The Art Institute of Chicago is presenting an exhibition focused on the drawings of Willem de Kooning, marking a rare departure from the typical painting-centric blockbuster shows dedicated to the artist. The exhibition highlights de Kooning's mastery in drawing, offering a focused look at this often-overlooked aspect of his practice.
This exhibition matters because it challenges the conventional emphasis on de Kooning's paintings, drawing attention to the foundational role of drawing in his artistic process. By centering a major museum show on his works on paper, it reshapes public and scholarly understanding of the artist's legacy and underscores the importance of drawing as a primary medium in modern art.