#5WomenArtists on View Now March 30, 2017
Rain: Magdalena Fernández at the Houston Cistern
Photo by Peter Molick; courtesy of the artist and Sicardi Gallery
Koike Shoko, Shell Vessel with Lid, c. 1992, ceramic, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by the Japan Business Association of Houston.
Linda Ridgway, The Dance, 2000, bronze, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in celebration of the life of Karen H. Susman from the partners and spouses at Susman Godfrey L.L.P. Nancy and Barry Barnett, Laura and Vineet Bhatia, Ophelia F. Camina and Jim Flegle, Franci and Jim Crane, Bayle and Richard B. Drubel, Charles R. Eskridge III, Mary Ann and Mark A. Evetts, Carol and Parker C. Folse III, Sandy and Lee Godfrey, Lauren and Geoffrey Harrison, Michael A. Lee, Nancy McGregor and Neal Manne, Elena and Kenneth S. Marks, Kirsten Murphy and Skip Marter, Isabelle and Eric J. Mayer, James T. McCartt, Linda and Kenneth McNeil, Joan and Terry Oxford, Callie and Tom Paterson, Chris Bryan and Trey Peacock, Robert Rivera, Jr., Jeanie and Jonathan Ross, Katie Sammons and Terry Lohrenz, Christina Snyder and Marc Seltzer, Brittney and Max L. Tribble, Jr., Jane and Larry Vincent, Melanie Gray and Mark L. D. Wawro, Mary and Randall W. Wilson. © Courtesy Talley Dunn Gallery and the artist
Maria Martinez and Julian Martinez, Jar (Olla) with Traditional Abstract Plant and Geometric Designs, 1910–20, earthenware with slip, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Miss Ima Hogg.
Ilse Bing, Cancan Dancer, Moulin-Rouge, Paris, 1931, printed 1984, gelatin silver print, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Gift of Joan Morgenstern in memory of Elizabeth Daily Cohen.
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we remind you to get out and enjoy works of art created by women!
This list highlights just five women represented in the MFAH collections, but you’ll find many more as you stroll through the Museum, Bayou Bend, and Rienzi, or browse our online collection.
We hope this spotlight helps you answer the question, “Can you name #5WomenArtists?”
ILSE BING
Ilse Bing, Cancan Dancer, Moulin-Rouge, Paris, 1931
Location: Beck Building, lower level
German-born Ilse Bing was one of the earliest photographers to see the creative promise of the Leica, a small point-and-shoot camera that allowed her to respond spontaneously to the strange poetry of city life. Bing’s work is a focus in the spring installation of A History of Photography, on view through May 14.
MAGDALENA FERNÁNDEZ (at the Houston Cistern)
Rain: Magdalena Fernández at the Houston Cistern Photo by Peter Molick; courtesy of the artist and Sicardi Gallery
Location: Houston Cistern, Buffalo Bayou Park, 105 Sabine Street
Magdalena Fernández’s 2iPM009, which you may remember from our 2015–16 exhibition Contingent Beauty: Contemporary Art from Latin America), has traveled from the Museum to the massive Houston Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park, where it is on view through June 25. The immersive installation evokes a rainstorm through animated lines and the sounds of thunder and rain. The noises seem natural, but they were actually created by a choir’s snapping, slapping, and stomping! Visit buffalobayou.org to book tours.
MARIA MARTINEZ
Maria Martinez and Julian Martinez, Jar (Olla) with Traditional Abstract Plant and Geometric Designs, 1910–20
Location: Law Building, lower level
Natives of San Ildefonso in New Mexico, Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian, worked together to revive and revitalize the traditional motifs and techniques of ancient pottery found in their pueblo. Maria sculpted the vessels, and Julian decorated them.
LINDA RIDGWAY
Linda Ridgway, The Dance, 2000
Location: Cullen Sculpture Garden
Dallas artist Linda Ridgway created this work especially for the Cullen Sculpture Garden. The organic forms seem delicate, but the grape vines are cast in bronze, with “fallen” leaves epoxied to the ground below.
KOIKE SHOKO
Koike Shoko, Shell Vessel with Lid, c. 1992
Location: Law Building, first floor
Koike Shoko’s dynamic, seashell-inspired ceramic works articulate her careful observation and deep appreciation of nature. After throwing her forms on the wheel, the Japanese artist shapes them by hand, adding layers of different clays. She then cuts through the layers with a wire, creating exaggerated spines and planes.
In March, the Museum celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the immense contributions women have made to the arts. Learn more about the Museum’s #5WomenArtists campaign.
