Kline, Franz (1910-1962), was an American Abstract Expressionist artist noted for his large, starkly simple, black-and-white paintings. In these works, strong black forms seem to sweep across raw white surfaces with whirling speed. This style gave the impression of rapid brushwork. But it was usually produced only by the most painstaking work. Kline sometimes took months to finish a picture. His powerful compositions inspired many younger artists to experiment by using fewer colors and working with simple, giant symbols.
Kline was born on May 23, 1910, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He moved to New York City in 1938 and first exhibited his black-and-white abstractions in 1950. He later taught at Black Mountain College, Pratt Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He died on May 13, 1962.
