Patricia Carter, Allegory of a Surrogate Mother, 1998; oil on canvas, 49 ¼ x 49 ¼ inches; Gift of the Artist, 2004
Women Take Center Stage... in today's Buffalo News
Thursday, Jul 4, 2013
Read about the new exhibition Disclosure in today's Buffalo News Gusto by arts writer Colin Dabkowski at www.BuffaloNews.com
The Burchfield Penney Art Center (1300 Elmwood Ave.) has delved deep into its collection of work by women with connections to Western New York and pulled out “Disclosure: Women of the Burchfield Penney Collection,” a survey of its holdings on view through Dec. 29.
The show, organized by Burchfield Penney curator Alana Ryder, is an attempt to rearrange our understanding of women’s contribution to the art world – locally and beyond – and to provide a window into the life and work of some of this region’s undersung artistic talents.
According to a release, Ryder’s exhibition “explores the collision of society’s myths and norms against the issues and narratives defined by artists in the center’s collection.” It features work by Ellen Carey, Shirley Kassman, Jolene Rickard, Susan Rothenberg and Cindy Sherman among many less recognizable names. It showcases some 50 pieces, each of which pays “homage to womanhood in its infinite variety,” with an eye toward shifting the conversation about contemporary and historical art to one more conscious of women’s roles in all aspects of its development.
The show is on view, but has its official opening July 12. Admission to the Burchfield Penney is $5 to $10, with more information at 878-6011 or www.burchfieldpenney.org.
– Colin Dabkowski