By Holland Cotter
Abstract Expressionism is usually treated as a boys-club affair. But it wasn’t, as an exhibition called “Women of Abstract Expressionism” at the Denver Art Museum proves. Not that entry for women was easy. Of the 12 artists in the show, only a few, like Helen Frankenthaler and, to some degree, Grace Hartigan, got to take an early turn in the mainstream spotlight before being shouldered out by men. Others, like Jay DeFeo and Lee Krasner, had to wait years for attention, which came after they died. Many other artists — Mary Abbott, Sonia Gechtoff and Judith Godwin among them — are waiting still.
Organized by Gwen F. Chanzit, the show brings together some fabulous work. And whether it looks classical or radical, it upends the existing histories of a style. Even more usefully, the occasion has produced a fine catalog that documents the artists exhibited and adds the names and biographies of many others who aren’t, setting the stage for sequels. After closing in Denver on Sept. 25 (denverartmuseum.org), the show goes to the Mint Museum in Charlotte, N.C., and the Palm Springs Art Museum in California.
