“Woman V” is an abstract expressionist painting created by Willem de Kooning between 1952 and 1953, utilizing oil and charcoal on canvas. This notable piece of art, measuring 114.5 by 154.5 cm, is categorized as a portrait and is part of the National Gallery of Australia’s collection in Canberra, Australia.
The artwork is characterized by its intense, dynamic brushstrokes and the use of bold, vibrant colors typical of the Abstract Expressionism movement. The figure depicted is rendered in a fragmented and abstract style, presenting an amalgam of human features and energetic forms that convey both emotion and movement. The interplay of charcoal and oil allows for a textured, multi-layered composition, enhancing the depth and expression within the artwork. Each element of the piece reflects de Kooning’s distinctive approach to abstraction, merging figuration with abstraction in a captivating manner.