Exploring Willem de Kooning’s Italian Adventures at Gallerie dell’Accademia Exhibition
Willem de Kooning’s visits to Italy in 1959-60 and 1969 had a profound impact on his art, leading to intense periods of creativity and unexpected results in drawing and sculpture. The exhibition “Willem de Kooning and Italy” at the Gallerie dell’Accademia showcases his work from the last three decades, highlighting the influence of his time in Italy on his art.
During his first visit to Italy in 1959, De Kooning was inspired by the sights of Rome and Venice, which sparked a new phase of creativity. His stay in Rome allowed him the freedom to experiment with black-and-white drawings, known as the “Romes”, which later influenced his post-Italy paintings, the “Pastoral Landscapes”.
After his second visit to Italy in 1969, De Kooning ventured into sculpture, creating powerful figurative forms that marked a significant chapter in his career. The sculptures, often overlooked in his body of work, paved the way for his late-1970s abstract paintings.
The exhibition also draws connections between De Kooning’s later work and the Italian Baroque, particularly the influence of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His defiantly nonlinear progression throughout his career, as seen in the Venice show, showcases his ability to constantly reinvent himself and push boundaries in his art.
Overall, De Kooning’s trips to Italy played a vital role in shaping his artistic evolution over the years. The exhibition at the Gallerie dell’Accademia is a testament to his enduring legacy as an artist who never ceased to explore new possibilities in his work.
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Naz Baydar graduated from Middle East Technical University with a degree in Product Design. She furthered her education by completing a master’s degree in Art Direction at Elisava in Barcelona. Her work blends art direction, multimedia narratives, and design to craft innovative and transformative experiences. Naz is passionate about creating visual stories that evoke strong emotions and deliver meaningful impact. In addition to her work, she has a deep interest in philosophy and literature, which continuously inspire and enrich her creative process.