Around 1945, de Kooning brought his first series of Woman paintings to a conclusion in a way that exploded the already fragile connections between the body parts (Pink Lady, Pink Angels). At the same time, he began a new series of abstracted interiors and exteriors populated by anatomical fragments as well as elements of architecture. One of these new works, Judgment Day, was used as the basis for the 17-square foot Backdrop for “Labyrinth” which de Kooning made for a dance performance.

In 1947–48, he continued to work in two modes. He made complex works on paper showing men and women, and began a new series of fantastic interiors, some dark and grotesque (Carole Lombard and Night). From these he developed the more abstracted compositions, many in black and white, that were shown in his acclaimed first solo exhibition of 1948.