The Art Institute of Chicago will present "Willem de Kooning Drawing," the largest exhibition ever dedicated to the artist's drawing practice, opening June 14 and running through September 20. The show brings together more than 200 works from museums, institutions, and private collections worldwide, many never displayed together before, tracing seven decades of de Kooning's creative process. It marks the first solo presentation of his work at the Art Institute since 1969 and includes sketches, works on paper, paintings, sculptures, and prints, highlighting drawing as the foundation of his practice.
This exhibition matters because it reframes the legacy of a central Abstract Expressionist figure, revealing how drawing—often overshadowed by his monumental paintings—was essential to his experimentation and innovation. Years of research in partnership with the Willem de Kooning Foundation have uncovered new insights into his process, including unconventional techniques like drawing with his eyes closed. For audiences familiar with de Kooning's iconic works, the show offers a deeper understanding of his artistic evolution and the foundational role of drawing in modern American art.