Is there a peak age for creativity? When do artists produce their most
popular works? Who are some of the youngest and oldest artists to have
their work displayed in the NGA's collection of modern art?
Although the majority of artworks from the 20th century
were made by artists in their 40s to 60s, the range of creative
expression is much wider — both 13-year-olds and 93-year-olds have
left an enduring impact with their work. By showcasing both the
average age and the outliers, I hope to shift perceptions and
expectations regarding age limits and artistic accomplishment.
Click on the min and max ages
to explore the NGA’s collection of 20th-century art, brought to you by
both the prodigies and the prolific.