Woman VI, 1953

Woman VI (1953) is one of Willem de Kooning’s most famous paintings in his series depicting distorted female figures. The painting is characterized by bold, aggressive brushstrokes, intense colors, and a sense of dynamic movement. The woman’s figure is fragmented, with exaggerated features such as large eyes, a wide mouth, and distorted forms that reflect de Kooning’s exploration of the human body.

The work combines abstraction with figuration, where the figure is both recognizable and chaotic, capturing a raw, emotional intensity. Woman VI is part of a larger series that grapples with themes of sexuality, violence, and the complexity of the female form. The painting exemplifies de Kooning’s mastery in blending violence and sensuality in his art, challenging conventional representations of women.