In 1964, Robert Richenburg (1917–2006) resigned from his teaching position at Pratt and accepted a professorship at Cornell University and then Ithaca College. This exhibition will show his legacy as a teacher and his personal vision of abstract expressionism.
Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website
Whether you go or not, Robert Richenburg at 85: A Survey traces Richenburg's career. Beginning just after the close of World War II, Robert Richenburg resumed his studies of art which had been interrupted by his service in the army. By the end of the 40s, he was exhibiting his singular and improvisational paintings, drawings, and constructions. A charter member of the "Club," he exchanged views regularly with de Kooning, Pollock, Kline, and the others and was himself an important part of the rising prominence of the New York School. His work drew serious attention from critics, collectors, and curators. He was invited to participate in the legendary Ninth Street Show in 1951. During the 50s and 60s he was part of a major change in the international influence of contemporary American artists. While many of his colleagues remained fixated on their own early innovations, Richenburg went on to seek new modes of expression, dedicating his attention to the notion that there are many new worlds of art still waiting to be discovered and explored.In recent years, his recognition and stature has grown as many new collectors and critics have joined the ranks of his earlier champions. Richenburg is a man of many achievements and many seasons.
