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Exhibition

Hans Hofmann: The Nature of Abstraction

On view September 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020

Discover a fresh perspective on the artist and teacher widely considered a profound influence on American modern art. Organized by UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), the exhibition presents the most comprehensive examination of Hans Hofmann's innovative and prolific artistic career. Through paintings and works on paper from 1930 through the end of Hofmann’s life in 1966, explore the artist's journey into abstraction, and his deep contribution to the artistic landscape of New England.

Hans Hofmann: The Nature of Abstraction is organized by University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. The exhibition is made possible with lead support from the Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust. Major support is provided by Bob and Dana Emery and Elissa Edelstein Warner. Additional support is provided by Charles and Naomie Kremer, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the Nancy and Joachim Bechtle Foundation, and an anonymous donor.

Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation, Jennifer and Andrew Borggaard, Kate and Ford O'Neil and the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum provided generous support.

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Hans Hofmann, The Vanquished, 1959. Oil on canvas. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California. Photography by Jonathan Bloom.
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Hans Hofmann, Effervescence, 1944. Oil, India ink, casein, and enamel on panel. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California. Photography by Ben Blackwell.
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Herbert Matter, Hans Hofmann Painting in the Dunes, 1942. © Herbert Matter Estate. Photograph courtesy of Staley-Wise Gallery, New York.
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Hans Hofmann, The Wind, 1942. Oil, Duco, gouache, and India ink on board. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California. Photography by Ben Blackwell.
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Hans Hofmann, Indian Summer, 1959. Oil on canvas. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California. Photography by Jonathan Bloom.
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Hans Hofmann, The Garden, 1956. Oil on plywood. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California.
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Hans Hofmann, In the Wake of the Hurricane, 1960. Oil on canvas. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California. Photography by Jonathan Bloom.
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Hans Hofmann, Morning Mist, 1958. Oil on canvas. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California. Photography by Ben Blackwell.
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Hans Hofmann, Sanctum Sanctorum (Holy of Holies–Holy Place), 1962. Oil on canvas. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California.
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Hans Hofmann, The Castle, 1965. Oil on canvas. University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. Gift of the artist. © The Regents of the University of California.

"reveals the full force and voluminous output of Hofmann’s creativity." - Antiques and the Arts Weekly

  1. Hans Hofmann: The Nature of Abstraction
    Publications \\ Exhibition Catalogue
    Hans Hofmann: The Nature of Abstraction

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