Biography

Elsie Driggs (1898 – July 12, 1992) was an influential American painter associated with the Precisionist movement, a distinctly American modern-art style that emerged before the rise of Abstract Expressionism. Born in the United States, Driggs was the only woman among the Precisionists, a group known for their Cubist-inspired depictions of industrial and urban landscapes. Her work often focused on the geometric forms of skyscrapers and factories, capturing the essence of America's burgeoning industrial age. Driggs' artistic contributions extend beyond Precisionism; she later explored floral and figurative subjects through watercolors, pastels, and oils. Her works are held in prestigious collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and the Columbus Museum of Art. Driggs was married to abstract artist Lee Gatch, and her legacy is celebrated for its unique perspective and pioneering role in a male-dominated art movement. Her art continues to be collected for its historical significance and its innovative approach to modernism.