Nevelson

Louise Nevelson (born Leah Berliawsky; 1899–1988) was an American sculptor renowned for monumental monochrome wooden assemblages that create architectural, almost cinematic, interiors from found timber. She helped establish assemblage as a major form in 20th‑century sculpture, bridging expressive gesture with formal invention.

Nevelson assembled dense, interlocking structures from salvaged planks, shelves, cabinets, and other wooden fragments, then painted the works in a single color to unify disparate elements. While black became her signature hue, she also produced pieces in white and metallic tones. The uniform color emphasizes silhouette, rhythm, and the interplay of light and shadow within constrained spaces.

Notable series include the Sky Cathedral works of the 1950s and 1960s, large wall-mounted or freestanding constructions that resemble stacked rooms and cathedral interiors. She gained international recognition through major exhibitions, and her works are held in the permanent collections of prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Tate.

Nevelson received several honors for her contributions to art, including the National Medal of Arts. Her innovative use of assembled wood and monochrome surfaces influenced later movements in minimalism and conceptual sculpture, and she remains a central figure in American art of the mid- to late 20th century.