Abstract Expressionists: The Women
The dominant movement of the New York and San Francisco art scenes of the mid-20th century, Abstract Expressionism is celebrated as being the first major development in American art to gain international status. The movement is synonymous with the work of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning, but also belonging to this generation who changed the course of modern art were numerous female artists; only in recent years have their contributions begun to receive the recognition they deserve. The remarkable women featured in this exciting new book – among them Claire Falkenstein, Perle Fine, Grace Hartigan, Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell – studied at the same art schools as the men, exhibited at the same galleries and were part of the same social scene. Yet, in an era that valued conformity, they remained largely in the shadow of their male counterparts. This magnificent publication presents the works of the Levett Collection, an unparalleled private collection of art by women Abstract Expressionists. Richly illustrated essays by Ellen G. Landau and Joan M. Marter consider, respectively, the vital role of women in the development of Abstract Expressionism and the work of women sculptors of the movement. Full of exuberant, explosive colour and densely layered expression, the main section of the book is devoted to more than 50 paintings, collages and sculptures, all accompanied by pertinent quotes from the women about their artistic practice and concerns. An illustrated timeline and 35 artist biographies provide further insight, making this volume an essential addition to the study of Abstract Expressionist women, innovators whose time in the spotlight has finally come.
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The dominant movement of the New York and San Francisco art scenes of the mid-20th century, Abstract Expressionism is celebrated as being the first major development in American art to gain international status. The movement is synonymous with the work of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning, but also belonging to this generation who changed the course of modern art were numerous female artists; only in recent years have their contributions begun to receive the recognition they deserve. The remarkable women featured in this exciting new book – among them Claire Falkenstein, Perle Fine, Grace Hartigan, Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell – studied at the same art schools as the men, exhibited at the same galleries and were part of the same social scene. Yet, in an era that valued conformity, they remained largely in the shadow of their male counterparts. This magnificent publication presents the works of the Levett Collection, an unparalleled private collection of art by women Abstract Expressionists. Richly illustrated essays by Ellen G. Landau and Joan M. Marter consider, respectively, the vital role of women in the development of Abstract Expressionism and the work of women sculptors of the movement. Full of exuberant, explosive colour and densely layered expression, the main section of the book is devoted to more than 50 paintings, collages and sculptures, all accompanied by pertinent quotes from the women about their artistic practice and concerns. An illustrated timeline and 35 artist biographies provide further insight, making this volume an essential addition to the study of Abstract Expressionist women, innovators whose time in the spotlight has finally come.