Louise Nevelson

Louise Nevelson was born in Kiev, Russia. Her family moved to America when she was 5. Her name when she lived in Russia was Leah Berliawsky. The family changed her name to Louise be more American. She was influenced by her father who had various jobs – wood cutter, junk dealer, and a house builder. Louise would scavenge around his work sites for things to collect – sticks, marbles, small stones.

She married Charles Nevelson at the age of 20. He was a wealthy New York businessman. During their marriage, she was able to study art with great teaches of that time in New York. She attended art, voice, drama, and dance lessons. She had one child during this marriage.

She was nearly 60 years old then she finally earned living for her art work.

This piece is an assemblage sculpture made of wood painted entirely white

Many artists use shapes that may appear similar to both geometric and organic shapes. In this sculpture the artist used found shapes with straight and curved edges. The relationship of the shapes to one another is emphasized by the neutral color of the sculpture and the play of shadows and light.

In the detail, there are pure geometric shapes such as triangles on the right side of this detail, and there are many unique shapes like those in the center of this detail.
Artist: Louise Nevelson, American, 1900-1988

Louise Nevelson was born in Kiev, Russia. Her family moved to America when she was 5. Her name when she lived in Russia was Leah Berliawsky. The family changed her name to Louise be more American. She was influenced by her father who had various jobs – wood cutter, junk dealer, and a house builder. Louise would scavenge around his work sites for things to collect – sticks, marbles, small stones.

She married Charles Nevelson at the age of 20. He was a wealthy New York businessman. During their marriage, she was able to study art with great teaches of that time in New York. She attended art, voice, drama, and dance lessons. She had one child during this marriage.

She was nearly 60 years old then she finally earned living for her art work.

This piece is an assemblage sculpture made of wood painted entirely white

Many artists use shapes that may appear similar to both geometric and organic shapes. In this sculpture the artist used found shapes with straight and curved edges. The relationship of the shapes to one another is emphasized by the neutral color of the sculpture and the play of shadows and light.