Jackson Pollock is one of the most celebrated artists in modern art history, but did you know his wife, Lee Krasner, was also a hugely talented artist. In fact, she had a big part of play in ensuring his legacy, but their love story was super turbulent. Let’s learn more!
Krasner and Pollock met in 1942 after seeing Krasner saw his work in an exhibition. She was impressed and decided to go to his studio in New York and introduce herself personally. Apparently, Pollock was shy and reserved during that meeting but Krasner was blown away by his work. At this point Krasner was actually more established than Pollock, but this was soon to change.
Krasner was four years older than Pollock and introduced him to important people in the art work like Peggy Guggenheim and Clement Greenberg. She acted like a mentor to him, promoting him professionally and providing him with structure. They went on to marry in October 1945.
However, Pollock had self-destructive tendencies from the start and had a severe drinking issue. After their marriage they moved to a farmhouse in East Hampton to escape the pressure of the city.
Pollock had many affairs and also suffered from depression. He was known for having violent outbursts and embarrassing Krasner in public. Their relationship was often tense and in 1956 Krasner took a trip to Europe to get some distance. During this trip – on August 11, 1956 – Pollock died in a car crash, while drunk driving with aspiring artist – with whom he was having an affair – Ruth Kligman. Kligman survived the crash, but another woman who was also in the car, Edith Metzger, also died.
Despite being devastated, Krasner devoted her life to promoting Pollock’s legacy, and if this isn’t the definition of true love, we don’t know what is. She curated exhibitions and also managed his estate.
Later on, Krasner herself finally gained recognition for her own work as an artist in her own right, not just as the widow of Jackson Pollock.
Text Lizzy Vartanian
