In “Womxn,” an exhibit by the National Association of Women Artists: Massachusetts Chapter, is filled with what it means to be a womxn in this day and age. Confusion or a sense of self pulls through within the paintings.
The abstract paintings are like the abstractness of gender. The artwork explores being “masculine and feminine at the same time”, as said in the blurb for the exhibit, just like some people do. The exhibit is a chance for people to examine how others feel about themselves, such as a “Swirl of Confusion,” a painting done by Donna Caselden.
I was involved with masculine and feminine colors, or what is thought to be associated with the words. In “The Daisy Field” by Candace Whittemore Lovely, there are shades of pinks, oranges and purples to feminize the average meadow and the lady in the painting adds to that femininity.
“Womxn” encapsulates what it feels like to be yourself, whether you know exactly who you are or not. There is a piece that every womxn can resonate with and feel a kinship to.
It reminded me of what it feels like to be myself, as a womxn who does not identify with the standard way a woman should be. There is a sense of community within the curated pieces that make you feel more at home with your body and the questions you might have about it.
(You can see and purchase artwork from the National Association of Women Artists: Massachusetts Chapter’s “Womxn” exhibition online at nawama.org/shop-womxn).