Tamara de Lempicka: Art Deco Icon at My Way
Tamara de Lempicka, whose real name was Tamara Rosalia Gurwik-Górska, was a Polish painter who rose to fame in Europe as a prominent figure of Art Deco. Born into a wealthy family, Lempicka developed her artistic talent at a young age and became one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.
At our lounge restaurant, you’ll find various works inspired by Lempicka, featuring feminine figures and her characteristic "soft cubism" style, blending elements from various art movements into a modern and eclectic representation. This article pays tribute to her career and highlights key anecdotes from her life, taking you on a journey through her influences and impact on the art world.
The Origin of Lempicka's Passion for Painting
Lempicka’s passion for painting began in her childhood. According to her biography, the summers she spent in Italy with her grandmother, who took her to art galleries and museums, ignited her fascination with the works of Italian artists such as Agnolo Bronzino. Lempicka often mentioned that the clean lines and saturated surfaces of these painters were crucial influences on her artistic development.
A well-known anecdote from her childhood tells of her family hiring a painter for individual family portraits. Dissatisfied with the results, Lempicka decided to create her own self-portrait, astonishing everyone by surpassing the professional painter’s work.
Adulthood and Challenging Times
After marrying her first husband, Lempicki, and fleeing Russia at the age of 18, Lempicka moved to Paris, where she began her artistic training at schools such as the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. During this period, she experimented with avant-garde styles like Cubism and Fauvism. One of her early works was the portrait of her daughter Kizette on the balcony, who served as her model on several occasions.
Her life in Paris was deeply affected by World War I and her husband’s imprisonment by the Bolsheviks. After rescuing him, they relocated to France, where Lempicka continued studying and honing her technique to support herself as an artist.
The Height of Her Career
As her style evolved, her talent and bold personality began to attract high society figures. Influential individuals were captivated by her works, leading to exhibitions in several galleries and growing popularity. Eventually, Lempicka divorced and relocated to America with her new partner and daughter, solidifying her fame beyond Europe.
Her distinctive style, featuring strong and elegant forms, enabled her to sell her works in galleries and exhibitions worldwide.
The Parties and Eccentricities of the Artist
Coming from a wealthy background, Lempicka led a life of luxury influenced by the Roaring Twenties, an era marked by relaxed societal norms. The social liberation of the time, aristocratic parties, drug use, and uninhibited lifestyles were reflected in her works throughout her career.
Even in her later years, Lempicka revisited several of her paintings, reworking them to align with her accumulated visions and experiences.
Mexico: Her Final Retreat
Mexico was one of the countries that captured Lempicka’s heart during her travels, and she chose to settle there in her later years. Some of her last works are preserved in the city, and her artistic legacy lives on through galleries and exhibitions dedicated to her work.
One of her final wishes was for her ashes to be scattered on the slopes of the Popocatépetl volcano, reflecting her deep connection to the country she chose as her final home.