Women Of Abstract Expressionism Exhibit Gains National Attention
DENVER (CBS4)- A new exhibit at the Denver Art Museum is gaining national attention. "Women of Abstract Expressionism" is the first of it's kind exhibit.
"Abstract expressionism has always been thought of as a male dominated macho movement," said exhibition curator Gwen Chanzit.
The exhibit makes history by putting the women of a powerful genre of art in the spotlight for the first time.
"They were certainly part of the mix, they went to the same classes, the same studios... but they have not gotten seen as much as the men," said Chanzit.
One of those featured artists is Judith Godwin who had to fight to gain attention in her craft.
"We weren't paid attention to at all. It's as if we didn't exist," said Godwin.
PHOTO GALLERY: Women of Abstract Expressionism
Godwin and other female artists struggled to be heard in the 1950s when men dominated the art scene.
"We didn't try to paint like men, but a lot of us are strong women and that's the way it came out naturally," said Godwin.
The exhibit showcases 12 artists including Helen Frankenhaler, Lee Krasner and Joan Mitchell along with lesser-known painters.
"They're just as good, and they just haven't gotten the recognition," said Chanzit. "This exhibition is long overdue. What's the most surprising thing is that no one has done this show before."
Women of Abstract Expressionism opens Sunday at the Denver Art Museum and continues through Sept. 25. The exhibit is included with general admission.
