Abstract Expressionists: The Women at Wichita Art Museum – Celebrating Pioneering Female Artists in Abstract Expressionism (August 23 – November 16, 2025)

The Wichita Art Museum proudly presents Abstract Expressionists: The Women, a landmark exhibition running from August 23 to November 16, 2025, spotlighting the profound contributions of women artists to the Abstract Expressionist movement. This exhibition features over 40 canvases by 30 women artists, including celebrated figures such as Grace Hartigan and Helen Frankenthaler, highlighting the significant yet historically under-recognized role women played in one of America’s most influential postwar art movements.

 

Overview of the Exhibition

Abstract Expressionism, originating in the 1940s and 1950s, was the first globally recognized American art style, known for its vibrant, large-scale, gestural paintings that redefined modern art. Traditionally, the narrative of Abstract Expressionism has centered around male artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. However, Abstract Expressionists: The Women challenges this limited view by showcasing women as formidable innovators, who not only participated but drove the movement with originality and daring.

The exhibition is organized by the American Federation of Arts in partnership with the Christian Levett Collection and the Female Artists of the Mougins Museum (FAMM) in France, with curated expertise by Dr. Ellen G. Landau, a leading historian in the field. It is generously supported by prominent art foundations and galleries, reflecting the growing recognition of these artists' impact.

Featured Artists and Works

Among the 30 women featured, standout artists include:

  • Grace Hartigan, known for her bold brushwork and dynamic compositions that seamlessly blend figuration and abstraction.

  • Helen Frankenthaler, whose pioneering soak-stain technique expanded the language of color field painting and abstract imagery.

Other notable artists include Elaine de Kooning, Pat Passlof, Audrey Flack, and Michael (Corinne) West, whose diverse works display a broad spectrum of abstract expressionist styles—ranging from vigorous action painting to lyrical color fields.

Exhibition Highlights

  • Exhibition dates: August 23 (members exclusive early access) / August 24 (public opening) – November 16, 2025

  • Location: Wichita Art Museum, Wichita, Kansas

  • Over 40 paintings demonstrating innovation in scale, spontaneous brushwork, and color experimentation

  • Rich archival materials, including photographs and documentation, contextualizing the women’s artistic journeys

  • A comprehensive, richly illustrated catalogue accompanying the show

Images and Visual Resources

Images of the exhibition and select artworks can be found on the Wichita Art Museum's official exhibition page and the American Federation of Arts’ website. These include stunning visual examples of Hartigan’s expressive brushwork and Frankenthaler’s color field techniques, offering a glimpse into the vibrancy and diversity of women’s contributions to Abstract Expressionism.

Grace Hartigan’s expressive canvas, featured in the exhibition.

Helen Frankenthaler’s iconic color field style on display.

Importance and Impact

The exhibition addresses the historical marginalization of women in Abstract Expressionism, spotlighting their groundbreaking approaches in redefining scale, surface, and paint application. It articulates how these women were not passive followers but ambitious originators of key techniques and perspectives fundamental to modern art’s evolution.

Through this exhibition, viewers gain a richer, fuller understanding of the movement’s depth and complexity—one that honors the resilience and creativity of female artists who helped forge the American avant-garde.

Additional Exhibition Information

  • Free admission for Wichita Art Museum members

  • Early access benefit for members on August 23, 2025

  • Educational brochures and public programs available throughout the exhibition period

  • Supported by the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, Every Page Foundation, and other major sponsors

FAQ

Q1: Who are some of the key women artists featured in Abstract Expressionists: The Women?
A1: Artists include Grace Hartigan, Helen Frankenthaler, Elaine de Kooning, Pat Passlof, Audrey Flack, and Michael (Corinne) West among others.

Q2: What is the significance of this exhibition?
A2: It repositions women as central innovators in Abstract Expressionism, expanding the narrative beyond male-dominated histories to celebrate gender diversity and artistic breakthroughs.

Q3: Where and when is the exhibition?
A3: At the Wichita Art Museum, Kansas, from August 23 (members early access) / August 24 (public opening) to November 16, 2025.

Q4: Is there an admission fee?
A4: The exhibition is free for museum members; membership can be purchased at the door. Non-member admission rates apply otherwise.

Q5: Will there be educational or public programs related to the exhibition?
A5: Yes, the museum offers educational brochures and hosts programs to deepen visitor engagement throughout the exhibition.

This exhibition is a must-see for enthusiasts of modern art, feminist art history, and anyone interested in the transformation of American art in the 20th century. It underscores the vital, dynamic role women played in shaping Abstract Expressionism, honoring their legacy and inspiring new dialogues on art and gender.

For more details, visit the Wichita Art Museum’s Abstract Expressionists: The Women exhibition page and the American Federation of Arts’ official site.

[image: Abstract Expressionists: The Women at Wichita Art Museum promotional banner]

If you would like, I can also assist you with a focused article on specific artists or themes within the exhibition or provide guides to visit.

Back to blog