Ad Reinhardt

Date of Birth: December 24, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: August 30, 1967

Biography

Ad Reinhardt, born Adolph Dietrich Friedrich Reinhardt, was an American abstract painter known for his contributions to the movements of Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. Reinhardt was born on December 24, 1913, in Buffalo, New York, and later moved to New York City, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene. He studied at Columbia University and the National Academy of Design, refining his artistic skills and developing his unique style. Reinhardt’s work is most famous for his “Black Paintings,” a series of canvases that appear to be entirely black but are, upon closer inspection, composed of subtle variations in shade and hue. These works challenge the viewer’s perception and demand a prolonged engagement. Throughout his career, Reinhardt was also a vocal critic of the commercialization of art and a staunch advocate for art’s purity and integrity. In addition to painting, Reinhardt was an accomplished writer and lecturer, contributing articles to prominent art journals and teaching at various institutions, including Brooklyn College. His rigorous approach to art and his belief in the artist’s role as a moral and intellectual guide left a lasting impact on the art world.

5 Interesting Facts about Ad Reinhardt

1. Reinhardt was a member of the American Abstract Artists group and was deeply influenced by the Bauhaus movement.

2. He designed anti-war posters during World War II and was an ardent pacifist.

3. Reinhardt’s “Black Paintings” are often considered precursors to Minimalist art.

4. He was a prolific writer and contributed to art magazines such as “Art News” and “Art International.”

5. Reinhardt was also a talented cartoonist and created satirical pieces that critiqued the art world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ad Reinhardt

1. “Art is art. Everything else is everything else.”

2. “The more stuff in it, the busier the work of art, the worse it is. More is less. Less is more.”

3. “Art is too serious to be taken seriously.”

4. “As an artist I don’t care what other people think. If you care what other people think, you’re not an artist.”

5. “Painting is not about ideas or information or stories or space or time or the future or the past. It’s about painting.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Ad Reinhardt’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his works have sold for significant sums in the art market, with some pieces fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars.