With our reviews, we lead the discussion about what is valuable and why.
Our writing team covers exhibitions and performances in Philadelphia and elsewhere. We also cover books and movies. We look, take notes, ask questions and listen. We take pictures, make video and audio recordings. We think about what we see and have opinions. And we write our hearts out, every day.
Feminist artist Joan Semmel’s first solo museum exhibit is long overdue. Our contributor Andrea Kirsh says that Semmel “…breaks taboos about the depiction of women, their bodies and their thoughts.” The show is at PAFA through April 3, 2022. Be sure to catch it.
Read MoreNew Artblog Contributor Kate Brock reviews ‘Jennifer Packer: The Eye is Not Satisfied With Seeing,’ a retrospective of the painter’s radiant portraits, interiors, and funerary bouquets. “The lack of dimensional representation of Black people, especially Black women, in the history of painting… leaves the eye unsatisfied… Packer’s vision reveals the historic absences,” Kate says. Catch the show at the Whitney before it closes April 17, 2022.
Read MoreAlex Smith reviews Logan Cryer’s latest curation ‘Dark Sousveillance,’ inspired by Simone Browne’s research on Blackness and surveillance. The group show features Black and predominantly queer artists, examining “wanting to be seen by each other, and wanting to hide from the violence of hypervisibility.” The exhibition is on view at Vox Populi, by appointment, thru Jan. 16, 2022.
Read MoreAn artist’s visit to her mother’s birth place in Puerto Rico awakens her to the complexities of immigration and family – and to the dubious socio-political actions and inactions by the U.S. government in its far-flung territories. Our reviewer Andrea Kirsh is moved by the powerful collage works and double-sided quilts of Amber Robles-Gordon. The show closed Dec. 12.
Read MoreRegional women artists of all ages ply various media, from plaster and paint to fibers and installation, in a show that is a demonstration of women and non-binary artists’ power to create. Our reviewer Susan Isaacs says: ‘Given the particularly fraught moment we are facing now regarding… voting rights and control of women’s bodies and those with a uterus, “Fields and Formations” is an especially important statement about the creativity and commitment of women and non-binary artists. “ We encourage you to see this exhibit, up now to January 7, 2022.
Read MoreFilled with saturated color and light emanating from unexplained places, Jennifer Packer’s atmospheric works suggest a “provocative harmony,” says Janyce Denise Glasper, in her review of the artist’s solo show at LA MOCA. The show is up to Feb. 21, 2022. Packer also has a solo show at the Whitney Museum right now, on view til April 17, 2022. Be sure to catch this rising star, whose approach to figuration is truly new.
Read MorePart two of Andrea Kirsh’s annual round up of the best in art books is here, including two intriguing books: one on abstract art; the other on art world forgeries and hoaxes! These are great for those interested in 20th/ 21st century abstraction, or those who enjoy mysteries/ detective stories. Make sure to check out “Books for Holiday Giving, Part 1”!
Read MoreThe Scantland Collection show of contemporary art at the Columbus Museum of Art is inclusive and powerful and invites a more engaged public, says reviewer Janyce Denise Glasper.
Read MoreAn installation that resembles the interior of a house frames the multidimensional art of Scout Cartagena. The Afro-Latinx artist’s subjects are the fragility of the body and the slipperiness of identity and memory. There are prints, furniture and an eye-catching tree stump with red-colored glass flames coming out of the top. Corey appreciates the intimate look into the artist’s identity. Go see the show before it closes Nov. 24.
Read MoreThe holidays are nearly here, and so is Part 1 of Andrea Kirsh’s annual round up of the best in art books, including an art book tour of historical artist homes and studios (including some local ones), a contemporary painting book for art loves of all kinds, and an enlightening look at 20th century art!
Read More“Emma Amos: Color Odyssey” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a revelation for those who want to know the art of Emma Amos, who came up during Abstract Expressionism’s heyday and fought against abstraction in works that are complex, inventive and in several cases, stunning.
Read MoreAfter almost 2 years of sensory deprivation, Deborah ventures out to a museum exhibit about intimacy, especially focused on art by queer artists and artists of color. The sense of touch is heightened in the works and causes a heightened reaction in our reviewer. Enjoy this great and topical read!
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