Alex Katz: Theater and Dance
February 22 - June 08, 2025
Alex Katz: Theater and Dance explores six decades of the New York painter’s dynamic collaborations with choreographers and avant-garde theater groups, offering an exciting glimpse into the intersection of the visual and performing arts. The exhibition showcases how the artist’s distinctive style—marked by bold compositions, vibrant colors, and references to popular culture—helped shape the look of American postmodern dance. Featuring rare archival materials, major sets, paintings, and never-before-seen sketches, the show is the first to highlight this underexamined aspect of Katz’s storied career, centered on his longstanding partnership with choreographer Paul Taylor.
Alex Katz: Theater and Dance is organized by the American Federation of Arts and Colby College Museum of Art. The exhibition is curated by Levi Prombaum, former Katz Consulting Curator, Colby College Museum of Art. The 2022 presentation was organized by the Colby Museum with curatorial guidance from Robert Storr.
The Frye Art Museum's presentation is organized by Georgia Erger, Curator, with Alexis L. Silva, Curatorial Assistant.
Generous support for the Frye's installation provided by Frye Members.
Alex Katz. Night: William Dunas Dance Company 4, 1983. Lithograph in 13 colors on paper. 25 x 31 1/4 in. Colby College Museum of Art, gift of the artist, 1995.417. Photo: Peter Siegal, Pillar Digital Imaging LLC. © 2024 Alex Katz / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Courtesy American Federation of Arts
Alex Katz. Last Look, 1986. Oil on board. 24 x 60 ¼ in. Collection of the artist. Photo: Paul Takeuchi. © 2024 Alex Katz / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Courtesy American Federation of Arts