In New York City, 1936, a Christmas party at the Artists Union on Ninth Street sets the stage for the story of artists Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock. Their initial encounter was marked by Pollock's drunken behavior, but he later attempted to charm Krasner, leading to them going home together. However, they did not reconnect for five years. In 1941, Krasner was invited by painter John Graham to exhibit alongside Pollock, which prompted her to visit him after learning they were neighbors. Upon entering his home, she was captivated by his paintings and felt a strong attraction to him.
Krasner played a significant role in Pollock's career, introducing him to influential artists and critics, including Willem de Kooning and Clement Greenberg, and advocating for him to gallerists and patrons. Despite being the more established artist, Krasner's own work diminished as she focused on supporting Pollock, who struggled with alcoholism and personal crises.
The recent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, titled "Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous," showcases over 120 pieces from 82 institutions, highlighting the interconnectedness of their lives and works. The exhibition begins with Krasner's paintings from the 1950s, which incorporate elements of Pollock's style, and then traces their artistic development back to their early days in the 1930s.
Pollock's distinctive works emerged in the early 1940s, showcasing a tension between figuration and abstraction. His pieces, such as "Stenographic Figure" and "Male and Female," reflect his exploration of various artistic influences, including European modernism and Mexican muralism. The couple married in 1945 and moved to Springs, East Hampton, where Krasner began creating a series of abstract works called "Little Images."
During this period, both artists shifted their painting techniques, with Pollock adopting his famous drip method and Krasner experimenting with similar techniques. The exhibition also addresses the broader cultural impact of Pollock's work, which was seen as a pivotal moment in American art, prompting various interpretations regarding its meaning and significance.
The Met show features a room designed around Pollock's large drip paintings and Krasner's collages, allowing viewers to engage with the works in a dynamic way. Krasner's later works challenge the conventions of Abstract Expressionism, incorporating elements from Pollock's style while establishing her own artistic identity. The exhibition ultimately highlights the complex interplay between Krasner and Pollock, showcasing their contributions to the evolution of modern art.