Kiev, 1887 – New York, 1964
Ukraine-born American sculptor, active primarily in Paris and recognized as one of the best known CUBIST sculptors.
Trained primarily by studying ancient and medieval sculpture at the Louvre, Archipenko was first introduced to Cubism by his neighbour Léger, in 1910.
His early works were primarily in bronze, such as the WALKING WOMAN (Denver Art Museum, 1912). Slightly thereafter, Archipenko began using everyday materials, like glass, wood, metals and paint, to create sculptures, that were comparable to works by Picasso. His most seen work of this period is probably the MEDRANO II (Guggenheim Museum, NY).
He became very well known in Europe after the WWI, and exhibited in major cities, across Europe. His first solo exhibition in the United States was held at the SOCIËTE ANONYME, New York, in 1921.
In 1923, Archipenko emigrated to the U.S.A., where he began experimenting with LIGHT SCULPTURE or sculptures made with plastic lit from inside.
MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS
Museo Hermitage St. Petersburg, Russia.
Guggenheim Museum New York, U.S.
National Gallery of Art Washington D.C, U.S.
Addison Gallery of American Art Massachusetts, U.S.
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco San Francisco, U.S.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art Los Angeles, U.S.
National Museums & Galleries of Wales Wales, U.K.
North Carolina Museum of Art North Carolina, U.S.
Norton Simon Museum California, U.S.
San Antonio Art League Museum Texas, U.S.
San Diego Museum of Art San Diego, U.S.
Smithsonian American Art Museum Washington D.C, U.S.
Städel Museum Frankfurt, Germany.
Tate Gallery London, U.K.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art Israel.