L 118, 1963

Hans Hartung was a German-French painter best known for gestural abstract art. He developed his appreciation for German painters early in his life and enrolled in the Fine Arts academy of Dresden where he replicated paintings of the masters. Hans Hartung left his native country and moved to Paris where he had little contact with other artists and replicated the works of old and modern masters. After many trials through his personal life, Hans Hartung had his first solo exhibit in 1947 and by the late 1950’s his gestural paintings used almost all monochromatic. His uses of long rhythmical brushstrokes or scratches were characterizations of Hans's art work. He explored and experimented with different tools including; plant fronds, lithography, gardening tools and the wheels of a wheelchair. He received the International Grand Prix award at the Venice Biennale. Hans's technique of freewheeling abstract paintings set a precedent for painters to come. Young American painters in the 60's saw him as an important forerunner of American Lyrical Abstraction. Warren Forma featured him in the 1963 film documentary, "School of Paris." In his last year, Hans's focus was on presenting a sense of freedom and ambition that connected to his earlier work. The pieces hint at a natural world with qualities of shadow and light. They remain witness to his continuous and fearless exploration.