ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ellsworth Kelly's Plant Lithographs Reveal Naturalist Side at AXA Gallery

exhibition · 2026-04-22

The AXA Gallery in New York hosted an exhibition of Ellsworth Kelly's plant lithographs from June 8 to August 14, 2006, organized by the Grand Rapids Art Museum. This showcase included seventy-two prints created between 1964 and 2004, featuring the "Suite of Plant Lithographs." Each piece, approximately two by three feet, illustrates various plants, leaves, and fruits outlined on off-white paper. Kelly's fascination with plant life began in 1949 in Paris, inspired by artists Henri Matisse and Jean Arp. The prints are characterized by a minimalist style that highlights the quality of the lines. Featured works included "Oranges," "Grapefruit," and "Pear III." The New York Sun published this article on June 8, 2006.

Key facts

  • Exhibition ran from June 8, 2006, to August 14, 2006
  • Held at AXA Gallery, 787 Seventh Ave at 51st Street, New York
  • Featured 72 plant lithographs by Ellsworth Kelly
  • Organized by the Grand Rapids Art Museum
  • Included works from 1964-66 and 2004
  • Kelly's plant drawings date back to 1949 in Paris
  • Influenced by mentors Henri Matisse and Jean Arp
  • Prints rendered in outline without color or modeling

Entities

Artists

  • Ellsworth Kelly
  • Henri Matisse
  • Jean Arp
  • Jackson Pollock

Institutions

  • AXA Gallery
  • Grand Rapids Art Museum
  • New York Sun
  • artcritical

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Paris
  • France
  • Grand Rapids

Sources