Tom Wesselmann

Tom Wesselmann was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 23, 1931. He attended Hiram College in Ohio from 1949 to 1951 before entering the University of Cincinnati. In 1953, his studies were interrupted by a two-year enlistment in the army, during which time he began drawing cartoons. He returned to the university in 1954 and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1956. During this time, he decided to pursue a career in cartooning and so enrolled at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. After graduation he moved to New York City, where he was accepted into the Cooper Union and where his focus shifted dramatically to fine art. He received his diploma in 1959. Tom Wesselmann emerged as a pivotal figure in the American Pop Art movement of the 1960s, setting aside Abstract Expressionism to embrace classical representations. His art, particularly in nudes, still lifes, and landscapes, carved out a unique niche with the integration of collage elements and assemblages. These works often included everyday objects and advertising materials, reflecting his ambition to create imagery as impactful as the abstract expressionism he revered. Wesselmann is renowned for his 'American Nude' series, marked by sensuous forms and vibrant colors. His 'Standing Still Life' series of the 1970s, featuring free-standing shaped canvases, magnified intimate objects to an impressive scale, showcasing his innovative approach to art. In the latter part of his career, Wesselmann, under the pseudonym Slim Stealingworth, penned an autobiography detailing his artistic evolution. He continued to experiment with shaped canvases and ventured into metal works, pioneering a laser-cutting technique that allowed precise translation of his drawings into metal forms. This period saw the creation of abstract three-dimensional images, culminating in his 'Sunset Nudes' series. These oil paintings on canvas, with their bold compositions and abstract imagery, paid homage to the odalisques of Henri Matisse. Wesselmann's work was shown in numerous institutional exhibitions, including retrospectives at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, affirming his status as a significant figure in contemporary art. - The Estate of Tom Wesselmann Image: Installation view of Tom Wesselmann's solo exhibition 'Beyond Pop Art: A Tom Wesselmann Retrospective' on view at the Cincinnati Art Museum, OH, US, from October 31, 2014 to January 18, 2015