C4. The Ninth-Street Women: Modern Art in the 20th Century

As Mary Gabriel did in her 2018 book, Ninth Street Women, we will chronicle the extraordinary contribution of five women in the mid-20th century world of Abstract Expressionism: Lee Krasner (married to Jackson Pollock), Elaine DeKooning (married to Wilhem DeKooning), Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler (married to Robert Motherwell). All of these women participated in the historic 1951 9th Street Art Exhibition, the formal debut of Abstract Expression, considered by many scholars to be the first American art style to achieve international influence. We will explore the lives and art of these five women who helped to revolutionize American art of the 20th century.

Optional Reading: Ninth Street Women, Mary Gabriel, 2018

Instructor: Martha Chiarchiaro has brought history to life through the art of the times for more than 30 years. She received her Master’s degree in the History of Art from Williams College and has taught a variety of art history classes at the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester State University, WISE, and other cultural organizations. As noted on her Seeing History website, Martha's specialty presentations related to specific periods, artists, and activities provide an in-depth look at the life and times of people through their art.