Mary Heilmann

de Briony Fer, Lydia Yee

Born in California in 1940, Heilmann studied ceramics and poetry before moving to New York in 1968 and taking up painting. A pioneer of infusing abstract painting with influences from craft traditions and popular culture (especially rock music and California's beach culture), Heilmann is one of the most important yet still under-recognised artists working today. This publication explores Heilmann's approach to abstraction from two distinct but interrelated perspectives: the formal and the personal. As well as a new essay by Briony Fer and writings by the artist on key works, the publication will feature over 100 beautiful full-colour illustrations of paintings, works on paper, furniture and ceramics from Heilmann's five-decade career. 00Exhibition: Whitechapel Gallery London, England (06.08-08.21.2016).