Harry Kramer (American artist)

Harry Kramer (born 1939) is an American abstract painter, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1962 he received a BFA from The University of Arts (formerly Philadelphia College of Art) and earned an MFA from Yale University in 1965.[1]

Harry Kramer
Born (1939-03-20) March 20, 1939 (age 85)
Alma materUniversity of the Arts (BFA in 1962),
Yale University School of Art (MFA in 1965)
Known forAbstract painting and drawing
SpouseTrudy C. Kramer
Websiteharrykramer.net

Career

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Kramer first gained recognition in the 1970s with solo shows at the Brata Gallery[2] and at 55 Mercer Street Gallery,[3][4] critically acclaimed alternative spaces in New York City at that time. In the 1980s, his work was highlighted in “Six Painters: Gregory Armenoff, Jake Berthot, Howard Buchwald, Louise Fishman, Harry Kramer and Katherine Porter” at the Hudson River Museum with a catalog essay by the Director Peter Langlykke.[5] This was followed by solo shows over the following decades at numerous galleries, including the Greunebaum Gallery,[6] the Charles Cowles Gallery,[7][8] and Ameringer and Yohe Gallery,[9][10] all in New York City.

His work has also been included in numerous group exhibitions including the National Academy Museum (2013, 2007, 2004, 2001); Guild Hall in East Hampton, NY (2009); the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY (2014); The Hood Museum, Dartmouth College (1993); Concordia College, Bronxville, NY (1991); Barbara Kraków Gallery, Boston, MA (1987); Emily Lowe Gallery, Hofstra University, NY (1981); Detroit Institute of Arts (1976); and a major work is on permanent installation at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn, NY.[citation needed]

Artistic style

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In Kramer’s work, the canvas is layered with thick surfaces of paint which are interspersed with animated drawing. Vivian Rayner of the New York Times called it "muscular but not macho".[6] Kramer’s extensive practice in drawing serves as a corollary to his paintings.[11]

Collections

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Kramer’s work is represented in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art,[12] and the Brooklyn Museum.[13]

Awards and honors

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Kramer was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 1982.[14] He has received grants from the Robert Lehman Foundation and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, with two works in the online collection.[15] He was elected to the National Academy in 1994.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Biography at National Academy Museum". Archived from the original on 2016-08-24. Retrieved 2015-06-01.
  2. ^ Art Forum, April 1972, review by Lizzie Borden
  3. ^ ARTnews (formerly Art News), March, 1976, review by Michael Andre at 55 Mercer Street Gallery, NYC
  4. ^ Arts Magazine, September 1981. “Entries: Snatch and Snatching” by Robert Pincus-Witten, review of exhibition at 55 Mercer Street Gallery, NYC
  5. ^ "Six Painters: Gregory Armenoff, Jake Berthot, Howard Buchwald, Louise Fishman, Harry Kramer, Katherine Porter", exhibition and catalog, published by the Hudson River Museum, NY, 1983, essay by director Peter Langlykke. (New York Times article)
  6. ^ a b The New York Times, June 14, 1985, review by Vivian Rayner, of exhibition at Gruenebaum Gallery, NYC
  7. ^ Art in America, July 1994, review by Robert G. Edelman at Charles Cowles Gallery, NYC
  8. ^ Art & Antiques, November, 1991, In the Galleries, by Jed Perl at Charles Cowles Gallery, NYC
  9. ^ "Harry Kramer - Two Exhibitions of New Paintings", catalog published by Ameringer and Yohe Gallery, NYC and Charles Cowles Gallery, NYC, 2003, introduction by writer Michael M. Thomas. ISBN 0971979650
  10. ^ "Harry Kramer", exhibition and catalog published by Ameringer and Yohe Gallery, NYC, 2005. Essay by Dore Ashton. ISBN 0974969575
  11. ^ Gallery of drawings on Harry Kramer's official website.
  12. ^ Harry Kramer at Metropolitan Museum of Art
  13. ^ "Shelter Island", by Harry Kramer, at the Brooklyn Museum
  14. ^ "Annual Report 1982" (PDF). National Endowment for the Arts. p. 236. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  15. ^ Harry Kramer at the Pollock-Krasner Foundation
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