Duane Thomas Gallery is delighted to present for its first participation at the Armory Show in the Galleries sector an exhibition that pays homage to Lucy Lippard’s groundbreaking 1976 publication, “From the Center: Feminist Essays on Women’s Art.” This seminal collection of essays has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse
surrounding women’s art in America and has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists and scholars.
The exhibition, aptly titled “I LOVE LUCY” seeks to activate Lippard’s influential ideas by showcasing a selection of artworks that echo the themes explored in her groundbreaking book. The featured artists include:
Cynthia Carlson, Nancy Graves, Rita Myers, Shirley Pettibone, Adrian Piper, Eunice Golden, and Barbara Zucker.
Highlights of the exhibition include Cynthia Carlson’s “Cozy Hang” from 1974, a prominent abstract work featuring the artists innovative painting techniques using pastry equipment and weaving, that cemented her reputation as a pioneer of the “Pattern and Decoration” movement.
Barbara Zucker’s “Large Advancing Forms” (1974), a dynamic sculpture made from repetitive organic shapes that might recall stunted fingers and reminiscent of other works of the period such as “Dark Huts” (1973) and “Mix,Stir, Pour” (1972).
Nancy Graves’s pastels on paper from the mid seventies and the imposing sculpture “Tilt” (1985) showcase the genius and sometimes overlooked contributions of this major American artist.
Rita Myers’s video “Slow Squeeze” (1973) subverts the role of the artist by engaging in an 11-minute imperceptible zoom-in, adjusting her body to remain within the confines of the frame.
The exhibition not only celebrates the artistic achievements of these trailblazing women but also reflects on the lasting impact of Lucy Lippard’s critical perspectives on women’s art by providing access to publications and archives, particularly Lippard’s most celebrated books and issues of “Heresies” magazine.
“I LOVE LUCY” invites viewers to engage with the rich history of feminist art and consider its continued relevance in contemporary conversations about gender, identity, and artistic expression.
The gallery would like to acknowledge and thank the following for their help and collaboration in the making of this exhibition:
Accola Griefen Gallery, New York (Barbara Zucker)
The Adrian Piper Research Archive Foundation, Berlin
The Nancy Graves Foundation, New York.
for their kind participation and help in making this exhibition possible.
