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One of the most prominent and celebrated of the Abstract Expressionist  painters, Willem de Kooning (1904―1997), a leading figure in 20th-century art, is currently being showcased in a major exhibition at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice from April 17 (at the same time as the 60th International Art Exhibition organized by La Biennale di Venezia) to September 15, 2024. The exhibit titled „Willem de Kooning and Italy“ explores his transformative visits to Italy in 1959 and 1969, featuring around 75 works, making it the largest presentation of his art in Italy to date.

Curated by Gary Garrels and Mario Codognato, the exhibition delves into the influence of Italy on de Kooning’s subsequent works in America, revealing the lasting impact of these visits. Visitors witness a selection of de Kooning’s „Black and White Rome“ drawings, pastoral landscapes, figurative paintings, and sculptures.

The exhibition also highlights his experimentation with clay and his later works’ synthesis of painting, sculpture, and drawing.

”If Jackson Pollock was the public face of the New York avant-garde, Willem de Kooning could be described as an artist’s artist, who was perceived by many of his peers as its leader. He was born in Rotterdam, where he grew up in an impoverished household and attended the Rotterdam Academy, training in fine and commercial arts.“ (https://www.moma.org/artists/3213)

Designed in collaboration with UNA/FWR Associati studio, the exhibit concludes with de Kooning’s late paintings from the 1980s, characterized by abstract poetry and subtle figurative references. Curators Garrels and Codognato emphasize de Kooning’s ability to draw inspiration from his surroundings, whether in New York, East Hampton, or Rome, synthesizing his experiences into a unique artistic language.

This comprehensive exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore de Kooning’s artistic evolution and profound connection with Italy, underscoring his enduring influence on contemporary art.