In the 1970s, Alex Katz's art continued to evolve, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary art. This era marked a significant transition in Katz's career, characterized by a shift towards large-scale portraits and a deepening exploration of his signature stylized and simplified aesthetic. Katz's work in the 1970s included the continuation of his iconic "cut-outs," which had begun in the late 1950s. These pieces blurred the lines between painting and sculpture, with Katz painting directly onto pre-cut pieces of wood or aluminum to create free-standing or wall-mounted portraits that seem to hover in space. The cut-outs from this period displayed a smoother, more streamlined quality, showcasing Katz's innovation in blending traditional portraiture with modern techniques​ (TheCollector)​. The decade also saw Katz embarking on ambitious, large-format paintings, inspired by billboard advertisements and movie screens. He adopted a minimalist approach, rendering faces and figures in cropped and simplified forms against flat, monochromatic backdrops. This minimalist aesthetic conveyed a cool, detached quality reminiscent of Pop Art, as seen in his portrait of the American poet Ted Berrigan from 1974. These works showcased Katz's ability to capture the essence of his subjects through a reduction of form, while simultaneously engaging with the broader cultural landscape​ (TheCollector)​. One notable work from this period is "Islesboro Ferry Slip" (1975), which epitomizes Katz's approach to landscape painting in the 1970s. The piece was inspired by a photograph and captures a moment of windblown spontaneity, emphasizing Katz's interest in the intersection of the everyday with the artistic​ (Galerie)​. Katz's work during the 1970s not only solidified his unique voice within the art world but also anticipated future trends in contemporary art. His exploration of form, color, and scale during this decade contributed significantly to the development of his later work and continued to influence younger generations of artists​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.