Arena, Elaine de Kooning

Artwork Overview

Elaine de Kooning, Arena
Elaine de Kooning, Arena
Elaine de Kooning
Arena
1959
Elaine de Kooning
1918–1989
Arena, 1959
Portfolio/Series title: Bullfighting series
Where object was made: United States
Material/technique: oil; board
Credit line: Gift of Virginia Jennings Nadeau and Richard Pierre Nadeau © Elaine de Kooning Trust
Accession number: 2021.0005
On display: Michaelis Gallery
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Spencer Museum of Art Highlights
This dramatic composition by Abstract Expressionist Elaine de Kooning demonstrates her use of abstract forms, strong color, and vivid brushstrokes. While teaching in New Mexico in the 1950s, de Kooning made trips to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to watch bullfights at the Plaza Monumental. The paintings she made in response conjure the chaos and violence of the events in which bull and human meet. Using abstract forms and bold gestures of color, the artist reflects on the power struggle between human and animal.
Empowerment
While teaching in New Mexico in the 1950s, artist Elaine de Kooning made trips to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to watch bullfights at the Plaza Monumental. The paintings she made in response conjure the chaos and violence of the events in which bull and human meet. Using abstract forms and bold gestures of color, the artist reflects on the power struggle between human and animal.
Empowerment
While teaching in New Mexico in the 1950s, artist Elaine de Kooning made trips to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to watch bullfights at the Plaza Monumental. The paintings she made in response conjure the chaos and violence of the events in which bull and human meet. Using abstract forms and bold gestures of color, the artist reflects on the power struggle between human and animal.

Exhibitions

Empowerment
Susan Earle, curator
Celka Straughn, curator
Kristina Walker, curator
Angela Watts, curator
2022–2027