Willem de Kooning was one of the most important artists of the 20th century. He was a major figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, and his work had a profound impact on the development of post-war American art. De Kooning’s early career was shaped by his experience as an immigrant in New York City, and his subsequent engagement with the European avant-garde. His work is characterized by its expressive use of line and color, and its often tumultuous composition.
De Kooning’s early paintings were heavily influenced by Surrealism, Cubism, and Expressionism. He developed his own unique style, which incorporated elements of all three of these movements. De Kooning’s work was often lauded by his contemporaries; he was one of the few Abstract Expressionists to achieve mainstream success during his lifetime. His work has continued to be influential in the decades since his death, and he is now considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.