Louise #Nevelson proudly stated, “You must create your own world. I am responsible for my world,” and boy, did she create worlds, in fact she created many worlds, in small shacks, wall installations, stele, metalworks.
She exhibited amazing variety. Almost entirely recycled. Painted in white, silver, gold, or black. Others left to rust. A few were done in jewel tones, dark red, blue or green but very few. This work could only have been fashioned in her era, as homes were being gutted>
& renovated following the Depression. She was born in 1899 in Kyiv & died in NYC, 1988. In 1905, her family relocated to Maine. She married a businessman in 1920, and divorced in 1941. Like her contemporary, Lee #Krasner, she studied under Hans Hoffmann. (Excellent choice.) >
Her work with Hoffmann took place before the war, in Munich. She traveled to South America in the 40s & one can see influences from Europe & the Americas in her work. She never remarried. She lived in abject poverty until the 50s. This adversity helped her establish her style.
Indeed, she may never have chosen to use recycled items if she’d had a choice. Found objects (objets trouvés) became her medium out of necessity. In the late 50s museums (MoMA) took notice & from then on she was requested for commissions & sold many pieces.
When she passed away she was one of NYC’s most prolific sculptors. Her pieces are all over NYC. Sadly, along with the lives of 2,996 people, Sky Gate also was lost in the World Trade Centre attack. She produced until she passed away. She was subject of my first art bio read. 🖤
One last note, a personal one. I read this bio on the way to France. I didn't see ANY of her work in France, (1996) on that visit. I'd like to think that has changed. Also, Louise was the quintessential dumpster diver- looking for banisters, finials, railings, anything wooden. >
As one can see, her studio took up the entire floor of her cold water flat. Also, she LOVED herself some charcoal matte eyeliner! If I saw this woman diving in a dumpster for wood, I’d never guess she was one of the 20th century’s most prolific sculptors. More power to her!
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