Helen Frankenthaler
Biography
Helen Frankenthaler (1928–2011) was an American abstract expressionist painter, born in New York City. She was a pivotal figure in the transition from Abstract Expressionism to Colour Field painting, renowned for her innovative "soak-stain" technique, where she poured thinned paint onto unprimed canvas, allowing colours to merge organically. This method is exemplified in her seminal work, Mountains and Sea (1952). Frankenthaler's art often drew inspiration from nature, resulting in luminous, fluid compositions. Her works are held in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Art. In 2001, she received the National Medal of Arts. Despite her significant contributions, her market presence has been less prominent compared to some contemporaries, though her pieces are actively traded and continue to gain recognition.