Lee Krasner (1908-1984) was a prominent member of the nonrepresentational art movement that transformed New York City into a major center of contemporary art after World War II. Her abstract works grace museums around the world. Unfortunately, she is not familiar to many as Lee Krasner but as Jackson Pollack’s wife. Living under his reputation is part of the struggle she faced throughout her career. It is said that when she was a student of renowned artist Hans Hoffmann he once said, “This is so good. You would never know it was done by a woman.”

Combat, a large format work approximately 6’ in height and 13.5 feet in length, seems to speak of Lee Krasner’s struggle and her constant pursuit of abstraction and beauty. Her color choices here reach for our attention and nearly dare us to look away. We can almost see her spirit and determination laid bare as a woman in combat with a gendered world.

May we give thanks for this artist and may our tribute to her be that we remember her name – God’s child, Lee Krasner. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church