"Woman V," 1952-53
Willem de Kooning
"de Kooning's Angel," 2004
Kirby Kendrick
Grotesque! Chaotic! Jolly! Depraved! Alluring! Sexually aggressive!
These are feelings people have about the work of Dutchman, Willem de Kooning (1904-1997)- especially about his depictions of women. The above work, “Woman V,” took de Kooning 2 years of painting, scraping, ripping and re-painting…the year 1952. Notice his brush strokes, his color, the way he almost attacks the canvas. What a painting! In 1986, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts, and in 2006 one of his series of “Woman” sold for $137.5 million. What is your reaction to this painting?
Much color. No form. No theme. But, kinda interesting
My eye is all over the place when viewing each of these paintings. Definitely a very chaotic feeling.
I keep wanting to look at de Kooning’s painting. I didn’t really like it at first. Compared to your work, I like your colors better. But I must admit, I did go back and stare at the 137 million dollar work. I can’t tell for sure if I’m sincerely quite taken with it or compelled to absorb it, hoping that it’s value will seep into me! L
What a wonderful blog! Every post is a lesson in Art History! Please, please, please keep them coming!
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Kirby, you’re amazing. You’re forever learning, and now with the blog you have a great vehicle to share it all with all of us. I look forward to seeing what’s coming.
I was fortunate to see the DeKooning exhibit at MoMA. He’s fabulous, one of my favorites. I was really struck by the extreme aggressiveness , mysogynistic quality of all the Woman paintings – those were not my favorites, but they’re strong, that’s for sure. Your painting is definitely happier, funny, strong in a fun and life affirming way. He was alcoholic and, I suspect, not very nice. You can copy him in some ways, but your lovely spirit just can’t copy his mean one! Good thing too!
Your website is not just informative however really creative too. You will find frequently really several people who may write not simple content articles that creatively. Continue the excellent writing !!
Kirby,
I really love your blog! I need some more time learning and exploring all this wonderful and interesting information. I plan to share it with one of my budding artist as well. Woodrow, my middle boy you sketched, is very artistic.
We just moved and my painting has a much more prominent spot in the new house. People always comment on this fabulous piece.
Hope to see you soon. Missing you and ShanyBanan.
All the best,
Bethanny
Keep up the great work!
please send photos of boys!!!
Some genuinely prime posts on this web site , bookmarked .
Thx for your kind words! Let me know if you would like a possible blog on a certain subject or artist and we’ll be glad to blog away! Kirby