Lee Krasner
Lee Krasner
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Born as Léa Korenstein on October 27, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, she is commonly known by her married name, Lee Krasner.
Birth and Death Dates
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October 27, 1908 – June 19, 1984
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American Artist, Painter, and Sculptor
Lee Krasner was an American artist of Russian-Jewish descent. She is best known as a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, which emerged in New York City during the mid-20th century.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family that valued education and creativity, Lee's early life laid the foundation for her future artistic pursuits. Born into a Russian-Jewish family, she was exposed to art from an early age, with both parents encouraging her creative endeavors. Her father, Joseph Korenstein, was a tailor who later turned to painting, and her mother, Pauline (née Berman), was a homemaker.
Major Accomplishments
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Lee Krasner's artistic career spanned over four decades, during which she experimented with various mediums, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and collage. Her work is characterized by its dynamic energy, emotional intensity, and exploration of the human experience. Notable accomplishments include:
Becoming a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement
Developing her signature "shattered color" technique, which involved applying layers of paint to create textured, expressive works
Collaborating with fellow artists, including Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Robert MotherwellNotable Works or Actions
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Some of Lee's most notable works include:
"Shattered Color" (1955), a seminal work that exemplifies her innovative technique
"Composition in Red, Orange, and Yellow" (1946), showcasing her early exploration of Abstract Expressionism
Her contributions to the development of abstract art, which paved the way for future generations of artists
Impact and Legacy
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Lee Krasner's impact on modern art extends far beyond her own work. As a pioneer in the Abstract Expressionist movement, she helped shape the course of American art history. Her legacy is multifaceted:
Influence on fellow artists: Lee's innovative techniques and explorations of color, texture, and emotion inspired numerous artists, including Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko
Pioneering role in women's art movement: As a woman artist in a male-dominated field, Lee broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of female artists
Preservation of artistic heritage: After her husband's tragic death, Lee worked tirelessly to preserve his artistic legacy, securing his place in art historyWhy They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Lee Krasner is widely quoted and remembered due to her:
Innovative contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement
Trailblazing role as a woman artist in a male-dominated field
Enduring legacy, which continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts today
Quotes by Lee Krasner
I knew de Kooning and I went to his studio so I knew about de Kooning’s work. But only a little handful knew about it, you know. Maybe there were ten people that knew about it.
At that point it certainly would be called abstract. That is to say, you had a model and there’d be one or two or three people there drawing the model but otherwise you had abstractions all around the room, even though the model was in front of you.
My own image of my work is that I no sooner settle into something than a break occurs. These breaks are always painful and depressing but despite them I see that there’s a consistency that holds out, but is hard to define.
People were very affected by the war. But it didn’t mean you stopped painting unless you were called into the Army; then you just couldn’t paint. But otherwise one continued.
We get used to a certain kind of colour of form or format, and it’s acceptable. And to puncture that is sticking your neck out a bit. And then pretty soon, that’s very acceptable.
Painting, for me, when it really ‘happens,’ is as miraculous as any natural phenomenon – as say, a lettuce leaf. By ‘happens,’ I mean the painting in which the inner aspect of man and his outer aspects interlock.
I like a canvas to breathe and be alive. Be alive is the point. And, as the limitations are something called pigment and canvas, let’s see if I can do it.
I never violate an inner rhythm. I loathe to force anything. I don’t know if the inner rhythm is Eastern or Western. I know it is essential for me. I listen to it and I stay with it. I have always been this way. I have regards for the inner voice.
I never violate an inner rhythm. I loathe to force anything. I don't know if the inner rhythm is Eastern or Western. I know it is essential for me. I listen to it and I stay with it. I have always been this way. I have regards for the inner voice.