Alex Katz, Spring, 2023 - 2024, Oil on canvas, Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery
Renowned artist Alex Katz will present four monumental paintings from his "Seasons" series at the Museum of Modern Art’s Atrium from July 4 to September 8, 2024. This series captures the essence of the changing seasons with the vibrant colors of spring, summer, and autumn, contrasted with the starkness of winter. These pieces are part of an extensive collection of over 100 works that Katz has crafted in his New York studio since 2022.
Katz’s creative inspiration stems from his surroundings, whether a solitary tree spotted on Houston Street after a cinema visit or the picturesque scenery of Lincolnville, Maine where he has spent summers since 1954. He notes, "I aim to capture the sensation of color and the experience of seeing."
"Alex Katz: Seasons" exhibition highlights the artist's innovative approach to depicting nature. Katz typically starts with photographs taken on his iPhone and smaller sketches, which he then develops into expansive canvases. Frequently, he omits the horizon, creating a sense of boundless space in his work. The artist can often finish a painting in just one morning, treating each canvas as a fresh opportunity, even as he revisits the theme of the seasons. He describes this artistic process as a mix of spontaneity and hope: “Hold your breath and hope for the best.”
Alex Katz, Winter Tree 1, 2023, Courtesy of MoMA
"Every morning in New York City, I walk around the block and pass by these trees, thinking, 'Gee, they’re terrific,'" he explained. This daily observation made him capture their beauty with his iPhone, ultimately leading to the creation of "Winter Tree 1," which depicts a real winter scene.
Then, "Spring" and "Summer 21" were inspired by sketches during the summer months in Maine. "I used bare canvas for those sketches, a technique I hadn't employed since 1950," he noted. The paintings feature significant areas of unpainted canvas, creating a unique texture. "If you look closely, it's a very hairy painting," he added. "At first glance, these paintings might not seem overly complex, but they rely on wet paint and a single brushstroke, which means it’s either perfect or flawed," Katz explained. "The outcome rarely matches my vision, and I have to find a way to refine them. I often tell fellow artists, "Eat your heart out."
Alex Katz, Summer 21, 2023, Courtesy of MoMA
He described "Summer 21" as particularly challenging, noting the evolution of color throughout the season. "The greens start as bright yellow greens in May, but by the end of summer, they become muted and lifeless," Katz explained. "So, when you're painting something that stretches 16 to 18 feet, you're capturing that transition to dead green." His reflections highlight both the complexity and beauty of nature as seen through his artistic lens.
Alex Katz, Autumn 5, 2022, Courtesy of MoMA
Alex Katz remarks on the ever-changing nature of his subjects, stating, "Every three months, everything looks different, and I strive to reflect that. I want my paintings to transcend static representations of reality, unlike some classical works that feel frozen in time." He emphasizes that the energy in his large paintings comes from using a broad brush in sweeping strokes, which captures the vitality of his observations. "A thinner line wouldn’t convey the same sense of energy I feel when I see things. That is essential." All the featured works at MoMA were created with a six-inch brush, illustrating Katz's mastery of technique and detail.
Sayart / Amia Nguyen, amyngwyen13@gmail.com
Alex Katz, Spring, 2023 - 2024, Oil on canvas, Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery
Renowned artist Alex Katz will present four monumental paintings from his "Seasons" series at the Museum of Modern Art’s Atrium from July 4 to September 8, 2024. This series captures the essence of the changing seasons with the vibrant colors of spring, summer, and autumn, contrasted with the starkness of winter. These pieces are part of an extensive collection of over 100 works that Katz has crafted in his New York studio since 2022.
Katz’s creative inspiration stems from his surroundings, whether a solitary tree spotted on Houston Street after a cinema visit or the picturesque scenery of Lincolnville, Maine where he has spent summers since 1954. He notes, "I aim to capture the sensation of color and the experience of seeing."
"Alex Katz: Seasons" exhibition highlights the artist's innovative approach to depicting nature. Katz typically starts with photographs taken on his iPhone and smaller sketches, which he then develops into expansive canvases. Frequently, he omits the horizon, creating a sense of boundless space in his work. The artist can often finish a painting in just one morning, treating each canvas as a fresh opportunity, even as he revisits the theme of the seasons. He describes this artistic process as a mix of spontaneity and hope: “Hold your breath and hope for the best.”
Alex Katz, Winter Tree 1, 2023, Courtesy of MoMA
"Every morning in New York City, I walk around the block and pass by these trees, thinking, 'Gee, they’re terrific,'" he explained. This daily observation made him capture their beauty with his iPhone, ultimately leading to the creation of "Winter Tree 1," which depicts a real winter scene.
Then, "Spring" and "Summer 21" were inspired by sketches during the summer months in Maine. "I used bare canvas for those sketches, a technique I hadn't employed since 1950," he noted. The paintings feature significant areas of unpainted canvas, creating a unique texture. "If you look closely, it's a very hairy painting," he added. "At first glance, these paintings might not seem overly complex, but they rely on wet paint and a single brushstroke, which means it’s either perfect or flawed," Katz explained. "The outcome rarely matches my vision, and I have to find a way to refine them. I often tell fellow artists, "Eat your heart out."
Alex Katz, Summer 21, 2023, Courtesy of MoMA
He described "Summer 21" as particularly challenging, noting the evolution of color throughout the season. "The greens start as bright yellow greens in May, but by the end of summer, they become muted and lifeless," Katz explained. "So, when you're painting something that stretches 16 to 18 feet, you're capturing that transition to dead green." His reflections highlight both the complexity and beauty of nature as seen through his artistic lens.
Alex Katz, Autumn 5, 2022, Courtesy of MoMA
Alex Katz remarks on the ever-changing nature of his subjects, stating, "Every three months, everything looks different, and I strive to reflect that. I want my paintings to transcend static representations of reality, unlike some classical works that feel frozen in time." He emphasizes that the energy in his large paintings comes from using a broad brush in sweeping strokes, which captures the vitality of his observations. "A thinner line wouldn’t convey the same sense of energy I feel when I see things. That is essential." All the featured works at MoMA were created with a six-inch brush, illustrating Katz's mastery of technique and detail.
