Ida Kohlmeyer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ida Kohlmeyer
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| Born |
Ida Rittenberg
November 3, 1912 New Orleans, Louisiana
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| Died | January 24, 1997 (aged 84) New Orleans, Louisiana
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | Sophie Newcomb Memorial College at Tulane University |
| Known for | Painting, Sculpture |
| Spouse(s) | Hugh Kohlmeyer |
Ida Kohlmeyer (born November 3, 1912 – died January 24, 1997) was an American painter and sculptor. She lived and worked in Louisiana. Ida started painting when she was in her 30s. Her art became very famous across the United States.
Her work is displayed in many important places. These include the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. You can also find her art at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Ida Kohlmeyer was a member of the Reform Jewish community. She was very involved in the New Orleans Jewish community throughout her life. The Touro Synagogue (New Orleans) in New Orleans shows many of her artworks.
Contents
Early Life and Inspiration
Ida Kohlmeyer was born Ida Rittenberg. Her parents were immigrants from Poland. She studied English at Newcomb College. This college was once a women's college at Tulane University.
After college, Ida married Hugh Kohlmeyer. In 1934, they went on their honeymoon to Mexico. They visited Vera Cruz and Mexico City. It was there that Ida became very interested in the art of South and Central America. This trip later inspired her own artwork.
Starting Her Art Career (1950s)
Ida Kohlmeyer went back to Newcomb/Tulane in 1950. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting in 1956. After that, she studied with a famous New York artist named Hans Hofmann. He was known for his amazing use of color.
Hofmann encouraged Ida to try abstract art. This means art that doesn't show real objects. Her early paintings were in a style called Abstract Expressionism. Other artists who influenced her included Arshile Gorky and Mark Rothko. She met them in New York.
Ida had her first art show at the New Orleans Museum of Art in 1957. Her first show in New York City was in 1959. It was held at the Ruth White Gallery.
Developing Her Unique Style (1970s–1980s)
Ida Kohlmeyer was inspired by South American art and the work of Joan Miró. She created her own special way of painting. She used symbols, shapes, and signs. These were often arranged in a loose grid pattern. Her art looked like a mix of abstract shapes, writing, and emblems. She continued to explore this unique style for the rest of her life.
Her work was shown in big exhibitions. The Atlanta High Museum of Art held a large show of her art in 1972. The Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte, NC, also had a major show. This exhibition traveled to seven different cities in 1984 and 1985.
Later Career and Lasting Impact
Ida Kohlmeyer became very successful later in her life. She completed several big art projects. One project was for the Equitable Life Assurance Society building in New Orleans. Another important work is still standing today. It's a large art piece with twenty painted metal sculptures. It's called Aquatic Colonnade. You can find it at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, along the Mississippi riverfront. This sculpture was repaired in 2012 after Hurricane Katrina.
Ida Kohlmeyer passed away on January 29, 1997, in New Orleans.
Her art continues to be celebrated. In 2004, the Newcomb Art Gallery created an exhibition called Systems of Color. It also had a book about Ida Kohlmeyer's work. The New Orleans Museum of Art honored her career in 2012-2013. This was to celebrate 100 years since her birth.
See also
In Spanish: Ida Kohlmeyer para niños
