Robert Hess (artist)

Robert Hess (1927-2015) was an American abstract expressionist painter and sculptor. He is best known for his large-scale, colorful abstract canvases, often characterized by energetic brushstrokes and bold compositions.

Born in New York City, Hess studied at the Art Students League and later at the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts. He exhibited extensively throughout his career, including solo shows at the Stable Gallery and the André Emmerich Gallery in New York. His work is included in the collections of numerous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Hess's artistic style evolved over time, but he consistently explored the possibilities of color, form, and texture in his abstract compositions. He often worked with acrylic paints on canvas, creating layers of vibrant colors and dynamic forms. He also produced sculptures, often in welded steel, which shared a similar aesthetic to his paintings.

Hess was a significant figure in the New York art scene of the mid-20th century and contributed to the development of abstract expressionism. His work continues to be exhibited and studied today.