Norman Lewis: A Postwar Master of Abstract Expressionism

on January 20, 2025

Norman Lewis (1909-1979) was a pivotal figure in 20th-century American art. He navigated the complex social landscape of the art world during the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, and the postwar rise of abstract expressionism. His unique style blended abstraction with figuration and social commentary.

American abstract expressionism artist Norman Lewis. Abstract painting is "Roller Coaster", circa 1946.

'Roller Coaster' by Norman Lewis, 1946.

 

Norman Lewis: Key Postwar Abstract Painting

Although I'm most fond of his purely abstract expressionist work, I love how his 1945 painting "Untitled (Subway Station)" encapsulates the power of his style—how his paintings subtly yet profoundly embody his important social commentary. This painting depicts a bustling subway platform, a microcosm of urban life. It captures the energy and anonymity of the scene and the diverse social fabric of New York City.

American abstract expressionism artist Norman Lewis and his postwar abstract painting "Untitled (Subway Station)" from 1945

'Untitled (Subway Station)' by Norman Lewis, 1945.

 

Norman Lewis: Abstract Art as Social Commentary

The figures are abstracted, their forms reduced to essential lines and colors. This abstraction, however, doesn't diminish the painting's social commentary. Rather, I find that the ambiguity of the abstraction allows his commentary to be communicated without having to spell it out. The abstraction of the crowd is suggestive of the racial and economic disparities characterizing his contemporary postwar America. The abstraction also creates anonymity, which hints at both individuality and the interconnectedness of the diverse working class lives coexisting in the city.

Abstract painting by abstract expressionism artist Norman Lewis, "Exodus", circa 1972.

'Exodus' by Norman Lewis, 1972.

Racism in the art world largely kept Lewis from achieving the notoriety he deserved relative to the other (white) abstract expressionists of his time. Nonetheless, his legacy endures and he has, in recent years, gained more recognition for the significant role he and his paintings played in shaping the postwar American art landscape. 



Pete Stein
Founder, Galerie Stein
Montreal

Galerie Stein will be presenting more contemporary abstract expressionist artists in 2025, both virtually at GalerieStein.com and in our gallery. Contact: Pete Stein at peter@GalerieStein.com.

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