Ellsworth Kelly might be best known for his abstract paintings and sculptures, but the artist was also a prolific portraitist. This exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago (1 July–23 October) brings together nearly 100 drawings from his 70-year career, including 30 self-portraits. Self-Portrait, Normandy (1944) is among the earliest works on show and was produced by candlelight in a tent during Kelly’s stint in the US Army during the Second World War. Elsewhere, pencil sketches depict recognisable members of Kelly’s close circle, such as fellow artist Robert Indiana. Find out more on the AIC’s website.
Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary
Head with Beard (1949), Ellsworth Kelly. © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
Ralph Coburn (10) (1949), Ellsworth Kelly. © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
Bikini (1959), Ellsworth Kelly. © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
Self-Portrait with Jack Shear (1984), Ellsworth Kelly. © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
Self-Portrait (1944), Ellsworth Kelly. © Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
Unlimited access from just $16 every 3 months
Subscribe to get unlimited and exclusive access to the top art stories, interviews and exhibition reviews.
![Masterpiece [Re]discovery 2022. Photo: Ben Fisher Photography, courtesy of Masterpiece London](http://www.apollo-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MPL2022_4263.jpg)
What happens when an artist wants to be anonymous?