Up until the last couple centuries, the art world (and the rest of the world for that matter), has been predominantly run by men. That means men brokered the sales, commissioned which artists were hired and in almost all cases, they just so happened to be men. Women, apart from being the subject, were better seen and not heard or in this case, not working in the art world.
Visibility is tricky thing. When you have no role models, it is hard to imagine where one should set one’s sights.
But a lot have changed for women artists over time, and the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is on a bit of a roll this year with their second show of the year, Beverly Pepper: Palingenesis, 1962-2012, a retrospective of her metal works arriving immediately after Deborah Butterfield’s spring exhibition.
Pepper, born in 1922, studied painting at the Pratt Institute and the Arts Student League in New York from 1949-1960 until she turned her artistic gaze to metal, a field rich in opportunities for an artist interested in sculpture.
The Gardens are delighted not only to host this collection of metal works, but the artist will be in Grand Rapids on Thursday night in a members' only reception on the occasion of this historic opening.
If you are not a member, have no worries. You have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 to sign up and still be able to attend (and meet) the artist in this most intimate of galleries in our region.
“Although Pepper has been innovative and proficient in a variety of media, her endeavors in metal have been a constant source of inspiration and art historical merit,” says Joseph Becherer, VP and chief curator of Horticulture and Sculpture. Becherer also lovingly authored the 48-page catalog of this retrospective that Pepper will be signing for guests on Thursday night.
The metal works exhibition, Beverly Pepper: Palingenesis 1962-2012, opens to the public May 25-Aug. 26, 2012.
Admission: Thursday Night Opening Reception is Free to members. Regular Admission: from $4-12. See site for pricing breaks.
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