Michael Goldberg was an influential American artist, born in 1924 in the Bronx, New York City. His life and career spanned over eight decades, during which he became best known for his contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Goldberg's work is characterized by its energetic brushwork, vibrant color, and the integration of architectural forms, which together create dynamic, action-packed canvases. His art reflects a deep engagement with the visual challenges and possibilities of abstraction, making him a significant figure in post-war American art. Goldberg's early life in New York City was marked by his exposure to the rich cultural and artistic environment of the time. He began his formal art education at the Art Students League from 1938 to 1942, where he was introduced to the fundamental techniques and theories of modern art. However, his studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a paratrooper in North Africa and Burma. This experience of service and combat would later influence his approach to painting, infusing his work with a sense of urgency and spontaneity. After the war, Goldberg returned to New York and continued his studies with notable artists such as Jose de Creeft and Hans Hofmann. Hofmann, in particular, had a profound impact on Goldberg, instilling in him an appreciation for the expressive potential of color and form. Goldberg was also influenced by the work of Roberto Matta and Arshile Gorky, but it was his connection with Willem de Kooning that proved to be most significant. De Kooning's fiery brushwork and explosive use of color deeply resonated with Goldberg, shaping his own approach to painting. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Goldberg became an integral part of the New York School, a group of artists who were central to the development of Abstract Expressionism. He was known for his gestural, action-packed canvases, which were often created through the direct application of oil sticks onto the canvas, forming quasi-grids of patchy squares intersected by strong diagonals. This method allowed Goldberg to explore the tension between order and chaos, structure and spontaneity. In addition to his painting, Goldberg was also a dedicated art educator. He taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, Yale University, and the University of Minnesota. Alongside his wife, artist Lynn Umlauf, he also taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Goldberg's teaching philosophy was deeply influenced by his own experiences as an artist, emphasizing the importance of experimentation, risk-taking, and the development of a personal vision. Goldberg's work has been exhibited widely and is included in the collections of major museums such as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Walker Art Center. His contributions to the field of abstract expressionism were recognized with several exhibitions dedicated to his work, including a retrospective show, "Abstraction Over Time: The Paintings of Michael Goldberg," at MOCA Jacksonville in Florida. Michael Goldberg passed away on December 30, 2007, while working in his studio in the Bowery in New York City. His studio was one he took over from Mark Rothko in the 1950s, a space that had been a hub of creativity for decades. Goldberg's legacy is that of a passionate and innovative artist who played a crucial role in the development of Abstract Expressionism. His work continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike, serving as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of abstract art.

Michael Goldberg Quotes and Sales of Works

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