Ilya Bolotowsky (1907-1981) A fervent proponent of the power of abstract art and a major figure in American abstraction, Ilya Bolotowsky created work that reflected his unceasing interest in Modernist geometry. Born in Russia, Bolotowsky arrived in New York in 1923 and quickly grew interested in biomorphic surrealism. His exposure to Piet Mondrian in the 1930's prompted him to explore the potential of hard-edged abstraction; the colorful neo-plastic paintings he began creating at this time characterized his work for the rest of his life. Fiercely committed to the avant-garde, Bolotowsky joined The Ten, a band of nine artists including Adolph Gottlieb and Mark Rothko that advocated for new forms of abstraction. Although he never embraced Abstraction Expressionism like some of his peers, he remained an influential figure, teaching such notable artists as Kenneth Noland at Black Mountain College.

Bolotowsky incorporated geometric forms and colors outside of the structure and colors of De Stijl to create an aesthetically independent body work based in meditative color relationships.

In 1936, Bolotowsky co-founded the organization, American Abstract Artists in New York City at a time when abstract art was met with strong criticism.

SELECTED PUBLIC COLLECTIONS
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY