Jackson Pollock, the influential American abstract expressionist painter, had a tumultuous relationship with Ruth Kligman, who became his Mistress. Here’s an overview of their connection:
Overview:
- Introduction and Relationship:
- Ruth Kligman, an aspiring artist and model, met Jackson Pollock in 1956. Pollock, who was already married to Lee Krasner, began a romantic relationship with Kligman.
- Artistic Influence:
- While Kligman was not Pollock’s primary muse, her presence influenced his work during their brief relationship. She is said to have inspired some of his later paintings.
- Pollock’s Marital Situation:
- At the time of his involvement with Kligman, Pollock’s marriage to Lee Krasner was strained. Pollock struggled with alcoholism, and his personal life was in disarray.
- Fatal Car Crash:
- The relationship between Pollock and Kligman was cut short due to a tragic event. In August 1956, Pollock crashed his car while driving under the influence, resulting in his death. Kligman survived the accident.
- Posthumous Recognition:
- After Pollock’s death, Ruth Kligman gained attention as the sole survivor of the fatal crash. She went on to become an important figure in the New York art scene and shared her experiences in books and interviews.
Artistic Legacy:
- Inspiration for Pollock’s Works:
- While not the primary muse, Kligman’s presence in Pollock’s life during the final phase of his career is believed to have influenced some of his later paintings. The emotional turbulence of their relationship may be reflected in the expressive and chaotic nature of Pollock’s abstract works.
- Kligman’s Artistic Career:
- Ruth Kligman continued her own artistic pursuits after Pollock’s death. She created paintings and sculptures, contributing to the art scene in her own right.
The relationship between Jackson Pollock and Ruth Kligman is a part of the complex narrative surrounding Pollock’s personal life, marked by struggles with alcoholism, the strains on his marriage, and a tragic end. The influence of Kligman, though brief, played a role in the final chapter of Pollock’s artistic journey.