Frank Stella (1936 - 2024) is an American painter and printmaker renowned for his innovative contributions to abstract art, particularly in the realms of Minimalism and Post-Painterly Abstraction. Born in Malden, Massachusetts, Stella studied at Princeton University, where he initially focused on history before shifting his attention to art.
Emerging in the late 1950s, Stella gained prominence for his striking geometric paintings that often featured bold colors and sharp lines. His early works, such as the "Black Paintings," challenged traditional notions of composition and representation, emphasizing the flatness of the canvas and the materiality of paint. Stella’s exploration of shape and structure led to the creation of his iconic "Protractor Series" and later, his shaped canvases, which further pushed the boundaries of painting.
Throughout his career, Stella has experimented with various media, including large-scale sculptures and installations, reflecting his continuous evolution as an artist. His work has been exhibited extensively in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Guggenheim Museum.