A new exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, titled 'Willem de Kooning Drawing,' brings together more than 200 works spanning seven decades, including drawings, paintings, prints, and sculptures by the Dutch American artist Willem de Kooning (1904-97). Curated by Kevin Salatino, the show explores drawing as a concept rather than a theme, featuring iconic pieces like 'Excavation' (1950) and 'Woman I' (1950-52) alongside rare works never before shown publicly, such as early caricatures, crucifixion depictions, and drawings made with the artist's eyes closed. The exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of de Kooning's arrival in the US and is the Art Institute's first major show of his work since 1969.
The exhibition matters because it reframes de Kooning's legacy by centering drawing as a fundamental practice across all his media, challenging traditional boundaries between drawing, painting, and sculpture. Salatino calls de Kooning 'the last Old Master,' linking him to Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Rubens, and highlights the artist's continued relevance through his openness, gender fluidity, and immigrant story. After Chicago, many works will travel to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam for a companion show, underscoring de Kooning's enduring transatlantic significance. The exhibition also reveals how much of de Kooning's work remains in private hands, offering fresh insights into his seven-decade career.