Ernest Knee

Ernest Knee

Ernest Knee was an American abstract expressionist artist who made a significant contribution to the art world through his unique and innovative style. He was born in 1927 in New York City and studied at the Art Students League of New York, where he was exposed to a wide range of artistic styles and techniques. Knee's work was characterized by its bold use of color and form, and he often drew inspiration from the natural world, creating abstract interpretations of landscapes, seascapes, and other natural scenes. Knee's career spanned several decades, during which he exhibited his work at numerous galleries and museums across the United States. He was a member of the prestigious American Abstract Artists group, which included many of the leading abstract artists of the time. Knee's work was highly regarded by critics and collectors alike, and his pieces are included in the collections of many prominent museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. One of Knee's most notable series was the Water Series, which he began in the 1960s. These works were inspired by Knee's fascination with the movement and flow of water, and he used bold colors and sweeping brushstrokes to create abstract representations of waves, currents, and other aquatic forms. Another significant series was the Mirror Series, which featured abstract interpretations of reflections and other optical illusions. Despite his success as an artist, Knee remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to create new works until his death in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity in the world of abstract art.

American abstract expressionist, innovative style, natural world, Water Series, Mirror Series, Museum of Modern Art

— Joseph Walker