Aline Bernstein Saarinen

Aline Bernstein Saarinen was a renowned American art critic, CBS correspondent, and Pulitzer Prize nominee, known for her insightful critiques of Modern art, Abstract expressionism, and Mid-century modern architecture, often featuring works by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. Her writing frequently appeared in prominent publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Art News, alongside contributions from notable critics like Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg. As a correspondent for CBS, she interviewed influential figures such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Frank Lloyd Wright, providing unique perspectives on the art world. Her work was also influenced by the Bauhaus movement, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe.

● Early Life and Education

Aline Bernstein Saarinen was born in New York City to a family of Russian Jewish descent, and her early life was marked by exposure to the city's vibrant art scene, with frequent visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). She developed a strong interest in art history and architecture, which led her to pursue higher education at Vassar College and later at New York University, where she studied alongside notable artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Edward Hopper. Her academic background and early experiences laid the foundation for her future career as an art critic, with influences from Alfred Stieglitz, Armory Show, and the Ashcan School.

● Career

As a prominent art critic, Aline Bernstein Saarinen wrote for various publications, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Art News, often featuring reviews of exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Her critiques covered a wide range of topics, from the Abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning to the Mid-century modern architecture of Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames. She also worked as a correspondent for CBS, interviewing notable figures like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Frank Lloyd Wright, and reporting on significant events like the Armory Show and the Venice Biennale. Her work was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize nomination, and she was a member of the American Institute of Architects and the College Art Association.

● Personal Life

Aline Bernstein Saarinen was married to the renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, with whom she had two children, Eames Saarinen and Eric Saarinen. Her personal life was marked by a deep appreciation for Modern art and architecture, which she shared with her husband and children. The family often spent time at their home in Cranbrook, Michigan, which was designed by Eliel Saarinen, Eero Saarinen's father, and featured a collection of Modern art and Mid-century modern furniture, including works by Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi. Aline's relationships with other notable figures, such as Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Henry Moore, also played a significant role in shaping her career and personal life.

● Later Life and Legacy

Aline Bernstein Saarinen's later life was marked by continued contributions to the art world, including her work as a correspondent for CBS and her writing for various publications. She remained a prominent figure in the art scene until her death in 1972, leaving behind a legacy as a respected art critic and correspondent. Her work has been recognized and celebrated by institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art, which have featured her writings and interviews in various exhibitions and publications, alongside those of other notable critics like Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg. Her contributions to the field of art criticism have also been acknowledged by the College Art Association and the American Institute of Architects.

● Art and Architectural Criticism

Aline Bernstein Saarinen's art and architectural criticism was characterized by her insightful and nuanced understanding of Modern art and Mid-century modern architecture. Her writing often explored the relationships between art and architecture, as seen in the works of Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames, and Frank Lloyd Wright. She was particularly interested in the ways in which Modern art and architecture reflected the cultural and social changes of the 20th century, as evident in the works of Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Jackson Pollock. Her critiques also frequently referenced the Bauhaus movement, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe, demonstrating her deep knowledge of the art historical context. As a result, her writing continues to be studied and admired by scholars and art enthusiasts today, offering valuable insights into the art world of the 20th century, with connections to notable institutions like the Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou, and the National Gallery of Art.