Artist Pat Steir, Renowned for Her Cascading Infinity Paintings, Passes Away at 87
Pat Steir, a pioneering feminist artist renowned for her revolutionary contributions to abstract painting, notably through her iconic “Waterfall” series, passed away at the age of 87 on March 25. Her passing was confirmed by her husband, Joost Elffers, and her niece, Lily Sukoneck-Cohen. Steir was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1938, but spent her final days in New York City, a place she considered her true home.
Raised in an artistically inclined family, Steir chose painting over poetry, despite her father’s unique encouragement. She studied at the Pratt Institute under notable artists such as Richard Lindner, Adolph Gottlieb, and Philip Guston. Her early involvement in the art scene began with a group show at the High Museum in Atlanta in 1963, marking her entry into the male-dominated New York art world. During her career, she forged lasting relationships with peers, including a close friendship with reclusive painter Agnes Martin.
Steir’s art, influenced by conceptualism and minimalism, was deeply steeped in the philosophical currents of the feminist and civil rights movements. Her monochromatic canvases and wall drawings from the early ’70s often featured motifs such as crossed-out roses, symbolizing a departure from conventional aphorisms.
An advocate for gender equality in the arts, Steir co-founded the Heresies Collective and contributed to other feminist publications such as Semiotext(e). She was also a founding member of Printed Matter, Inc. Steir reflected on her journey as an artist, stating it was once unimaginable for a woman to lead a life in art with commitment and survival.
In the 1980s, Steir developed a unique painting technique inspired by Japanese and Chinese practices, involving dynamic applications of paint from ladders or lifts. Her “Waterfalls” series epitomizes artistic surrender and the significance of gestural abstraction. Describing her artistic perspective, Steir explained her work as creating frames around infinite space.
Critics like John Yau have praised Steir’s mature works for their contemplation of time, highlighting her mastery over the medium of paint. Her significant solo exhibition, “Self-Portrait: An Installation,” was held at the New Museum in 1987. Her works reside in prestigious collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Louvre, and the Guggenheim. The National Medal of Arts was awarded to her in 2017 by President Obama.
Pat Steir’s legacy continues through her art and the community she inspired. Her husband, niece, and numerous friends and fellow artists remember her as a driving force and beacon of inspiration. Her friend Elizabeth Streb described Steir’s creative process as a harmonious blend of art and exploration. Pat Steir’s influence transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art.