Alex Katz (b. 1927) is an American painter and printmaker known for his distinctive, large-scale portraits and landscapes characterized by bold colors and simplified forms. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Katz studied at the Brooklyn College and later at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine.
Emerging in the 1950s, Katz became associated with the Pop Art movement, although his style is distinct for its focus on the human figure and his unique approach to representation. His works often depict friends, family, and everyday scenes, blending realism with abstraction. Katz's use of flat areas of color, sharp outlines, and an emphasis on composition creates a sense of immediacy and clarity.
Over the decades, Katz has developed a prolific body of work that includes paintings, prints, and cut-out sculptures. His art has been widely exhibited in prestigious institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Katz's influence extends beyond the visual arts; he has been a key figure in shaping contemporary portraiture and remains an active participant in the art world.