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Almine Rech

The estate of 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 its 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

Selected artworks

  • Tom Wesselmann, Man Ray at the Dance, 2004

    Tom Wesselmann Man Ray at the Dance, 2004

    Oil on canvas
    248.9 x 188 cm
    98 x 74 in

  • Tom Wesselmann, Smoker #27, 1980

    Tom Wesselmann Smoker #27, 1980

    Signed bottom right on side
    Oil on shaped canvas
    283.2 x 363.2 cm
    111 1/2 x 143 in
    © 2020 The Estate of Tom Wesselmann / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
    © Jeffrey Sturges

  • Tom Wesselmann, Rosemary Reclining with Motherwell, 1990

    Tom Wesselmann Rosemary Reclining with Motherwell, 1990

    Enamel on cut-out steel
    73,7 x 213,4 cm
    29 x 84 in
    © The Estate of Tom Wesselmann / Licensed by VAGA, New York

  • Tom Wesselmann, Nancy (with Flowers and Choker), 1984

    Tom Wesselmann Nancy (with Flowers and Choker), 1984

    Liquitex on Bristol board
    157.5 x 123.2 cm
    62 x 48 1/2 in
    © Nicolas Brasseur 

  • Tom Wesselmann, Still Life with Daffodil, Rose and Green Plate, 1985

    Tom Wesselmann Still Life with Daffodil, Rose and Green Plate, 1985

    Liquitex on Bristol board
    145.4 x 182.9 cm
    57 1/4 x 72 in

  • Tom Wesselmann, Claire Nude with Blue Stockings, 1968

    Tom Wesselmann Claire Nude with Blue Stockings, 1968

    Signed lower right
    Pencil and thinned liquitex on board
    28.3 x 36.8 cm
    11 1/8 x 14 1/2 in

  • Tom Wesselmann, Sunset Nude with Matisse Odalisque, 2003

    Tom Wesselmann Sunset Nude with Matisse Odalisque, 2003

    Oil on canvas
    304,8 x 254 cm (framed)
    120 x 100 in (framed)
    © Jeffrey Sturges

  • Tom Wesselmann, Still Life with Fuji Chrysanthemums (Double Layer), 1985/92

    Tom Wesselmann Still Life with Fuji Chrysanthemums (Double Layer), 1985/92

    Alkyd on cut-out steel
    152,4 x 190,5 cm
    60 x 75 in

Videos

  • In conversation: Tom Wesselmann / Brenda Schmahmann, Julian Solms and Jeffery Sturges

Gallery exhibitions

Museum exhibitions

Selected press

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