Robert Motherwell: The East Hampton Years, 1944–1952

Abstract Expressionist legend Robert Motherwell claimed he did his “best work” during the eight years (1944-52) he painted in East Hampton, and Guild Hall’s latest show intends to show us why. In this spirit, the museum calls attention to the artist’s early work and explores the contributions that Motherwell made to the Abstract Expressionist movement in the context of our East End artist’s community. While in East Hampton, Motherwell lived and worked in a house and studio designed by Pierre Chareau, the inimitable French architect. This is the first time a show devoted to the paintings he made during those remarkable years has been mounted. Focusing on sixteen important works from major museums and three private collections this exhibition promises to surprise even those who think they know this pioneering American abstractionist’s art well.