Deaths on January 20

Dan Christensen, American painter (b. 1942)

Dan Christensen (1942–2007) was a distinguished American abstract painter whose prolific career spanned several key movements in post-war American art. Born on October 6, 1942, in Cozad, Nebraska, and passing away on January 20, 2007, in Easthampton, New York, Christensen became a significant figure known for his dynamic and innovative approaches to abstraction.

Artistic Styles and Evolution

Christensen’s artistic identity is most strongly associated with Lyrical Abstraction, Color Field painting, and an enduring connection to Abstract Expressionism. These styles provided the foundational elements for his vibrant and gestural compositions.

Lyrical Abstraction: Spontaneity and Emotion. As a leading exponent of Lyrical Abstraction, Christensen's work often showcased a spontaneous and intuitive use of color and form. This movement, emerging in the late 1960s and early 1970s, emphasized gestural brushwork, painterly surfaces, and a return to emotional expression, often as a counterpoint to the more rigid tenets of Minimalism and Conceptual Art. Christensen's contributions to Lyrical Abstraction are characterized by his fluid application of paint, creating works that exude vibrancy and a sense of movement.

Color Field Painting: The Power of Pure Color. His affinity for Color Field painting is evident in the expansive, often unmodulated areas of color that dominate many of his canvases. This technique allowed him to explore the emotive and atmospheric qualities of pure color, reducing emphasis on distinct forms or narratives to focus solely on the visual impact of chromatic relationships. Christensen's masterful control of color, from subtle washes to bold, saturated hues, created immersive visual experiences.

Echoes of Abstract Expressionism. While moving beyond the raw intensity of the first generation Abstract Expressionists, Christensen retained an underlying gestural energy and a commitment to non-representational art that marked this influential movement. His work can be seen as part of the lineage that evolved from Abstract Expressionism, embracing its spirit of artistic freedom and emotional resonance while pushing towards new forms of abstraction, often categorized under Post-Painterly Abstraction.

Early Forays into Minimalism (1965-1966). Christensen's initial artistic explorations, particularly from 1965 to 1966, showed connections to Minimalism. During this brief but formative period, his work exhibited a more pared-down aesthetic, focusing on reductive forms and systematic approaches. This early phase provided a disciplined foundation from which he later diverged, embracing the more expansive and fluid expression of Lyrical Abstraction.

Formative Years and Career Trajectory

Dan Christensen honed his artistic skills at the Kansas City Art Institute, graduating with the class of 1964. This foundational training prepared him for the dynamic art world he would soon enter. In the late summer of 1965, he made the pivotal move from the Midwest to New York City, a critical relocation that placed him at the heart of the burgeoning American abstract art scene. At this time, New York was the global epicenter for artistic innovation, particularly for abstract movements, offering unparalleled opportunities for exposure and dialogue among artists.

Throughout his career, Christensen garnered significant recognition, leading to representation by several highly influential art galleries. Among these were the prestigious Andre Emmerich Gallery and the Salander/O'Reilly Gallery, both renowned for championing contemporary abstract art. Andre Emmerich, in particular, was a pivotal figure in promoting Color Field painters and Lyrical Abstractionists, making his representation of Christensen a testament to the artist's standing. Beyond these prominent New York institutions, his work was showcased by numerous other galleries across the United States and Europe, solidifying his international presence.

Christensen's remarkable output and critical acclaim are reflected in his extensive exhibition history. He held more than seventy-five solo exhibitions, a clear indicator of the consistent demand and appreciation for his evolving body of work. Furthermore, his paintings were featured in hundreds of significant group exhibitions, placing his art in dialogue with other leading contemporary artists. The enduring value and artistic significance of Dan Christensen's oeuvre are further underscored by its inclusion in important museum collections throughout the United States and Europe, ensuring his legacy as a pivotal American abstract painter for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Christensen

Who was Dan Christensen?

Dan Christensen (1942–2007) was an influential American abstract painter widely recognized for his contributions to Lyrical Abstraction, Color Field painting, and his connection to Abstract Expressionism.

What artistic styles are associated with Dan Christensen?

Christensen is primarily known for his work in Lyrical Abstraction, characterized by fluid brushwork and emotional expression, and Color Field painting, which focuses on large, expansive areas of color. His early work also touched upon Minimalism, and his overall artistic approach evolved from the traditions of Abstract Expressionism.

Where was Dan Christensen educated and where did he primarily work?

He graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute in 1964. Shortly thereafter, in 1965, he moved to New York City, which served as the primary hub for his artistic career, though he was born in Cozad, Nebraska, and passed away in Easthampton, New York.

Which notable galleries represented Dan Christensen?

Dan Christensen was notably represented by highly influential galleries, including the Andre Emmerich Gallery and the Salander/O'Reilly Gallery, both prominent in the promotion of contemporary abstract art. His work was also exhibited by numerous other galleries across the United States and Europe.

Are Dan Christensen's paintings held in museum collections?

Yes, Dan Christensen's paintings are part of important museum collections across both the United States and Europe, cementing his significant place in 20th-century abstract art history.