“In the years since 1987, when Women’s History Month became a national observance, women in the arts have made considerable gains. They have achieved more-or-less equal access to the mainstream art world through exhibitions and galleries, though their representation in museum collections and their prices at auction still lag behind those of their male counterparts. Perhaps Women’s History Month in 2025 should be, not so much a celebration of female empowerment, as a stock-taking of women’s relative position in the arts and an argument in favor of the singular qualities of perception and expression that they offer in this unsettled time.”
Qiu has always teetered on the edge of full abstraction, incorporating elements from her Chinese heritage in dreamy arrangements, this new work has taken a turn for the spectacular. Expertly balancing negative space with energetic forms that swirl and bend, Qiu demonstrates mastery of this genre.
The absence of color highlights Letts’ command of composition as Medusa’s hair, executed in a Native American style patterning, slithers and curls toward a softly rendered reveal of burial catacombs. Varied textures allow distinction between subjects.
Bieri takes a traditionally female enterprise to an extraordinary level. These embroidered scrolls unfurl from ceiling to floor in earthy greens and cool blues. Meticulously stitched webs, forms and text spill down the elegant tapestry.
Aaron-Taylor confronts the viewer with the consequences of ignoring earth’s natural ecosystems. This Guam Kingfisher displays beauty taken for granted in its disconcerting repose.
Often underestimated, impugned, dismissed or ignored, women have persistently pursued storytelling via their chosen mediums communicating highly personal themes in culture, nature and relationships. Presenting a view from their perspective, the product of their passion can be fantastically stunning as well as unsettling.
Featured artists: Dina Charara, Jeanne Bieri, K.A. Letts, Kris Schaedig, Luzhen Qiu, and Susan Aaron-Taylor
On view through March 30th at Galerie Camille 4130 Cass Ste C, Detroit
*Huge shout out to Stephanie DeGroote who was one of the first to subscribe to this Substack. As an esteemed network news person, her continued support of this important work has been instrumental in its survival and growth. Thank you!
**images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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