Pentimenti Gallery becomes a beacon of female artistry this spring with its group exhibition, “Women in the City of Brotherly Love.” As part of (re)FOCUS 2024, a citywide program honoring women artists, this show marks a pivotal moment in Philadelphia’s art scene. The festival not only celebrates the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia Focuses on Women in the Visual Arts/1974 but also shines a spotlight on women’s dynamic contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.
“Women in the City of Brotherly Love” at Pentimenti Gallery features the compelling works of Kiki Gaffney, Judy Gelles, and Lauren Mabry, three women who have made Philadelphia their canvas and home. Through diverse mediums and perspectives, these artists engage with the city’s socio-economic dynamics, natural beauty, and the intricate mosaic of its neighborhoods. In all its vibrancy, Philadelphia serves as both muse and backdrop, inspiring a rich narrative of creativity and resilience.
Kiki Gaffney: Nature and Abstraction
Kiki Gaffney received her BA from Loyola College and MFA from the University of the Arts. Her work has been exhibited at various galleries and art centers across the US, and she has received multiple grants and residencies. Her artwork is part of the collection at notable institutions such as Denver Botanic Gardens, Microsoft, and Capital One.
Kiki Gaffney’s pieces are a testament to her fascination with the natural world, intertwining figurative and abstract elements. Her work employs a mix of nature-inspired motifs and diagrammatic tools, creating serene spaces for reflection. Gaffney’s use of diverse materials and colors echoes the biodiversity of the natural landscape, inviting viewers into a world of contemplation and discovery.
Judy Gelles: Global Narratives through Local Eyes
Judy Gelles is a renowned photographer who has exhibited her work at various international museums and galleries, including the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Gelles won several awards, including the Prix de la Photographie Paris 2013. Her work is part of the collections of several museums and institutions, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and Rio de Janeiro and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
For over a decade, Judy Gelles has embarked on an extraordinary journey with her Fourth Grade Project, interviewing and photographing over 300 fourth-grade students from various corners of the globe. By asking each child the same three questions, Gelles weaves a tapestry of young voices, revealing their hopes, fears, and living conditions. The exhibition highlights her work in South Africa, offering a window into the lives of children worldwide and emphasizing the power of art to connect and empathize across borders.
Lauren Mabry: Transformation in Ceramics
Lauren Mabry received her BFA and MFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, respectively. Her work has been exhibited in museums and institutions worldwide, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Her work is also a part of the permanent collection in several museums, including the Renwick Gallery and the Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts. Additionally, she has received grants from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, The Independence Foundation, and the NCECA Emerging Artist Award.
Lauren Mabry’s ceramic sculptures study the beauty of transformation and the interplay of control and serendipity. Her works, caught between fluidity and solidity, reflect the artist’s fascination with the unpredictable nature of materials and colors. Mabry’s exploration of glaze and composition opens a dialogue about the forces of nature and the artist’s role in navigating between chance and intention.
“Women in the City of Brotherly Love” – the Conversation
The exhibition kicks off with an Artist Reception & Dialogue at Pentimenti Gallery on Friday, March 8, from 6 pm to 8 pm, featuring a discussion with Diane Burko, Kiki Gaffney, and Lauren Mabry. This engaging conversation promises to delve into the show’s themes and the artists’ personal journeys.
“Women in the City of Brotherly Love” is a reminder of Philadelphia’s enduring creative spirit and the vital role women artists play in enriching the city’s cultural fabric. Through the creative perspectives of Gaffney, Gelles, and Mabry, art lovers are invited to experience the city anew, discovering the layers of stories, beauty, and transformation that lie within.
About Post Author
