Alex Katz
Vincent with Open Mouth, 1970
Oil on canvas
96” x 72”
Student Union Collection of Contemporary Art,
CU1973.2.1

Known for his large-scale, simplified images of family and friends, American artist Alex Katz (b.1927) creates work that combine abstraction with representation. During an era when Abstract Expressionism was the reigning approach, Kat’s works are often referred to as “billboard style” as characterized by flatly painted and dramatically cropped portraits that mimicked movie billboards and advertisements. Vincent with Open Mouth is one such painting that reflects Katz’s use of simple color and shape to create a realistic portrait of his son.

Art © Alex Katz /Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY