The untold story of women artists in the United States and the social impact of their work during the crucial decades of the 1950s to the 1970s.
In Women Artists in Midcentury America, readers embark on a journey spanning two decades, delving into the evolving social and artistic landscapes through the lens of all-women exhibitions. These groundbreaking projects courageously confronted issues of sexual and racial discrimination, igniting profound discussions about women’s roles within modernism and democracy. Looking closely at the inception and reception of these exhibitions by curators, artists, critics, and the public, the book sheds light on the remarkable contributions of numerous artists, from Ruth Asawa to Marguerite Zorach. By foregrounding the accomplishments of women artists during a conservative period overshadowed by the feminist movement of the 1970s, Daniel Belasco provides a fresh perspective on the complex history of women’s art in America and its significance in the broader art world.
In Women Artists in Midcentury America, readers embark on a journey spanning two decades, delving into the evolving social and artistic landscapes through the lens of all-women exhibitions. These groundbreaking projects courageously confronted issues of sexual and racial discrimination, igniting profound discussions about women’s roles within modernism and democracy. Looking closely at the inception and reception of these exhibitions by curators, artists, critics, and the public, the book sheds light on the remarkable contributions of numerous artists, from Ruth Asawa to Marguerite Zorach. By foregrounding the accomplishments of women artists during a conservative period overshadowed by the feminist movement of the 1970s, Daniel Belasco provides a fresh perspective on the complex history of women’s art in America and its significance in the broader art world.
Reviews
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Avant-Garde: “Exhibition by 31 Women,” Art of this Century, 1943
2 Race: “Portraits of Leading American Negro Citizens,” Smithsonian Institution, 1944
3 Photography: “First Women’s Invitation Exhibition,” The Camera Club, 1947
4 Education: “Ten Women Who Paint,” Smith College Museum of Art, 1949
5 Women Artists Groups: “San Francisco Women Artists 27th Annual Exhibition,” San Francisco Museum of Art, 1952
6 Fiber Art: “Women in Art,” Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 1953
7 Greatness: “Great Women Artists: 16th to 20th Centuries,” Delius Gallery, 1955
8 Printmaking: “Women Printmakers,” Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1956
9 Abstract Expressionism: “17 of the Women Tops in Art,” Dord Fitz Gallery, 1960
10 American Democracy: “Women Artists in America Today,” Mount Holyoke College Museum of Art, 1962
Afterword
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
1 Avant-Garde: “Exhibition by 31 Women,” Art of this Century, 1943
2 Race: “Portraits of Leading American Negro Citizens,” Smithsonian Institution, 1944
3 Photography: “First Women’s Invitation Exhibition,” The Camera Club, 1947
4 Education: “Ten Women Who Paint,” Smith College Museum of Art, 1949
5 Women Artists Groups: “San Francisco Women Artists 27th Annual Exhibition,” San Francisco Museum of Art, 1952
6 Fiber Art: “Women in Art,” Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 1953
7 Greatness: “Great Women Artists: 16th to 20th Centuries,” Delius Gallery, 1955
8 Printmaking: “Women Printmakers,” Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1956
9 Abstract Expressionism: “17 of the Women Tops in Art,” Dord Fitz Gallery, 1960
10 American Democracy: “Women Artists in America Today,” Mount Holyoke College Museum of Art, 1962
Afterword
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
