They’re Abstract Expressionism, the uniquely American school of art that dominated the 1950’s and 1960’s. Sometimes called The New York School, works such as these are much coveted by collectors and museums. And, big surprise, they were painted by women. “So what?” you say. Let me explain.
Those big canvases by Joan Mitchell and Lee Krasner are part of a uniquely American movement, sometimes called Action Art. Their size accommodates the grand and vigorous gestures of the artist as the swirling, swooping lines and forms are created. The artist’s entire body is employed and that takes muscle. This was a field dominated by men because, most critics believed, no mere woman could wield a brush in the heroic manner of a Willem de Kooning or a Jackson Pollack.
Of course you don’t need to care about the technique to appreciate the paintings. Just go to the gallery. Sit down and look at the bright, cheerful Joan Mitchell, a landscape. Drink in the colors, the grace of the lines and forms. Think of gardens or mountain meadows filled with wild flowers.
Lee Krasner, Polar Stampede (detail), 1961, oil on canvas. Courtesy of Private Collection, San Francisco.
Then turn to the Lee Krasner. (She was Jackson Pollack’s wife, you know, but always worked in the shadow of his fame and talent.) It is called Polar Stampede and its energy seems to leap off the canvas. Imagine reindeer on the tundra, their fear, the flying snow, their thudding hoofs and the blur of their hides.
If you believe you don’t like abstract art, a few minutes carefully studying these two works may change your thinking. Go back to the gallery. Take your time. Clear your mind and relax in their presence.
Newsletter
Spring 2010
News & Updates
The next Art Break is scheduled for Saturday, May 22nd at 11:30 AM. This docent-led tour for volunteers only, will feature the Botero Show and the RBC Wealth Management Show, The Human Touch. Lunch and discussion to follow.
Art Bite Series: Fridays, 12-12:30 PM. May 14th, Latin American History professor Linda Curcio-Nagy will present Popular Culture and Politics in the World of Botero. May 21st will feature Botero and the Cultural Geographies of Latin America, a visual tour through Columbia and Latin America.
This spring First Thursdays will take place 5-7 PM on May 6th, June 3rd and July 1st. May will feature music by The Sturdy Beggars.
Sunday Jazz Brunch on May 16th welcomes the Reno Jazz Youth Orchestra. Join us again June 20th and July 18th for more great jazz. $5-$15, A la carte brunch menu from Café Musée.
Penelope Gottieb’s No $ Down comes down May 23rd. If you haven’t strolled through this neighborhood, you’re missing out. See it in the Media Gallery.
Museum Hours
GALLERY & STORE
Wednesday – Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
Thursdays 10 AM to 8 PM
Closed Monday, Tuesday and National Holidays
LIBRARY
Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM to 2 PM
1st Thursday 5 to 7 PM
CAFÉ MUSÉE
Wednesday – Sunday 11 AM – 2:30 PM
Closed Monday & Tuesday
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Tuesday – Friday 9AM - 5PM
Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in serving on the volunteer board, or learning web design? Have you always wanted to explore being a docent? We are currently looking for help in these areas as well as the Annual Arts and Flowers Luncheon, support for planning volunteer recognition events and administration work. For more information, please contact Rosalind Bedell at rosalind.bedell@nevadaart.org.
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