David Novros Untitled, 2024 oil on canvas 20 panels, overall: 124 3/4 x 115 1/2 in. (316.9 x 293.4 cm)
From the sun-drenched mosaics of Ravenna to the structured serenity of Matisse’s studio, David Novros’s career has been a lifelong dialogue with history’s "painted places."
This spring, Paula Cooper Gallery presents a new chapter in this journey, showcasing a collection of the artist’s recent paintings and watercolors from March 7 through April 25, 2026.
The Legacy of the Mural
The seeds of this exhibition were planted during Novros’s formative 1963 pilgrimage across Europe.
Inspired by the frescoes of Giotto and the architectural precision of the Alhambra, he returned to America with a vision to translate monumental site-specific art into "portable murals." This path famously led to his 1970 fresco commission for Donald Judd’s SoHo residence—a landmark of minimalist integration.
The current works, all Untitled and produced between 2024 and 2025, continue this rigorous exploration of right-angular panels that interweave across darkly hued grounds.
In one vertical, earth-toned work from 2025, panels are consecutively layered to impart a heightened sense of depth, while an accompanying group of watercolors radiate with brilliant color relationships.
While the New York show offers an intimate look at his latest output, a massive international celebration looms on the horizon.
In Fall 2026, the Hamburger Kunsthalle in Germany will debut the most expansive retrospective of Novros’s career.
Curated by Alexander Klar, the exhibition will run from October 9, 2026, through February 27, 2027, and will be presented across two levels of the Gallery of Contemporary Art.
David Novros Untitled, 2024 oil on canvas 10 panels, overall: 48 x 96 1/2 in. (121.9 x 245.1 cm)
The show features over 40 large-format paintings, copper reliefs, models, and works on paper.
A fully illustrated catalogue will accompany the event, featuring essays by Klar, Toby Kamps, Matthew Levy, and Ifee Tack.
For those following the trajectory of American abstraction, these dual exhibitions mark a significant moment of recognition for an artist who bridged the gap between the ancient fresco and the modern gallery.
David Novros Untitled, 2025 oil on canvas 11 panels, overall: 70 3/8 x 96 in. (178.8 x 243.8 cm)
