Painter Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) lived her life in an upper-class bubble, and, her involvement in the New York City art world of the 1950s didn't expand her point of view much beyond that. That's my conclusion having read art historian Alexander Nemerov's admiring biography, which focuses on the years between 1950-59.

Inspired by Jackson Pollock, among others, Frankenthaler devoted her time to creating abstract paintings and single-mindedly pursuing her vision, but there doesn't seem to be evidence that she took interest in anything besides her art, self-promotion, and the occasional love affair. One person who knew her referred to her as a perpetual "big kid." I couldn't relate to her at all.

Still, for those interested in Frankenthaler’s work, Nemerov's volume provides a good introduction. ( )