Frida Kahlo was a contemporary artist, even by today’s standards. Her multidisciplinary art practice was a predecessor to today’s public relations creation of celebrity. Kahlo introduced feminism to a field sorely unequal in its treatment of women artists, and let the world know that a physical disability and pain could propel art, not limit it. Her art stood for feminism, recognition of the ability of the disabled, her politics and ethnic and cultural heritage, making her an example and heroine for women, and all people, everywhere. Her art was entirely autobiographical. The paintings told the story of her life, loves and losses. She was proud to paint her mestizo heritage — inherited from her mother — and the artificial leg she wore, making it a fashion accessory. “Appearances Can Be Deceiving” at the Brooklyn Museum and “Frida Kahlo and Arte Popular” at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts … [Read more...] about STILL CONTEMPORARY: FRIDA KAHLO IN BOSTON AND BROOKLYN
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THE POWER OF ILLUSTRATION: NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM TURNS 50
Ever since Norman Rockwell’s portrayals of American life graced the covers of The Saturday Evening Post, the beloved illustrator has been among the most recognized artists reflecting American art and culture. An astute visual storyteller and masterful painter, he had a distinct and personal message to share. That message conveyed the spirit of a nation whether recalling childhood pranks, young love, family rituals or facing hardships. Many of his works revealed his own life, his family, friends and neighbors and offered a behind-the-scenes look at the autobiographical aspects of his art. His son once remarked that his family felt as if they were “living out Saturday Evening Post covers.” In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, an extensive retrospective of his work will be on view from June 8 through October 27 along … [Read more...] about THE POWER OF ILLUSTRATION: NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM TURNS 50
WOOD ENGRAVED ADVENTURES: BARRY MOSER’S ILLUSTRATIONS AT BROMER BOOKS
Bromer Booksellers and Gallery is a hidden wonder tucked away on the second floor of an otherwise-unremarkable Boylston Street building. It is a bookstore and gallery specializing in rare, antique and miniature books and prints. The gallery part opened up just last year, and the blend of books and art creates an exciting milieu of creativity. Bromer “strives to complement the art of the book with the book as art.” And their upcoming show, “Barry Moser: The Storied Artist,” certainly encapsulates that theme. Barry Moser is a master illustrator known for his wood engravings. He studied under Leonard Baskin shortly after moving to Massachusetts, and then went on to begin graduate studies in printmaking at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied bookmaking, design and illustration with Jack Coughlin and Fred Becker — and almost gave up in his attempt to master wood … [Read more...] about WOOD ENGRAVED ADVENTURES: BARRY MOSER’S ILLUSTRATIONS AT BROMER BOOKS
MARKS OF EMOTION: ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM IN MAYNARD
Spring has brought a visually compelling exhibit to ArtSpace Maynard. “Mark of Emotion,” curated by Sallie Strand, presents the stylistically diverse paintings of three accomplished abstract artists, Joanne Holtje, Jane Cohen and Strand. Having met several years ago in an abstract painting class, Holtje, Cohen and Strand have maintained a professional relationship based on their common vision of abstraction, each whom are engaged in a distinct approach. In her curator’s statement, Strand has likened the artists’ work to Abstract Expressionism — emphasis on process, interior reflection and energetic spontaneity. Significantly in their respective artist’s statements, each artist cites the relevance of intuition as a guide in the exploration her work. As curator, Strand chose the theme “mark of emotion” since she sees abstract art, both creating it and viewing it, as all about … [Read more...] about MARKS OF EMOTION: ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM IN MAYNARD
ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE: STRETCHING WORCESTER CRAFT’S BOUNDARIES
Featuring the work of ceramic artists Phoebe Snow, Michelle Grey, Kim Gardner, Abby Nohal and Faith Connor and glass artists Meredith Collins, Lindsy Marshall, Molly Roderick, Kristen Momoko Schafer and Angela McHale, “Fired/Molten,” an exhibition featuring the current group of artists-in-residence at the Worcester Center for Crafts, is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of starting or adding to an existing collection of fine handmade work. “Some of the attendees for the A-I-R show are astute and savvy collectors looking for work which is fresh and interesting,” said Candace Casey, director of WCC’s Krikorian Gallery and Gallery Store. “They have an ‘eye’ for noticing trends and recognizing talented artisans.” As part of the residency, artists are provided a studio space with 24-hour access and storage space for materials, supplies and work and WCC staff shares advice and … [Read more...] about ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE: STRETCHING WORCESTER CRAFT’S BOUNDARIES
STILL EMPOWERING: HERA’S DISTINCTIVE SUMMER MEMBERS SHOW
Hera Gallery in Wakefield, Rhode Island is a cooperative gallery founded in 1974 as an innovative outpost of feminist art activism. In a 1983 New York Times article, “When Artists Start Their Own Galleries,” Lawrence Alloway wrote that Hera was one of just a handful of galleries run by women for women nationally. The article critically acknowledged Hera alongside A.I.R. Gallery and SOHO20 in New York City, ARC and Artemisia Galleries in Chicago and the Womanhouse installation in Los Angeles. At the time, it was significant recognition of Hera’s agenda of female empowerment for creating opportunities for women artists in a field deeply biased against their commercial success. Over the years, along with stewarding exhibition opportunities for its membership, Hera has brought in guest artists such as Lois Dodd, Mary Miss, Ana Mendieta and Howardena Pindell to enrich its … [Read more...] about STILL EMPOWERING: HERA’S DISTINCTIVE SUMMER MEMBERS SHOW