Catherine Howe

Cornflowers

2014

At first glance, the work of American artist Catherine Howe resembles 17th-century still lifes. It’s true that the New York native draws on paintings by Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, but a range of influences such as postwar Abstract Expressionism, Rococo and Baroque art are at play, and what initially appears as the typical still-life subjects — flowers or food — melts away upon closer inspection. Howe's abstract paintings are a study of the process of painting — the rush of shimmering colors, energetic brushstrokes, and mediums, which are often acrylics, beeswax and copper leaf, are the stars of the show.

Howe was born in Buffalo in 1959. She earned her MFA in painting from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her first exhibit took place in 1987 at White Columns in New York City, a nonprofit space for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work. At this time, Howe was still living in Buffalo and serving as a curator at the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. In 1989, she moved to New York City and took on a role as associate director of White Columns, which she held until 1995. During her time at White Columns, Howe started garnering attention for her novel style and use of material. 

Howe has since then exhibited throughout the United States, as well as at international exhibitions in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Munich. Her paintings have been featured in publications like Art in America, the New York Times and Artforum. She is a New York Academy of Art professor and served as Chair of the Department of Critical Studies until 2021.

Howe currently splits her time between her home in Manhattan and the Hudson Valley. She continues to exhibit around the United States.

On 1stDibs, find original Catherine Howe paintings, prints, mixed media works and other art.