
Paul’s Basel- Part Two
1 July 2026 • Paul Carey-Kent
Paul Carey-Kent-two of Basel’s most memorable exhibitions: Frank Stella at the Jewish Museum and Chloe Wise at Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger.
Explore the enduring legacy of Helen Frankenthaler (December 12, 1928 – December 27, 2011), a profoundly influential American abstract expressionist painter who actively showcased her groundbreaking large-scale abstract expressionist paintings in contemporary museums and galleries from the early 1950s to 2011. Her contributions significantly impacted the evolution of abstract painting for multiple generations.
Entering the art scene in the early 1950s, Helen Frankenthaler exhibited her work actively in various contemporary museums and galleries. Notably, she played a key role in the 1964 Post-Painterly Abstraction exhibition curated by Clement Greenberg, introducing a new wave of abstract painting known as color field and marking a significant shift in artistic expression.
Hailing from Manhattan, Frankenthaler drew inspiration from influential figures such as Clement Greenberg, Hans Hofmann, and Jackson Pollock. Her unique artistic vision and innovative techniques set her apart in the realm of abstract expressionism. The enduring impact she made on the art world is evident through retrospective exhibitions, including a noteworthy 1989 showcase at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Since the 1950s, Helen Frankenthaler’s work has resonated globally, reflecting her lasting influence.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Helen Frankenthaler received the National Medal of Arts in 2001. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she actively maintained a home and studio in Darien, Connecticut, providing a glimpse into the environment that nurtured her creativity. Delve into the vibrant tapestry of Helen Frankenthaler’s influential career and actively explore the timeless artistry she has left behind.

1 July 2026 • Paul Carey-Kent
Paul Carey-Kent-two of Basel’s most memorable exhibitions: Frank Stella at the Jewish Museum and Chloe Wise at Kulturstiftung Basel H. Geiger.

17 September 2024 • Mark Westall
Gagosian, in collaboration with the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, has announced the publication of a new edition of John Elderfield’s Frankenthaler, the definitive… Read More

8 March 2022 • Tabish Khan
Tabish Khan the @LondonArtCritic picks his favourite exhibitions to see this month – this time they’re all shows by female artists to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March.

7 January 2022 • Mark Westall
Contextualizing aesthetic dialogues between Caro and his fellow artists, Caro and North American Painters features significant floor sculptures by Caro including Capital (1960), Month of… Read More

17 November 2021 • Paul Carey-Kent
People quite often ask me what galleries I recommend. For the last few weeks, and quite possibly the next few… Read More

28 August 2018 • Mark Westall
Hiding In Plain Sight: an exhibition that celebrates the female artists who helped shape the golden age of abstract expressionism in mid-twentieth-century America

8 February 2016 • Mark Westall
New painting exhibition from film director Harmony Korine opens