Emily O'Brien

Statement

My SI research project is titled: Lost Art of the Female: Overlooked Women Artists of Twentieth Century Abstract Expressionism. My project will be centered around the lack of inclusion of female artists in the study of twentieth century Abstract Expressionism. I will be taking an intersectional feminist approach to my research. This lively artistic movement, which arose in the United States during the 1940’s and 1950’s, is often associated with innovativeness and progressiveness. However, it exemplifies the sexism and misogyny that was present in American culture during this time. Through this research project, I aim to acknowledge, exemplify, and take steps toward correcting the systematic bias against women within this artistic era and in the greater field of Art History. With my SI grant, I was able to purchase several books relating to my topic, including scholarly sources and museum catalogues which will benefit my research as a whole.