Maxwell Hendler

Factsheet

  • Museums on this site: Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Works on this site: 2
  • Top 3 works: David
  • Top-ranked work: David

The Formative Years and Academic Path

Born in St. Louis, United States, Maxwell Hendler moved to Los Angeles in 1955. His academic journey in the arts led him to the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a BA in 1960 and an MA in 1962. Following his master's degree, he pursued post-graduate studies in painting at UCLA between 1962 and 1964. Hendler’s career in academia began in 1967 when he became a full-time instructor of the arts at California State University at Northridge, later serving as an associate professor at California State University at Long Beach in the School of Fine Arts starting in 1969.

Evolution of Style and Technique

Hendler's artistic practice has undergone significant transformations over the decades. During the 1960s and mid-1970s, his work was characterized by a precise approach derived from direct observation of his subjects rather than photographs, often resulting in small paintings, many measuring less than 12 inches square. By the 1980s, his output shifted toward works featuring textured grounds and painted words, synthesizing elements of pop art, minimalism, and conceptual art. In 1990, he introduced a new method involving poured and polished polyester resin paintings, which are noted for their monochromatic, highly polished surfaces in various sizes and proportions.

Questions & Answers

Can I browse Maxwell Hendler's works by mood?

Maxwell Hendler's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

How many artworks by Maxwell Hendler are available to browse?

You can browse 2 artworks by Maxwell Hendler on the All Artworks page.

Can I explore Maxwell Hendler's works by color spectrum?

The Spectral Index of Maxwell Hendler is a page that organizes the artist's artworks by their colors.

Is there a 3D virtual tour of Maxwell Hendler's works?

Maxwell Hendler's artworks can be seen in a 3D gallery on the artist's 3D Museum page.

Self-test

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In what year did Maxwell Hendler become the first contemporary artist to have works in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Question 2:
Where did Maxwell Hendler receive his BA and MA?
Question 3:
What type of paintings did Hendler begin producing in 1990?
Question 4:
In which city was Maxwell Hendler born?
Question 5:
Which institution did Hendler serve as an associate professor at in the School of Fine Arts?