Reclamation
June 15 - September 8, 2018
Opening Reception: June 15, 5-7pm
Reclamation \ ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən \ : Noun; the process of claiming something back or of reasserting a right. This exhibition features nationally acclaimed, contemporary figurative women artists painting women from their perspective and experience.
Helen Day Art Center is driven by an ambitious curatorial vision shaped by the pursuit of meaning in contemporary art. The Art Center pursues exhibitions that address relevant topics in daily life where the artists and artworks included add valuable perspectives to complex social, political, and cultural dialogues. Reclamation \ ˌre-klə-ˈmā-shən \ is no exception:
As background, in 2009, three artists decided to explore how women depicted women as subjects of their art, and whether it was different than that of the male gaze, which regularly portrays women as passive objects of beauty to be observed and enjoyed. The project caught fire and has grown to include more than a dozen gallery and museum exhibitions, both in the US and abroad. Inspired by this project, we are making a strong statement to reclaim and transform the way women are portrayed.
Through the work in this exhibition, we will view women in their lives and environments as active participants. By choosing to portray women, painted by women, in the traditional form of realistic figurative painting in contemporary times, we are also bringing to attention the long history of figurative painting, in which inequality is pervasive. Women are the future and it's past time for equality. Every step we make toward this goal is a step forward for humanity. We are creating an exciting, dynamic show that actively engages the viewer in broadening their view of women in art and in the world we all share.
Rachel Moore- Director and Curator, Helen Day Art Center
Diane Feissel- Artist, Co-founder of Women Painting Women, and Co-Curator
August Burns- Artist and Co-Curator
Artists
Press
“…the curators are making a strong statement to claim artspace for women and reclaim the way women are portrayed, depicting women as active participants rather than as passive subjects.” —Vermont Art Guide
“The national conversation, sparked by the #MeToo movement, has the potential to change all segments of society, including the art world. “Reclamation /ˌrekləˈmāSH(ə)n/” promises to help move that conversation forward.” — Rutland Herald’s Central Vermont Arts Preview
“For reasons that are not always easily and precisely stated, at first glance and without knowing for sure, you’d guess that the artists were women, not men. The male gaze is gone.” — Susan B. Apel for “DailyUV”
“While the painterly skills on display in this exhibition cannot be ignored, it was the emotional intensity of the work that reached out and grabbed me..” — Cynthia Close for Vermont Woman
Gallery
