Von Wiegand, Charmion (1896–1993)

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Von Wiegand, Charmion (1896–1993)

American abstract painter and collage artist. Born Charmion von Wiegand, 1896, in Chicago, Illinois; died 1993; dau. of an editor for Hearst newspapers; studied at Barnard College, 1915; attended Columbia University; m. 2nd husband Joseph Freeman (editor of New Masses), in 1932.

Grew up in San Francisco; inspired by theosophy and Tibetan Buddhism, began painting (1926); wrote for art magazines; met friend and mentor Piet Mondrian (1941); learned to paint Chinese characters and developed abstract collage style (1940s); organized Kurt Schwitter's exhibition of collages (1948).

See also Women in World History.

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