The Art Newspaper

Death of Jackson Polllock, 1956, Conrad Marca-Relli

A show devoted to a pivotal Abstract Expressionist at the Ronchini Gallery in London (10 October-24 November) throws new light on the tragic death of Jackson Pollock. Conrad Marca-Relli (1913-2000) was a trailblazing collagist, using materials such as vinyl plastics, fabrics and aluminium. But one collage in particular reflects a turning point in Marca-Relli's life: the night Pollock died after losing control of his car at Springs in the Hamptons in August 1956. The artist, who refused to display the piece to the public until 2000 shortly before his death, wrote: “We walked a short distance and then I could see the form of a body stretched out on the side of the road. It was Jackson. He was flat on his back, his eyes open. There was no blood, no scars, in fact he looked so beautiful. I just stared. I must have stayed that way for quite a while and then I heard the officer’s voice. 'Do you know this man?' 'Yes,' I said listlessly, 'yes, it’s Jackson Pollock'." The forthcoming retrospective "Conrad Marca-Relli: The Architecture of Action" is curated by David Anfam and Kenneth Baker.

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