Ellsworth Kelly at 100

May 2023—March 2024

To mark the centennial of American artist Ellsworth Kelly (b. 1923, d. 2015), Glenstone presented Ellsworth Kelly at 100, a major survey of the artist’s work charting his career and contributions to American abstraction. Kelly frequently revisited shapes and motifs he observed from his own lived experience throughout his seven-decade career, exploring form, color, line, and space through painting, sculpture, collage, drawing, and photography. Works on view included early foundational paintings Painting for a White Wall, 1952, and Painting in Three Panels, 1956, as well as examples from the iconic Chatham and Spectrum series. Yellow Curve, 1990, a monumental floor painting installation that spans nearly 1,000 square feet was on view for the first time in the United States since it was first conceived for an exhibition at Portikus in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

 

Exhibition Preview

    • Spectrum IX
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Spectrum IX, 2014
      Kelly 2014
      Spectrum IX, 2014
      acrylic on canvas
      107 ¾ x 96 inches (274 x 244 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
       Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KELLe_GF_Spectrum_update-600x800.jpg
    • Blue Relief with Black
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Blue Relief with Black, 2011
      Kelly 2011
      Blue Relief with Black, 2011
      oil on canvas, two joined panels
      70 x 55 x 3 inches (178 x 139 x 7 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/KELLe_GF_Blue-Relief-w-Black_Amstutz-600x800.jpg A blue, curved canvas sits atop a black, rectangular canvas on a white wall.
    • Cyclamen
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Cyclamen, 2000
      Kelly 2000
      Cyclamen, 2000
      set of five drawings pencil on paper
      16 x 14 inches (41 x 36 cm) each
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/KELLe_GF_Cyclamen_Amstutz-1067x800.jpg Five framed drawings of a cyclamen flower from different angles are hung on a white wall.
    • Untitled
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Untitled, 1996
      Kelly 1996
      Untitled, 1996
      redwood
      176 ½ x 25 ½ x 4 ½ inches (447 x 65 x 12 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
       Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KELLe_GF_Untitled_update-600x800.jpg
    • Blue Curve
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Blue Curve, 1996
      Kelly 1996
      Blue Curve, 1996
      oil on canvas
      120 x 108 ¼ inches (305 x 275 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
       Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/KELLe_GF_BlueCurve_Amstutz-600x800.jpg
    • White Relief with Black III
      Ellsworth Kelly
      White Relief with Black III, 1993
      Kelly 1993
      White Relief with Black III, 1993
      oil on canvas, two joined panels
      120 x 98 x 2 ¾ inches (305 x 249 x 7 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/KELLe_GF_WhiteReliefWithBlackIII_1993-532x800.jpg White and black rectangular canvases are affixed to each other on a white wall.
    • Yellow Curve
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Yellow Curve, 1990
      Kelly 1990
      Yellow Curve, 1990
      acrylic on canvas on wood
      25 feet x 24 feet x 1 inch (777 x 742 x 2.54 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz

      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RS43980_GF2012.051_SHOT_06_PS-lpr-1067x800.jpg A large wedge of yellow sits on the floor of a white room, lit from above by a white lightwell.
    • Sidewalk, Los Angeles
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Sidewalk, Los Angeles, 1978
      Kelly 1978
      Sidewalk, Los Angeles, 1978
      gelatin silver print
      8 ½ x 13 inches (22 x 33 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1978_Sidewalk-Los-Angeles_SM.jpg A pole casts a shadow that runs up a wall.
    • Arch, Pont Neuf, Paris
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Arch, Pont Neuf, Paris, 1978
      Kelly 1978
      Arch, Pont Neuf, Paris, 1978
      gelatin silver print
      8 ⅝ x 12 ⅞ inches (22 x 33 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1978_Arch-Pont-Neuf_SM.jpg A bridge arch is partially cloaked in shadow.
    • White Curves II
      Ellsworth Kelly
      White Curves II, 1978
      Kelly 1978
      White Curves II, 1978
      painted 1 1/8” honeycombed aluminum panels; 2 parts
      120 x 86 x 10 inches (305 x 218 x 26 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/KELLe_GF_WhiteCurvesII_Amstutz-600x800.jpg A white circle sits on a white wall, with a panel on its left appearing to be folded over.
    • Doorway, Le Palais, Belle-Île-en-Mer
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Doorway, Le Palais, Belle-Île-en-Mer, 1977
      Kelly 1977
      Doorway, Le Palais, Belle-Île-en-Mer, 1977
      gelatin silver print
      12 ⅞ x 8 ½ inches (33 x 22 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1977_Doorway-Belle-Ile-en-Mer_SM-530x800.jpg A recessed doorway is struck by sunlight, casting a triangular shadow.
    • Shadows on a Stairway, St. Martin
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Shadows on a Stairway, St. Martin, 1977
      Kelly 1977
      Shadows on a Stairway, St. Martin, 1977
      gelatin silver print
      12 ⅞ x 8 ⅝ inches (33 x 22 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1977_Stairway-St-Martin_SM-533x800.jpg A black-and-white photograph of shadows disjointedly crossing stair-steps.
    • Window, St. Martin
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Window, St. Martin, 1975
      Kelly 1975
      Window, St. Martin, 1975
      gelatin silver print
      12 ⅞ x 8 ⅝ inches (33 x 22 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1975_Window-St-Martin_SM-529x800.jpg A partially boarded up window has a black void at the top where the board is broken.
    • Highway Marker, Hudson
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Highway Marker, Hudson, 1972
      Kelly 1972
      Highway Marker, Hudson, 1972
      gelatin silver print
      8 ⅝ x 12 ⅞ inches (22 x 33 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1972_Highway-Marker-hudson_SM.jpg A white highway line crosses the frame from the lower left to upper right.
    • Roof, Ghent
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Roof, Ghent, 1972
      Kelly 1972
      Roof, Ghent, 1972
      gelatin silver print
      12 ⅞ x 8 ⅝ inches (33 x 22 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1972_Roof-Ghent_SM-535x800.jpg A black-and-white photograph of a roof gable and strip of black shingles.
    • Chatham V: Red Blue
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Chatham V: Red Blue, 1971
      Kelly 1971
      Chatham V: Red Blue, 1971
      oil on canvas, two joined panels
      108 ¼ x 99 ¼ inches (275 x 252 cm) overall
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Tim Nighswander/Imaging4Art.com
       Tim Nighswander/Imaging4Art.com
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/kelley_Chatham-V-Red-Blue-737x800.jpg
    • Curve seen from a Highway, Austerlitz
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Curve seen from a Highway, Austerlitz, 1970
      Kelly 1970
      Curve seen from a Highway, Austerlitz, 1970
      gelatin silver print
      8 ½ x 12 ¾ inches (22 x 32 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1970_Curve-seen-from-a-Highway-Austerlitz_SM.jpg A white hillside blanketed in snow stands against a grey line of trees.
    • Sidewalk, New York City
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Sidewalk, New York City, 1970
      Kelly 1970
      Sidewalk, New York City, 1970
      gelatin silver print
      8 ½ x 12 ⅞ inches (22 x 33 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1970_Sidewalk-New-York-City_SM.jpg A black and white image of a newly poured square of sidewalk.
    • Black Green
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Black Green, 1970
      Kelly 1970
      Black Green, 1970
      oil on canvas, two joined panels
      110 x 84 inches (279 x 213 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/KELLe_Black-Green_1970-618x800.jpg A painting comprised of a black panel and green panel hangs on a gallery wall.
    • Barn, Southampton
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Barn, Southampton, 1968
      Kelly 1968
      Barn, Southampton, 1968
      gelatin silver print
      8 ½ x 13 inches (22 x 33 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1968_Barn-Southampton_SM.jpg A barn stands in a wheat field, open at one side with a black void, with a white painted square on the left.
    • Black White
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Black White, 1968
      Kelly 1968
      Black White, 1968
      oil on panel, two joined panels
      96 x 96 inches (244 x 244 cm) overall
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
       Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/KELLe_GF_BlackWhite_Amstutz-800x800.jpg
    • White Red
      Ellsworth Kelly
      White Red, 1963
      Kelly 1963
      White Red, 1963
      oil on canvas
      69 x 86 ¾ inches (175 x 220 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
       Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/KELLe_GF_WhiteRed_Amstutz-1067x800.jpg
    • Grass
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Grass, 1961
      Kelly 1961
      Grass, 1961
      pencil on paper
      28 ½ x 22 ½ inches (72 x 57 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/KELLe_GF_Grass-600x800.jpg A line drawing of grass on paper is famed in a white frame.
    • Painting in Three Panels
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Painting in Three Panels, 1956
      Kelly 1956
      Painting in Three Panels, 1956
      oil on canvas, three panels
      80 x 139 inches (203 x 353 cm) overall display
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/KELLe_Painting-in-Three-Panels_1956-1200x800.jpg Three paintings hang on a wall; on the left, a yellow painting with a red curve, center a blue a green rectangle, and right a large rectangular panel with a black circle.
    • Painting for a White Wall
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Painting for a White Wall, 1952
      Kelly 1952
      Painting for a White Wall, 1952
      oil on canvas, five joined panels
      23 ⅝ x 71 ¼ inches (60 x 181 cm) overall
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
       Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/KELLe_GF_PaintingWhiteWall_Amstutz-1067x800.jpg
    • Shadows from Balcony, Villa La Combe, Meschers
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Shadows from Balcony, Villa La Combe, Meschers, 1950
      Kelly 1950
      Shadows from Balcony, Villa La Combe, Meschers, 1950
      gelatin silver print
      8 ⅜ x 12 ½ inches (21 x 32 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1950_Shadows-from-Balcony-Meschers_SM.jpg A shadows from a balcony cast parallel lines of light and shade on a building.
    • Bricks, Meschers
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Bricks, Meschers, 1950
      Kelly 1950
      Bricks, Meschers, 1950
      gelatin silver print
      12 ¾ x 8 ⅝ inches (32 x 22 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1950_Bricks-Meschers_SM-535x800.jpg A stack of bricks is piled alongside a building. A small dog stands beside the bricks in their shadow.
    • Trapeze Swings, Meschers
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Trapeze Swings, Meschers, 1950
      Kelly 1950
      Trapeze Swings, Meschers, 1950
      gelatin silver print
      9 ⅛ x 12 ⅜ inches (23 x 31 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1950_Trapeze-Swings-Meschers_SM.jpg Two rope swings hang from a bar with two floodlights at either side.
    • Beach Cabana III, Meschers
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Beach Cabana III, Meschers, 1950
      Kelly 1950
      Beach Cabana III, Meschers, 1950
      gelatin silver print
      12 ¾ x 8 ½ inches (32 x 22 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/KELLe_Beach-Cabana-III_02-533x800.jpg
    • Pine Branch and Shadow, Meschers
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Pine Branch and Shadow, Meschers, 1950
      Kelly 1950
      Pine Branch and Shadow, Meschers, 1950
      gelatin silver print
      9 x 12 ⅝ inches (23x 32 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1950_Pine-Branch-and-Shadow-Meschers_SM.jpg A pine branch is silhouetted against a grey sky in black and white.
    • Cut Up Drawing Rearranged by Chance
      Ellsworth Kelly
      Cut Up Drawing Rearranged by Chance, 1950
      Kelly 1950
      Cut Up Drawing Rearranged by Chance, 1950
      ink and collage on paper
      25 ½ x 19 ½ inches (65 x 50 cm)
      © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
      Photo: Ron Amstutz
      Ellsworth Kelly https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/KELL_e_Cut-Up-Drawing-Rearranged-by-Chance_1950_web-600x800.jpg