Beyond the Model: Contemporary Women Artists (Part I)

April 2 – August 13, 2016

South One Gallery

Women have been the subject of some of the most famous works of art, however as artists they have been historically underrepresented. Art created by women previously was often dismissed as “craft art” rather than fine art. Although the Feminist Movement in the 1960s and 70s sparked the exploration of this gender bias, marginalization of female artists persists. Today, women must address where they fit into the contemporary art scene, as artists rather than simply as models. Many women artists deal with themes of femininity and gender in the content of their art. Others use traditionally “craft” medium such as collage, mixed media, or embroidery in unexpected and innovative ways. Whatever their individual vision, female artists have made enormous contributions to contemporary art, and will no doubt have a hand in shaping its future.

Exhibiting the art work of contemporary artists, Beyond the Model is the first of two exhibitions of female artists at the UW Art Museum; the second exhibition of historically important women artists will be presented in the spring of 2017. Selected from the UW Art Museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition provides a glimpse of the modes in which women artists push boundaries, redefining traditional forms of art and art-making.

Curated with assistance from undergraduate intern, Vikki Doherty.

• Lunchtime Conversation with Curators - Wednesday, June 1, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Images:

(Left) Leslie Dill (American, b. 1950), Hummingbird Dress, 2014, color lithograph with mixed media, 22-3/8 x 22-1/4 inches, W. Sherman and Dorothy A. Burns Revocable Trust Purchase, 2014.20

(Right) Judy Chicago (American, b. 1939), WoeMan, 1986, printed cast paper bas-relief, 30-3/4 x 23 inches, Gift of Daniel R. Anthony, Meeteetse, WY, Class of 1971, 2014.19.5