Art legend to talk about his work at Teesside University

One of America’s most respected artists will open up about his extraordinary life and career during a unique event at Teesside University.

Alex Katz, whose career spans over six decades, will take part in An Audience With when he visits the region to share his thoughts on his latest exhibition at mima.

The exhibition, Beneath the Surface, includes drawings and paintings from the New York born artist’s own personal collection. Many are studies of his family, friends, summer flowers and outings to the beach. This rarely seen work dates from 1949 to the present day and reveals Katz’s expertise as a draughtsman and painter.

The exhibition is on display at mima until 13 October. An Audience With Alex Katz will be held at Teesside University on Monday 7 October, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, to accompany the exhibition.

Alex Katz is best known for his large scale paintings, portraiture, landscape, marine scenes and flowers. He emerged onto the New York scene during the time of Abstract Expressionism and his work style pre-dates the pop art movement. Katz’s art has been the subject of more than 200 solo exhibitions and nearly 500 group exhibitions internationally since 1951. He is regarded as one of America’s most important living artists and has received numerous accolades throughout his career. Works by Alex Katz can be found in over 100 public collections worldwide.

In 2007, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy Museum, New York.

Professor Gerda Roper, Dean of the School of Arts & Media, said: 'We are thrilled to be able to welcome such an acclaimed artist with an international stature to Teesside University.

'Alex Katz’s work is truly inspirational and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say about his fascinating life and remarkable career.'

As well as the public talk, Alex Katz will also be signing books at the event, where he will be in conversation with artist Merlin James, a painter himself, who’s based in Glasgow. mima has produced a catalogue priced £10 to accompany the exhibition, featuring colour illustrations and an interview with Alex Katz by Brett Littman of the Drawing Centre in New York.

Beneath the Surface exhibition and public lecture was curated by Grainne Sweeney from mima.

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