Al Held

Painter

Birthday October 12, 1928

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Brooklyn, NY

DEATH DATE Jul 27, 2005 (76)

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About

American Abstract expressionist painter most recognized for his large-scale, Hard-edge paintings. He began experimenting with perspective and spatial conundrums in black-and-white images in 1967.

Before Fame

His interest in art was fostered after being discharged from the Navy in 1947 and becoming friends with Nicholas Krushenick. He studied at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris for three years.

Trivia

He received the prestigious Logan Medal of the Arts award in 1966.

Family Life

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a poor Jewish family who was forced to live on welfare because of the Great Depression. He was raised in the East Bronx.

Associated With

He and artist Willem de Kooning were known especially for their Abstract Expressionist paintings.