Mary Heilmann, fearless colourist and singular abstract painter, has died, aged 86
A Californian through and through, but based in New York for most of her life, she took lessons from ceramics, design, Post-Minimalism, hard-edged abstraction and more, synthesising them into something wholly her own
Mary Heilmann, a fearless abstract painter known for her vibrant use of color, passed away on Friday at the age of 86. She had fallen in New York on Long Island, suffering complications from the fall. Born in California in 1940, Heilmann had resided in New York since 1968 but moved to Bridgehampton in 2020. She first gained recognition in New York in 2008-09 with a retrospective at the New Museum, which traveled to various cities.
Heilmann's work, influenced by post-war abstract painting, Post-Minimalist sculpture, and craft processes, often featured bold colors and geometric forms. Her titles added narrative elements to her pieces, providing a personal touch. She was praised for her innovative approach to color and her ability to blend formal innovation with improvisation.
Heilmann's influence extended beyond her art, as she also mentored students at Stony Brook University and the School of Visual Arts. Her artworks can be found in prestigious collections worldwide, including those of the Whitney Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and the National Gallery of Art.
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