Hans Hofmann (1880–1966) was a German-American painter. One of the most influential art teachers of the 20th century, he was a pioneer in experimenting in the use of improvisatory techniques and a leader among post-World War II American painters in the style of abstract expressionism.
Born in Weißenburg, Bavaria, Hofmann studied painting in Munich and, from 1904–14, lived in Paris, where he met Henri Matisse and the Cubists and was inspired by their expressive use of color. He returned to Germany in 1914, opening an art school in Munich.
In 1932, Hofmann immigrated to the U.S., settling in New York, where he taught at the Art Students League in New York City and later opened his own Hans Hofmann School of Fine Art. Around 1940, he developed an abstract style, dripping paint onto the canvas and applying vigorous brushwork and saturated colors in broad strokes. These works had a significant impact on the development of abstract expressionism in America.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Hans Hofmann
Just as counterpoint and harmony follow their own laws, and differ in rhythm and movement, both formal tensions and color tensions have a development of their own in accordance with the inherent laws from which they are separately derived. Both, however, aim toward the realization of the same image. And both deal with the depth problem.
—Hans Hofmann
Topics: Harmony
The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.
—Hans Hofmann
Topics: Ability, Simplicity
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Edward Hopper American Painter
John La Farge American Artist, Writer
Georgia O’Keeffe American Painter
Viggo Mortensen Danish American Actor
Frank O’Hara American Poet, Art Critic
John Dos Passos American Novelist, Artist
Margaret Sanger American Social Reformer
Tim Robbins American Actor, Director
Hedda Hopper American Actress, Gossip Columnist
Henry M. Flagler American Financier