Alex Katz (b. 1927) has been dedicated to art-making since the 1950's, establishing his signature 'flat' figurative style in the mid-1960s. Over the succeeding decades, Katz has kept the tradition of figurative painting alive as it had gone out of style.
Remarkably the artist is nearly 100 years old and still active. He continues to influence contemporary artists from his accomplishments in portraiture and landscape across many medium. Artists such as Julian Opie, Elizabeth Peyton, Amy Sherald are indebted to Katz's dedication to figuration and portraiture.
Drawing is a central aspect of Katz's practice. Serving as a tool of immediacy, it allows him to capture the present tense through line, tone, and surface. This experience, for artist, sitter, and viewer, is once of intimacy. The paper records Katz's hand in ways that are both direct and surprising, but authentic through and through.
While Katz first created his drawings with gently applied graphite, he moved to charcoal in later years, emphasizing the choreography of his compositions. These charcoal portraits stand on their own; With striking presence and precision, shades of grey convey the layered contrast that permeate Katz's paintings.
With delicate but confident mark-making, Katz constructs his drawings as an experience, not a resemblance. This portrait of Michele is dramatically cropped, a cornerstone of the artist's pictorial vocabulary.
Michele's strong presence is certainly captivating, leaving the viewer to imagine her biography and inner thoughts. A striking and intimate portrait, this charcoal drawing is exemplary of Katz's ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call 416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"Michele"
USA, 2005
Signed "Alex Katz" and dated "05" on lower left
Charcoal on paper
15”H 22.25”W (sheet)
18.25"H 25.5"W (framed)
Very good condition.
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