The aquatint etching entitled Big Bill, is an impressive testimony to Heilman’s expressive power. Resting in the center of the picture is a minimalistic form rimmed in straight, dark blue lines. Solidly colored angular forms in the same blue connect to, and appear to overlap, the top and bottom of this central shape. The rough perimeters of the dark corners stand in pointed yet playful contrast to the bordered form in the center. The forms seem to be in constant motion and in constant communication with one another. It is perhaps not surprising then that the title “Big Bill” is a respectful nod to the American Blues musician Big Bill Broonzy, imparting the work with a special “sound.”
Mary Heilman (*1940 in San Francisco, California; now living in New York, USA)
The works by the American contemporary artist Mary Heilman encompass not only painting but also works with paper, ceramics, sculpture and furniture design. Marked by art developments of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Heilman went on to develop her own abstract formal language which at times positions itself between color field painting and Hard Edge. Everyday life, music and pop-culture inspire her colorful pieces which invariably demonstrate a masterful control of color, ductus and form. In 2021 Heilman’s work received the Biennial Award for Contemporary Art (Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht.) Museums which have honored her with solo exhibitions include the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, the Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin and the Whitney Museum in New York.
