The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is set to unveil an extraordinary exhibition featuring two iconic artists, Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock, who have not previously been showcased in this manner by the institution. Opening in October and running through January 2027, this exhibition will explore their individual legacies as well as their collaborative influence.
Max Hollein, the museum director, emphasized the exhibition's unique approach in a recent press statement, stating, "With its distinctive premise and scope, Krasner and Pollock: Past Continuous exemplifies The Met's commitment to reexamining modern art through rigorous scholarship and fresh perspectives." He highlighted how the exhibition situates both artists within a broader cultural context while acknowledging their significant relationship. Hollein also shared that this approach aligns with the vision for the Met's new wing dedicated to Modern and Contemporary Art, slated to open in 2030.
Krasner and Pollock first crossed paths as emerging artists in 1942 and married three years later. They resided in Springs, New York, where their home remains a site of artistic pilgrimage, complete with a barn-turned-studio that echoes their creative journey.
Despite Krasner's overshadowed role during their marriage and after Pollock's tragic passing in 1956, the upcoming exhibition aims to present them as equals. Curator David Breslin remarked, "This is a story of equals. They were like two planets circling each other." The exhibition will delve into their intertwined lives while showcasing their distinct artistic narratives.
Brinda Kumar, an associate curator at the Met, noted that the exhibition will approach the artists not as a single narrative but as two practices evolving in tandem. It will explore their shared dedication to pushing the boundaries of abstraction, examining how their artistic explorations diverged over time.
Featuring an impressive collection of 120 paintings, works on paper, and various ephemera, the exhibition will draw from the Met's own collection and loans from over 80 lenders globally. Alongside significant pieces from renowned museums, it will feature rarely seen works from important private collections, making it a must-see event for art enthusiasts.
