When you think about Abstract Expressionism, which artists come to mind? With the art world’s heavyweights like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Hans Hofmann, and Mark Rothko being part of this artistic movement, it is usually viewed through a male-focused lens. However, one cannot overlook the achievements of female artists who blazed the trail for this art style. Lee Krasner, Perle Fine, Elaine DeKooning, and Joan Mitchell are just some of the names that went down in history as pioneers of the Abstract Expressionist movement. This fall, you have an opportunity to see the works by these legendary female Abstract Expressionist artists in person at the Heroines of the Abstract Expressionist Era exhibition held at the Southampton Arts Center.
Female Abstract Expressionist Artists at the Southampton Arts Center
Sponsored by the Hamptons Fine Art Fair, Heroines of the Abstract Expressionist Era is an exhibition dedicated to preserving the legacy of female artists who influenced the development of the Abstract Expressionist movement. Originating in America, this art style dominated the Western art scene in the 1950s. Its emergence caused a major shift in the world of art, transferring its center from Paris to New York. Not many know this style owes a significant portion of its popularity to the women who molded the movement into what we see today. While their male colleagues became world-renowned, female Abstract Expressionist artists were largely forgotten by their contemporaries. Luckily, today, their work is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
The Southampton Arts Center gathers pieces by 32 modernist female artists in one place. The exhibition presents artwork of female painters and sculptors who were either part of the Abstract Expressionist movement or were closely associated with it. Among them are Audrey Flack, Dorothy Dehner, Mary Abbott, Perle Fine, Michael (Corinne) West, Louise Nevelson, Louise Bourgeois, Mercedes Matter, Jane Wilson, Jane Freilicher, and Hedda Sterne.
The Southampton Arts Center invites you to participate in the upcoming events held as part of the exhibition. On October 29, you can listen to seasoned art collectors and curators who share their tips on building an art collection. On November 12, you will meet the artist Audry Flack and watch a short documentary about her career. On November 25, Helen Harrison, Director of Pollock Krasner House and Study Center, will give an insightful talk on Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock.
Heroines of the Abstract Expressionist Era will be on view through December 17 at the Southampton Arts Center located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, NY. Do not miss the chance to celebrate the contributions of 32 outstanding Abstract Expressionist artists to the world of art.