Throughout her career, the work of Louise Nevelson (1899–1988) continually evolved as a personal reflection, as she experimented with various styles and materials that expanded upon her Cubist tendencies and drew upon her own experiences. A pioneering female figure in the art world, Nevelson broke onto the scene late in life with her monochrome wood collages.

Born in Russia, Nevelson moved to the United States in 1905 and at the age of 30 enrolled full time at the Art Students League, New York. In 1931 she studied with Hans Hofmann in Munich, Germany before returning to New York in 1932 as a mural assistant to Diego Rivera for the WPA Federal Art Project. She served as the President of the Artist’s Equity New York chapter from 1957-1959 and Vice-President of the International Association for Artists in 1966. For her work, Nevelson was honored with the 1969 MacDowell Colony Medal, Peterborough, NH and was the 1985 recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Her significance and influence in the art world have endured since her passing in 1988.