Action, Gesture, Paint: Women Artists and Global Abstraction 1940 -1970 was an art exhibition held at the Whitechapel Gallery from 9 February 2023 through 7 May 2023.[1] The exhibit presented 150 mid-century abstract paintings by 81 women artists. The show included artists from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. [2][3]
The Guardian review discussed the breadth and depth of the show, stating that "not everything is equally distinguished, powerful, or even individual. With its clamour of voices, approaches, touches, tempos, styles, its wild differences in scale, surface treatment, materiality and intention, there are surprises and discoveries here, great things and dismal things, anxious things and angry things."[4] Time Out recommended the show but found it too large and the techniques too similar among the artists.[5] Artforum rated the show as a "must see",[6] The Art Newspaper subtitled their review "An ambitious exhibition at London's Whitechapel Gallery will celebrate the female artists from around the world who, against the odds, helped redefine art in the post-war period."[7] The New York Times review discusses how Abstract expressionism was occurring around the world, when it is often associated just with New York City and men.[1]
The following artists were included in the show:[8]
