If you’re wondering how to make the most of your autumn in Florence, we have the perfect recommendation for you! This season, immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage by visiting a remarkable new exhibition that is quickly becoming a must-see for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Whether you’re passionate about the arts or simply seeking an extraordinary experience during your stay, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore artistic legacy in a fresh and engaging way. Don’t miss out on this cultural highlight that promises to make your autumn visit truly unforgettable!

A Master of Abstraction: Helen Frankenthaler at Palazzo Strozzi

Between 27 of September 2024 – 26 of January 2025 Palazzo Strozzi is proud to present Italy’s most comprehensive retrospective dedicated to one of the 20th century’s most groundbreaking artists, Helen Frankenthaler. This exhibition offers a deep exploration of her artistic journey, showcasing her works in conversation with those of renowned contemporaries like Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, Mark Rothko, Morris Louis, David Smith, Anthony Caro, and Anne Truitt.

Helen Frankenthaler

(1928–2011) was an influential American abstract expressionist painter known for pioneering the Color Field movement. Born in New York City, she gained prominence in the 1950s with her groundbreaking technique of pouring thinned paint directly onto unprimed canvas, allowing colors to soak into the fabric. This method, known as “soak-stain,” created luminous, fluid compositions that blurred the line between painting and drawing. Frankenthaler’s work inspired generations of artists, including key figures in the Abstract Expressionist and Color Field movements. Over her six-decade career, she became one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.

The exhibition offers a journey through large canvases, works on paper, and sculptures, highlighting the artist’s extraordinary originality. It features loans from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation and renowned international museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Tate Modern in London, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Organized by the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation in collaboration with the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation and curated by Douglas Dreishpoon, Director of the Helen Frankenthaler Catalogue Raisonné, the exhibition is chronologically presented from the 1950s to the early 2000s. Its innovations are showcased alongside paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by contemporary artists, emphasizing the synergy and connections between these key figures in 20th-century art.

Why you should visit this exhibition?

The Helen Frankenthaler exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi is a must-see for art lovers and those curious about innovation. As Italy’s most comprehensive retrospective of her work, it highlights Frankenthaler’s revolutionary “soak-stain” technique, which transformed abstract painting with vibrant, fluid compositions.

What sets this exhibition apart is its presentation of her work alongside iconic contemporaries like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, offering a deeper insight into her influence on modern art. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the emotional depth and groundbreaking creativity that defined her career.