Women of Abstract Expressionism

by Joan Marter (Editor), Irving Sandler (Primary Contributor), Gwen F. Chanzit (Introduction)

The celebrated survey of female Abstract Expressionist artists revealing the richness and lasting influence of their work

The artists Jay DeFeo, Helen Frankenthaler, Grace Hartigan, Elaine de Kooning, Lee Krasner, Joan Mitchell, and many other women played major roles in the development of Abstract Expressionism, which flourished in New York and San Francisco in the 1940s and 1950s and has been recognized as the first fully American modern art movement. Though the contributions of these women were central to American art of the twentieth century, their work has not received the same critical attention as that of their male counterparts.
 
Women of Abstract Expressionism is a long-overdue survey. Lavishly illustrated with full-color plates emphasizing the expressive freedom of direct gesture and process at the core of the movement, this book features biographies of more than forty artists, offering insight into their lives and work. Essays by noted scholars explore the techniques, concerns, and legacies of women in Abstract Expressionism, shedding light on their unique experiences. This groundbreaking book reveals the richness of the careers of these important artists and offers keen new reflections on their work and the movement as a whole.

Published in association with the Denver Art Museum

Exhibition Mint Museum, Charlotte, N.C. 
(10/22/16–01/22/17) Palm Springs Art Museum
(02/18/17–05/28/17)

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Womens

216 pages, Hardcover

Published June 14, 2016

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book for any art lover. It’s the catalogue of a 2016 exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, entitled Women of Abstract Expressionism, a group of painters who have been to a large extent written out of art history, and overlooked compared to their male counterparts. There are more than 40 artists represented in this lavishly illustrated volume, with essays by experts and academics. I found it a real joy to discover so many women painters, and even though Abstract Expressionism isn’t my favourite genre by any means it was exciting to discover so much more about the movement itself and the women who were part of it.

[Kerfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had seen the exhibition that spawned this book. Reproductions can never do justice to the original works, and the scale of many of these paintings would definitely add to their impact. As it is, they jump out from the pages.

The essays provide history and context for the female artists who worked alongside (and were sometimes married to) their more famous and highly rated male counterparts, Pollock, de Kooning, Rothko, and friends. I was familiar with a number of them--Joan Mitchell, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Helen Frankenthaler, Anne Ryan, Lee Krasner--but many others were completely new to me. So much to look at, and look at again.

The authors of the book provide short biographies and samples of work for 42 women, expanding well beyond the work of the 12 artists contain in the exhibition. This is a valuable reference and resource for the history of 20th century art, and well as a beautiful visual gift.

[l · Rating 3 out of 5]

No offence... but abstract expressionism is aggressively ugly. I'm glad more attention is being given to female artists .... but it's still ugly.

[danielle; ▵ · Rating 5 out of 5]

the essays don’t let you forget for a minute that women are the second sex, but there is some beautiful work in this book

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

High quality full-page images alongside the story of a multitude of female expressionist painters who have not had the recognition they deserved... Until now. I saw this art exhibit while visiting Palm Springs, CA. The paintings are inspiring, and make me want to paint LARGE and make a huge MESS!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had seen the exhibit that this accompanied. Gorgeous book----great paired with Ninth Street Women.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being entirely new to the Abstract Expressionists, I felt thoroughly informed and educated by this collection. The images were beautiful and I could almost imagine myself in a gallery looking at them, for nothing can truly replicate that feeling of physically being present with art. But I digress. The stories of these women seem incredible to me, especially considering many of them were involved in a variety of endeavors beyond just painting.

[Nicole Bergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a lot of these painters, though it’s infuriating how they’ve been treated compared to the men doing many similar things at the same time. Hopefully, books like this can help balance the historical record.

[Leslie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of abstract artists and examples of their works.
Enjoyed the Denver Art special exhibition!

[Tanya Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well balanced presentation of the artwork and the biographies of the artists. Definitely recommend.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an assemblage of essays to accompany an exhibition at the Denver Art Museum in 2016.

[Lee Gingras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent quality printing, great essays, great bios.

[Grab · Rating 4 out of 5]

The choice of artists for this exhibition and catalogue were strong. The catalogue's articles covered a broad spectrum of relevant topics. The image reproductions are excellent quality. The only disappointment was the interview that ended the articles-There was no introduction of the significance of the interviewee nor the interviewer and the content didn't hold much weight compared to the scholarship that preceded it.

[Ann Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

the photos/images were wonderful and thus the 4 stars. the text was sometimes overwhelming but informative.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely companion to the exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.

[Mills College Library]

759.13082 W87251 2016