Jules Langsner


Jules Langsner was an American art critic and psychiatrist. Born in New York City in 1911 and died in 1967 in California. Although born in New York, Langsner did not grow up in New York. He and his family moved to Ontario, California shortly after his birth.

Life and Education

Jules was born in New York City, and grew up in Ontario, California, where his family moved shortly after his birth.
As a student Langsner studied philosophy. During World War Two, he served as a psychiatric worker, and when the war ended he became a writer for the popular art publication ARTnews. After his stint with ARTnews Langsner went on to teach at the University of Southern California where he taught Art History.

HardEdge Colorforms

Langsner has become associated with the term that he coined, along with Peter Selz, "hard-edge painting." This term was developed in the United States primarily in California. It described the technique that American artists used in the late 1950s that emphasized color and form with the use of hard edges and neatness of the surface of the canvas.

Important Friend and Influences

As a recognized art critic Langsner established some very important relationships with some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Some of his friends and influences included Reuben Kadish, Phillip Guston, Jackson Pollock and Lorser Feitelson. These influences showed and proved Langsner's love for contemporary art in the early 1930s and in the future.