Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) was a Dutch-American painter and a leading figure of Abstract Expressionism, one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, he studied at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts and Techniques before immigrating to the United States in 1926. Settling in New York City, de Kooning became part of the vibrant art scene that emerged in the mid-20th century.
De Kooning's work is characterized by its dynamic, gestural brushstrokes, bold use of color, and a balance between abstraction and figuration. His iconic Woman series, created in the 1950s, stirred controversy for its raw, aggressive depictions of the female form, challenging conventional norms of beauty and representation. These works remain pivotal in the history of modern art.
Throughout his career, de Kooning experimented with different styles, blending influences from Cubism, Surrealism, and his own innovations. His abstract landscapes of the 1960s and later works from his Long Island studio reveal a quieter, more lyrical side to his art.