Carmen Herrera (1915–2022) was a Cuban-born American artist celebrated for her bold, geometric abstract paintings and minimalist style. Born in Havana, Herrera studied architecture at the Universidad de La Habana before transitioning to art, attending the Art Students League in New York. Her early exposure to architecture deeply influenced her art, evident in her precise, linear compositions.
Herrera's work emphasizes the interplay of color, form, and space, often featuring hard-edged shapes and limited color palettes. She developed her signature style in the 1940s and 1950s, drawing inspiration from movements like Constructivism and De Stijl while living in Paris and engaging with avant-garde artists.
Despite her groundbreaking work, Herrera remained largely unrecognized until the early 21st century, when her art began to gain widespread acclaim. Her dedication to her craft, even in the face of decades of obscurity, speaks to her unwavering passion and vision. In 2004, at age 89, she sold her first major artwork, and her career surged thereafter, with exhibitions at institutions like the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Tate Modern.
Herrera's art is celebrated for its clarity, discipline, and elegance, reflecting a lifetime of refinement. She worked well into her 100s.