Mostly showing her work in group exhibitions in New York with abstract artists, Suzy Frelinghuysen (aka Estelle Condid Frelinghuysen) showed a long-term interest in Cubism, although her early work was realism. She became known for her collages made from corrugated paper, magazine and newspaper clippings, often with musical themes. These subjects were taken from her years as an opera singer, 1947 to 1951, having taken voice lessons as a child. She made her debut with the New York City Opera in 1947, singing the title role in "Ariadne auf Naxos". She was a critical success then and later, called a "sumptuous dramatic soprano," received rave reviews for "Tosca".

From a well-to-do family, she grew up in New Jersey on the family estate i...