Willem de Kooning (1904–1997) was a Dutch-American painter and a key figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, he trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts before immigrating to the United States in 1926. Settling in New York City, de Kooning became part of the vibrant post-war art scene, where he developed his distinctive style that combined elements of abstraction and figuration.
De Kooning is best known for his energetic and often chaotic paintings that feature bold brushwork and a dynamic use of color. His famous "Women" series, created in the 1950s, explores themes of femininity and identity through distorted and fragmented representations of the female form. These works, while controversial, reflect his innovative approach to form and space.
Throughout his career, de Kooning experimented with various media, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. He was associated with other leading artists of the time, such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, and his work has had a lasting influence on contemporary art.
He received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.