Mary Heilmann

American, 1940 - 2026

Explore selected works

See all 23 works of art
The image portrays a series of horizontal, undulating dark blue shapes. The fluid, overlapping forms suggest rippling waves or elongated bodies of water meandering across the canvas. The shapes visually resemble elements found in nature, such as ink spills or fabric folds catching a breeze. The organic movement in the shapes contributes to a sense of natural yet abstract rhythm.
Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York, Weather Report, 2006, color spitbite and sugarlift aquatints on gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2011.119.37

Weather Report

Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York · 2006 · color spitbite and sugarlift aquatints on gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper ·  Accession ID  2011.119.37

The image shows a series of tall, elongated shapes arranged side by side on a vibrant pink background. The colors progress from left to right: pink, dark brown, orange, deep pink, and purple. The shapes have irregular and organic silhouettes, resembling melted candle wax or dripping paint. The composition invites the viewer to explore visual connections to familiar forms.
Mary Heilmann, Joaquin's Close Out [working proof 1], 2006, WP 1 – full color proof, similar to edition but missing a spit bite plate [working proof 1], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.338

Joaquin's Close Out [working proof 1]

Mary Heilmann · 2006 · WP 1 – full color proof, similar to edition but missing a spit bite plate [working proof 1] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.338

An abstract composition featuring a swirling, dark teal spiral at the center of a lighter teal square. The spiral moves from left to right, creating a dynamic sense of movement. The edges of the spiral blend into the background, forming wispy trails. White rectangular areas in the corners contrast with the teal, anchoring the image. A dark teal dot near one of the white areas adds a point of interest to the geometric composition.
Mary Heilmann, Undertow [working proof 1], 2006, WP 1 – blue-green double layer spit bite aquatints, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.336

Undertow [working proof 1]

Mary Heilmann · 2006 · WP 1 – blue-green double layer spit bite aquatints ·  Accession ID  2024.132.336

Two teal-colored spiral shapes set against square grids, creating a geometric and abstract composition. The spirals resemble whirlpools or galaxies, swirling within a soft teal background. Positioned within square and rectangular forms, the shapes create a contrast and evoke a sense of motion and balance.
Mary Heilmann, Undertow [working proof 2], 2006, WP 2 – 2-panel, blue-green spit bite and aquatint, pencil drawing (2 plates printed side by side) [working proof 2], Gift of Kathan Brown, 2024.132.337

Undertow [working proof 2]

Mary Heilmann · 2006 · WP 2 – 2-panel, blue-green spit bite and aquatint, pencil drawing (2 plates printed side by side) [working proof 2] ·  Accession ID  2024.132.337

The image showcases geometric shapes and fluid lines. Two beige rectangles are placed in the top left and bottom right corners, overlapping a central swirling shape. The design is set against a vibrant teal-colored background.
Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York, Undertow, 2006, color spitbite aquatint on gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2011.119.35

Undertow

Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York · 2006 · color spitbite aquatint on gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper ·  Accession ID  2011.119.35

The image features a green spiral shape at the center enclosed within a lightly sketched square on a plain background. The spiral gives a sense of motion and fluidity, similar to a wave or a fern. The surrounding space emphasizes the abstract nature of the spiral design.
Mary Heilmann, Study for "Undertow", 2006, pastel in blue and green with graphite on Somerset wove paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2014.116.21

Study for "Undertow"

Mary Heilmann · 2006 · pastel in blue and green with graphite on Somerset wove paper ·  Accession ID  2014.116.21

The image shows intersecting lines creating a grid pattern on a soft green background. Above the grid, there is an abstract gray shape resembling a dripping or melting form.
Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York, Passage, 2006, color aquatint with spitbite aquatint, sugarlift aquatint, and drypoint on wove Somerset paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2011.119.33

Passage

Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York · 2006 · color aquatint with spitbite aquatint, sugarlift aquatint, and drypoint on wove Somerset paper ·  Accession ID  2011.119.33

The image shows elongated and wavy grey shapes that stretch horizontally across the canvas. The abstract composition suggests familiar objects like fog banks or a river seen from above. The lines have a fluid and organic quality with slightly uneven edges, conveying a sense of natural motion. The variations in tone add depth and texture.
Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York, Clear Day, 2006, color spitbite and sugarlift aquatints in silver on gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2011.119.31

Clear Day

Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York · 2006 · color spitbite and sugarlift aquatints in silver on gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper ·  Accession ID  2011.119.31

The image shows a large, irregular red shape at the top, with faint linear patterns creating a grid-like appearance below it. The background has hints of lighter shades, resembling a backdrop with subtle, cloud-like forms.
Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York, Valentine, 2006, color sugarlift aquatint, spibite aquatint, and drypoint with gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2011.119.36

Valentine

Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York · 2006 · color sugarlift aquatint, spibite aquatint, and drypoint with gampi paper chine collé, mounted onto wove Somerset paper ·  Accession ID  2011.119.36

The image displays large, irregular, horizontal bands or blobs of color stacked one above the other. The colors transition from deep purple, pinkish-red, red-orange, to black or very dark brown against a pink background, creating an abstract layering effect.
Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York, Joaquin's Close Out, 2006, color aquatint with spitbite aquatint and sugarlift aquatint on wove Somerset paper, Gift of Kathan Brown, 2011.119.32

Joaquin's Close Out

Mary Heilmann, Crown Point Press, Catherine Brooks, Emily York · 2006 · color aquatint with spitbite aquatint and sugarlift aquatint on wove Somerset paper ·  Accession ID  2011.119.32