Tom Wesselmann: Figure and Form

Heather James is honored to present Tom Wesselmann: Figure and Form. Spanning five decades of his career, the exhibition investigates the legacy of Wesselmann’s most significant body of work, the Great American Nude and his continued exploration into the subject matter throughout his lifetime. In constructing iterations of the female figure, Wesselmann pushed the boundaries of line and form, utilizing negative space, creating drawings in metal, and layering media to draw the viewer in not only to the enticing subject, but also to the distinctive ways he shaped space and form.

Though more than twenty years have passed since his death, Wesselmann has become increasingly culturally relevant in recent years. His iconic motifs have appeared across high-end fashion and design collaborations, while his 2024–2025 retrospective at Fondation Louis Vuitton offered a renewed opportunity for audiences to engage deeply with his oeuvre. This ongoing fascination continues with the current presentation of his work in dialogue with Mickalene Thomas at the Palm Springs Art Museum, on view through April 6, 2026.

Tom Wesselmann: Figure and Form invites viewers to experience one of the most distinctive voices of postwar American art, offering both an intimate and expansive look at an artist who continues to shape contemporary visual culture. We welcome you to explore the exhibition online or visit us in person to engage with these remarkable works firsthand.