Mid-Century West Coast Abstract Expressionist Painting by Selma Moskowitz (1928–2018)

Details

Description

Large abstract painting by Los Angeles artist Selma Moskowitz (1928–2018), dating to the mid-to-late 1960s. The central figure-like forms, forceful … Read more Large abstract painting by Los Angeles artist Selma Moskowitz (1928–2018), dating to the mid-to-late 1960s. The central figure-like forms, forceful outlines and gestural handling suggest an affinity with Willem de Kooning’s “Woman” series. Executed in ochre, cream, orange, brown, burgundy, green and blue, the composition incorporates broad brushwork, drips & scraping. This large early canvas is a strong example of West Coast Abstract Expressionism.

The painting measures approximately 57 inches high by 38 inches wide and is signed “S. Moskowitz” at the lower right. No date is visible. Presented in its original narrow wood frame.

ARTIST INFORMATION

Selma Moskowitz was a California abstract painter active for more than five decades. She studied at UC Berkeley and the Chouinard Art Institute before continuing at UCLA, where she earned an MA in 1963 and an MFA in 1965.

This painting reflects the gestural approach of Moskowitz’s earlier work. As her practice evolved, her compositions became more formalized and structured, with an increasing emphasis on controlled relationships between color, texture and space. Her later process included applying, scraping and sanding successive layers of paint. In a 1995 Los Angeles Times interview, she stated that sanding had become as important to her process as the brush.

Her documented exhibitions include “25 California Women of Art” at the Woman’s Building in Los Angeles in 1975; “The Layered Look” at Jan Baum Gallery in 1993; “A Generation of Mentors” at Mount St. Mary’s College in 1995; and “Selma Moskowitz: Recent Paintings” at the Robert V. Fullerton Museum of Art in 1996.

In 1995, Moskowitz received a top award in Century Gallery’s “Open Juried Competition ’95,” selected from 207 submissions by Southern California artists. Her career is documented in the Woman’s Building records at the Getty Research Institute and the Fidel Danieli papers at the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art.

DETAILS

Artist: Selma Moskowitz (1928–2018)
Date: Mid-to-late 1960s
Medium: Paint on canvas
Dimensions: Approximately 57 in. H × 38 in. W
Signature: Signed lower right
Frame: Original wood frame
Origin: California, United States

CONDITION

Excellent vintage condition with wear consistent with age. See less