Biography of Adolph Gottlieb
Adolph Gottlieb (1903-1974) was one of the founding fathers of Abstract Expressionism. Influenced by the Surrealists and their use of automatism, as well as primitivist and tribalist aesthetics, he sought to express emotional truth above all else. In his later works, including the iconic Burst series, gestural and reduced forms populate his paintings and prints, and reflected his vital role in the development of color field panting that emerged in New York City in the 40s and 50s.
Adolph Gottlieb’s pioneering approach to art made him the first artist of his generation to be included in the Museum of Modern Art collection in 1946 and the Guggenheim Museum in 1948. He worked until the end of his life, even after being paralyzed completely except for his right arm and hand. He received many awards throughout his lifetime, and was the first American in history to win the Grand Prize at the Sao Paolo Biennial in 1963. He has had museum exhibitions across the globe, both during his lifetime and posthumously.
