Lee Krasner’s Artistry Shines in Major Met Exhibition

Lee Krasner, when interviewed in 1978, responded to questions about her activities during her husband Jackson Pollock’s rise to fame by saying, “I was working all the time.” Accompanied by a photo of Krasner from 1981, the article highlights her dedication to her art.

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting a significant exhibition, Past Continuous, featuring works by Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. While Pollock is famous for his “drip” paintings, Krasner is gaining recognition as an influential Abstract Expressionist. The exhibition features 120 works, with 74 by Krasner and 48 by Pollock, showcasing her as a formidable artist in her own right.

A notable piece from the show is Krasner’s 1955 collage. Curator Brinda Kumar states, “Collage was very catalytic for her at these crucial moments in her life.” This work, titled Bald Eagle, uses Pollock’s discarded art to create something new. It features a mix of colors and forms, with a central cutout suggesting an eagle’s head.

The synergy between Krasner’s collages and Pollock’s paintings offers fresh insights, says Met curator David Breslin. This juxtaposition does not diminish their individual histories. “We see that almost as a metaphor for couples in relationships,” Breslin explains.

The exhibition places Pollock’s work, such as the classic Convergence, near windows to mimic the setting of a contemporary gallery. Visitors can compare these with Krasner’s art, revealing her resilience and dedication amid gender dynamics. Curator Brinda Kumar highlights Krasner’s market savvy, noting how she chose their home in Springs, N.Y., to distance Pollock from Manhattan’s distractions. She adjusted to working in smaller spaces first, then in a barn studio after Pollock’s death.

Krasner was a master of reinvention, changing her style frequently, as noted by journalist Mary Gabriel. Her “Little Images” from the late 1940s are dense with near-hieroglyphic symbols, and she expanded to larger works after Pollock died. Krasner was financially astute; after his death, she sold Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) at a record price, setting a new standard for modern art.

This major exhibition allows Krasner to take center stage, illustrating her evolution and bright energy in pieces like The Seasons, a vibrant, large-scale painting from after Pollock’s passing. Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous is on view at the Met until January 31.