerous pieces, including both paintings and works on paper, have remained unseen since her passing. Notable features include works from her John F. Kennedy series, commissioned in 1962 for an official presidential portrait at the Harry S. Truman Library. During late 1962 and early 1963, de Kooning had the opportunity to observe Kennedy in Palm Beach, Florida, where his constant movement made traditional sittings unfeasible, prompting her to rely on quick sketches.
Key facts
- Exhibition opens October 29th at Berry Campbell Gallery, New York.
- Covers four decades of Elaine de Kooning's career (1948–1988).
- First major solo show since National Portrait Gallery's 2015–2016 exhibition.
- Many works not publicly shown since the artist's death.
- Highlights include JFK portrait series from 1962 commission.
- Commissioned for Harry S. Truman Library official presidential portrait.
- De Kooning worked from rapid sketches due to Kennedy's constant motion.
- She told ARTnews she needed 'absolute immobility of the subject.'
Entities
Artists
- Elaine de Kooning
- John F. Kennedy
Institutions
- Berry Campbell Gallery
- National Portrait Gallery
- Harry S. Truman Library
- ARTnews
Locations
- New York
- Palm Beach
- Florida
Sources
- Artsy —