Robert Birmelin (born 1933)

Figurative painter, printmaker and draughtsman.[37]

What is Robert Birmelin (born 1933) known for?

Robert Birmelin, an American figurative painter, printmaker, and draftsman, is renowned for his dynamic depictions of urban crowds, landscapes, and other subjective themes dealing with memory and time. Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1933, Birmelin was raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He is a notable alum of Bloomfield High School, where his talents were recognized and nurtured by his teachers.

His artistic journey started at Cooper Union Art School from 1951 to 1954, after which he pursued further studies in fine arts at Yale School of Art from 1954 to 1956 and again from 1959 to 1960. His mentors at Yale were prominent figures in the art world, including Josef Albers, Bernard Chaet, and Gabor Peterdi. His academic pursuits led him overseas on a Fulbright Fellowship to the Slade School of the University of London and later a fellowship at the American Academy in Rome.

Over his extensive career, Birmelin's work has been showcased in over 55 solo exhibitions both in the United States and internationally. His artwork is featured in 50 public collections, including prestigious institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and The Hirshhorn Museum in Washington D.C.

In addition to his art, Birmelin has been honored with numerous awards and grants from The National Endowment for the Arts, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation, The National Academy, The American Academy of Arts and Letters, The Joan Mitchell Foundation, and others. Beyond his contributions to the field of art, Birmelin has educated future generations of artists as a Professor in the Art Department at Queens College of The City University of New York from 1964 to 1999.

In his personal life, Robert Birmelin was married to Blair Tillisch, an artist and novelist, with whom he had two sons: Lucas, a medical doctor, and Nicholas, a musician. His commitment to his craft is reflected not only in his professional accomplishments but in the legacy he's left behind for future artists to follow.

You can learn more about Robert Birmelin and his works on his official website.