Willem de Kooning (b. 1904, Rotterdam, Netherlands; d. 1997, East Hampton, NY) was one of the most important artists in post–World War II American art. Originally from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, he became a key figure in Abstract Expressionism—a movement that changed the course of modern painting and helped place New York City at the center of the art world.
De Kooning began studying art when he was 12 years old, training at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts. In 1926, he moved to the United States, settling in New York City a year later. Although he had a classical art education, de Kooning soon left traditional techniques behind. He worked briefly as a house painter and then as a commercial artist, becoming involved with New York’s growing community of experimental artists. A major turning point came in 1936, when he joined a government-funded art program, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and committed to painting full-time.
His first solo show in 1948 at the Charles Egan Gallery brought him widespread attention. Critics praised his intense, expressive brushwork and powerful compositions. By the early 1950s, he was internationally recognized. His “Women” series, first shown in 1953, which mixed aggressive brushstrokes with recognizable female figures, reaffirmed his position at the forefront of modern art. One of these paintings, Woman I (1950–52), acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in 1953, remains an iconic cornerstone of the institution’s collection.
Throughout his career, de Kooning moved between painting abstract and figurative forms, often blending the two. He believed art did not have to be fully abstract or entirely realistic—instead, he liked to explore the space in between abstraction and realism.
In 1963, de Kooning moved permanently to East Hampton, Long Island, where the natural surroundings inspired a new direction in his work. His later paintings became more colorful, open, and fluid, showing a balance between freedom and control. These works are often seen as the culmination of his lifelong inquiry into the physical and emotional potentials of paint. Willem de Kooning’s influence continues to shape contemporary art. His bold approach and willingness to constantly reinvent himself left a lasting legacy that still inspires artists today