This article was written by Elena Martinique and originally published by Widewalls on October 21, 2019.
Street art and graffiti first appeared on American subways in the 1970s before reaching Europe in the 1980s alongside hip hop music. Over the years, this initially marginalized art form has transformed into a burgeoning and innovative movement of the 21st century, evolving and progressing in a myriad of ways. In this history, female artists hold an important place.
The Andrew Freedman Home now celebrates these women with a group show curated by Alice Mizrachi. Titled Evolution, the exhibition chronicles the progression of women artists with roots in graffiti, street art and/or hip hop culture who have flourished across decades.
This is a truly unique opportunity to see works by artists such as Lady Pink, Martha Cooper, Indie 184, Queen Andrea, Erotica 67, Jenevieve, Jane Dickson, Janette Beckman, Miss Van, Vexta, Imagine, Pau Quintanajornet, Herakut, Nani Chacon, Diana McClure, Lady K-Fever, Sarah C. Rutherford and Swoon – all at one venue.
The Evolution of the Movement
Street art has come a long way since it first emerged on the streets of New York. What started as a subversive and radical act of creative vandalism is now popularized and adorned in galleries and museums worldwide. Starting as the ultimate in democratized art; seen by everyone, owned by no-one, it has now become a highly sought collectible.
This journey has been multi-faceted and hard-won by many of these artists. If there’s anything harder than becoming a female artist, it’s becoming a female street artist. Each of these women earned a significant place in the history and evolution of the movement.
Empowered by communal and individual pursuits, as well as challenges and transformations, their work reveals an evolution of style and substance, along with a continued reverence for the vibrant subculture from which they come.
Works on View
This rich and diverse show will bring together works in a range of media, including sculpture, painting, mixed media and photography. The display will be accompanied by each artist’s thoughts on the meaning of evolution in their own lives.
Often collaborating on projects all around the world throughout the years, these women have developed a sense of community, support and camaraderie.
Women Street Artists at the Andrew Freedman Home
Located in South Bronx, The Andrew Freedman Home is an art and culture collective that is a hub for creativity and learning. Since 2012, it has been featuring exhibitions, artist in residence program, theatrical and music performances, special events, business incubators, workforce development, and more.
The exhibition Evolution will be on view at The Andrew Freedman Home in New York until November 30, 2019.
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