Born in Brooklyn, New York, Alex Katz studied at the Cooper Union School of Art and later at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. He emerged in the New York art scene during the 1950s, gaining early recognition for his distinct figurative style that diverged from the prevailing Abstract Expressionism of the era.

Katz is best known for his expansive portraits and landscapes, which utilize simplified forms and heightened, saturated colors. His practice encompasses painting, sculpture, and printmaking, often focusing on subjects from his immediate social circle and the natural environment of Maine. His work is noted for its economy of line and its ability to capture a sense of immediate, cool detachment.

His influence on contemporary figurative painting remains significant, with his work continuing to be the subject of major international retrospectives. Recent exhibitions, such as the survey at Kunsthalle Tübingen, highlight the enduring relevance of his career, which spans from his breakthrough in the late 1950s to his ongoing production of portraits today.