Rita Ackermann on Art as Gratitude and Her Evolution from Figurative to Abstract Painting
Rita Ackermann, originally named Rita Bakos, was born in Budapest in 1968. At the age of twenty-two, she relocated to the United States after studying under Károly Klimó. Her initial artworks showcased whimsical figures, but her style has since transformed through various series that include elements of erasure, collage, and fire. Recently, she has shifted towards Abstract Expressionism. In 2000, Ackermann co-founded the band Angelblood and has worked alongside artists such as Harmony Korine and Kim Gordon. In an email conversation with Ross Simonini, she shared insights into her artistic beliefs, highlighting the importance of intimacy in drawing and gratitude in her work, referencing Nietzsche. Simonini is a writer and the host of ArtReview's podcast Subject, Object, Verb.
Key facts
- Rita Ackermann was born Rita Bakos in 1968 in Budapest.
- She studied with painter Károly Klimó in Hungary.
- She moved to America at age twenty-two and changed her surname to Ackermann.
- Her early paintings featured sprite-like figures with leonine features.
- Her work has evolved to Abstract Expressionism, melting figural elements into smears.
- She cofounded the band Angelblood in 2000 with Lizzi Bougatsos and Brian DeGraw.
- She has collaborated with Harmony Korine, Kim Gordon, and Chloé.
- She cites Nietzsche: 'The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.'
Entities
Artists
- Rita Ackermann
- Rita Bakos
- Károly Klimó
- Lizzi Bougatsos
- Brian DeGraw
- Harmony Korine
- Kim Gordon
- Paul McCarthy
- Van Gogh
- Ross Simonini
Institutions
- ArtReview
- Gang Gang Dance
- Chloé
- Angelblood
Locations
- Budapest
- Hungary
- New York
- America