Biography

Lorser Feitelson (1898–1978) was an influential American painter, recognized as one of the founding figures of the hard-edge painting movement in Southern California. Born in Savannah, Georgia, Feitelson moved to New York City shortly after his birth, where he was raised. His artistic journey took a significant turn when he relocated to California in 1927, a move that would eventually lead to his prominence in the art world. Feitelson's work is characterized by its precise and abrupt transitions between color areas, a hallmark of the hard-edge style. He was a key figure in the landmark 1959 exhibition "Four Abstract Classicists," which introduced the vibrant visual language of hard-edge painting to a broader audience. This exhibition, curated by Jules Langsner, was pivotal in establishing the movement's significance alongside other abstract styles like geometric abstraction and op art. Feitelson, along with his wife Helen Lundeberg, played a crucial role in the Post-Surrealist movement and contributed significantly to the development of American abstract painting. His work, celebrated for its clarity and externalized vision, continues to be collected and appreciated for its innovative approach and its role in shaping the art scene in Southern California during the mid-20th century.