Franz Kline

Synopsis

A model of art-historical writing, Franz Kline is, remarkably, still the only available monograph on its subject. With its detailed yet thoroughly readable text and 170 illustrations (many published here for the first time), this book brings to light much new information about Kline, a leading figure among the Abstract Expressionists, and enriches our appreciation and understanding of his art. This book belongs on the book shelf of everyone with an interest in American painting.

Franz Kline's energetic black strokes on a white field are as recognizable as Jackson Pollock's drips or Mark Rothko's rectangles of glowing colour. He spent years struggling to find a style for himself and then achieved "overnight success" with his dramatic black - and - white abstractions. They were, in fact, so successful that they overwhelmed every other aspect of Kline's art, and as a result he has been oversimplified and underestimated. Based on nearly 20 years of research, this seminal monograph provides a comprehensive view of Kline's life and work and reveals how unexpectedly complex they both were.

Using interviews with the artist's friends and critics, and quoting from his letters, the author, Harry F. Gaugh, has created an evocative portrait of Kline's evolution from ambitious art student, to penniless Greenwich Village artist painting murals in bars, to, finally, a mature artist in command of his own unique and hard-won style.

Summary

Chapter 1: Early Life and Influences

Franz Kline was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1910. He studied art at the Boston Museum School and the Art Students League in New York City. His early influences included the works of the Abstract Expressionist painters Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.

Real Example: Kline's 1948 painting "Chief" features bold, black brushstrokes that resemble calligraphic marks on a white background, reflecting his early exploration of abstract forms.

Chapter 2: Breakthrough to Black and White

In the late 1940s, Kline began to focus on large-scale black and white paintings. He used broad, sweeping brushstrokes to create dynamic compositions that explored the interplay of positive and negative space.

Real Example: Kline's 1950 painting "Elan" is a striking example of his mature style. The painting consists of a series of vertical black strokes on a white background, creating a sense of movement and energy.

Chapter 3: International Recognition

Kline gained international recognition in the 1950s. His work was exhibited in major exhibitions around the world, including the Venice Biennale and the documenta in Kassel, Germany.

Real Example: Kline's 1956 painting "18th Street" was purchased by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary art.

Chapter 4: Technique and Process

Kline's paintings were characterized by their spontaneity and physicality. He used large brushes and thick paint, and often worked directly on the canvas without making sketches. His process involved layering and manipulating the paint with his brush, creating a dynamic and textured surface.

Real Example: Close examination of Kline's paintings reveals evidence of his brushwork, including drips, splatters, and smudges, which contribute to the overall visual impact.

Chapter 5: Themes and Symbolism

While Kline's paintings are primarily abstract, they often evoke a sense of urban energy and movement. His black and white compositions suggest streets, bridges, and other structures found in his New York City surroundings.

Real Example: Kline's 1959 painting "Night Train" features a series of vertical black lines that resemble the tracks of a train, conveying a sense of speed and dynamism.

Chapter 6: Legacy and Influence

Franz Kline died in 1962 at the age of 51. His work continues to be celebrated for its boldness, expressiveness, and influence on subsequent generations of artists. His paintings are held in major museums around the world and have inspired numerous artists, including painters, sculptors, and printmakers.

Real Example: Kline's influence can be seen in the works of younger artists such as Cy Twombly, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg, who adopted his use of black and white and explored similar themes of movement and energy.