Resnick Milton

Milton Resnick was a remarkable figure in the world of art, known for his significant contribution to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Born in 1917 in Bratslav, Ukraine, Resnick’s family immigrated to the United States when he was just five years old, settling in Brooklyn, New York. His early exposure to the bustling art scene of New York City would eventually shape his career as a painter.

Resnick’s artistic journey began in the 1930s and 1940s, when he became part of the original group of Abstract Expressionists in downtown New York. During the 1950s, he emerged as a prominent figure in the movement, known for his exploration and expansion of abstract visual language. His early works were characterized by their dynamic brushstrokes and vivid colors, capturing the essence of emotion and energy.

In the 1960s, Resnick took a bold step forward in his artistic career. He began creating large, lyrical canvases that were filled with air and color, pushing the boundaries of his medium. This period marked a significant shift in his work, as he became increasingly obsessed with the materiality of paint itself. This fascination led to the development of the thickly painted, image-less canvases for which he is best known. These works were characterized by layers upon layers of paint, creating a dense and textured surface that seemed to pulsate with life.

Despite his success and recognition, Resnick never settled into a single artistic style. His career was defined by a constant state of doubt and self-questioning, as he continuously sought to wear out every conclusion he could come to. It was this relentless pursuit of artistic truth that led him to introduce quasi-allegorical figures into his work in the last decade of his life—a seeming contradiction to all he had previously believed about painting.

Milton Resnick’s legacy is one of innovation and introspection. His work defies classification, continuing to astonish and inspire with its sublime beauty. Resnick passed away in 2004, but his contributions to the art world remain influential, a testament to his profound impact on Abstract Expressionism and beyond.