"I paint first and think afterwards." - Emerson Woelffer
Emerson Woelffer (1914–2003) was a pioneering figure in American abstract expressionism, renowned for his bold, gestural paintings, drawings, and collages. Born in Chicago, Woelffer studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and later became an influential teacher, shaping generations of artists through his tenure at institutions such as Black Mountain College, the Chouinard Art Institute, and the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles.
Woelffer’s artistic journey was marked by a deep commitment to abstraction, often incorporating elements of spontaneity, symbolism, and a dynamic use of line and form. His works, which exude an enigmatic energy, were influenced by his exposure to surrealism and his interactions with leading figures of the 20th-century avant-garde, including Roberto Matta and Willem de Kooning.
As an educator and artist, Woelffer played a crucial role in the West Coast abstract expressionist movement, bringing an East Coast sensibility to Los Angeles' burgeoning art scene. His legacy includes a rich body of work spanning six decades and representation in major museum collections such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Woelffer’s love for jazz, travel, and modernist design infused his life and art, making him a multifaceted creative force. His contributions to art earned him recognition as an artist who bridged regional and international artistic dialogues, leaving an indelible mark on modern art history.