A forthcoming exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC), titled "Willem de Kooning Drawing," will showcase over 200 rarely seen drawings by the Abstract Expressionist master, opening in June. The show, organized in partnership with the Rijksmuseum, includes works from across de Kooning's career—from early charcoal studies like *Dish with Jugs* (1919–1921) to experimental pieces from the 1960s where he drew with his eyes closed or with both hands. Curated by Kevin Salatino, the exhibition positions drawing as central to de Kooning's practice, challenging the perception that his paintings were purely spontaneous.
This exhibition matters because it corrects a long-standing oversight in de Kooning scholarship, where his draftsmanship has been overshadowed by his famous abstract canvases. By foregrounding his drawings—over 2,000 of which survive—the show reveals the meticulous planning behind his seemingly impulsive works and underscores drawing as the foundation of his artistic thinking. It also marks the first solo de Kooning presentation at the AIC since 1969 and will travel to the Rijksmuseum in October, offering a rare, comprehensive view of a crucial but neglected aspect of his oeuvre.