A Model Workshop: Margaret Lowengrund and The Contemporaries

A Model Workshop is the first publication to comprehensively map the exciting activity and legacy of Margaret Lowengrund (1902–1957) and her space, The Contemporaries. It reveals her as a visionary leader, organizer, and critic in the mid-twentieth-century printmaking community, highlighting the vital role of her New York print workshop/gallery in the field. By combining original texts with archival documents, the book explores Lowengrund's activities, networks, and legacies, placing them within broader contexts such as organized labor, feminism, entrepreneurship, international exchange, and the making of the modern print.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

A groundbreaking exploration into the captivating life and enduring legacy of Margaret Lowengrund, a visionary leader, organizer, and critic who played a pivotal role in the mid-twentieth-century printmaking community.

"A Model Workshop" delves into the lesser-known impact of Margaret Lowengrund (1902–1957), a remarkable individual who emerged as a pioneering figure in the realm of printmaking during the mid-century era. This captivating book not only amplifies the histories of 1950s printmaking but also establishes Margaret Lowengrund and her eponymous New York print workshop/gallery, The Contemporaries, as a vital hub within the mid-century print field. By seamlessly merging a multitude of original texts with archival materials, the book meticulously charts the activities, networks, and enduring legacies of Lowengrund and The Contemporaries, contextualizing them within a constellation of diverse contexts, including organized labor, feminism, entrepreneurship, international exchange, and the creation of modern prints.

Margaret Lowengrund's remarkable journey began in 1902, marking the beginning of a life dedicated to the arts. Hailing from a family of artists, she was nurtured in an environment that fostered her creative spirit. Her early education took place at the prestigious Pratt Institute, where she honed her skills in drawing and painting. However, it was during her time at Pratt that Margaret's true passion for printmaking emerged. She was captivated by the medium's unique ability to capture the essence of an image and its potential for experimentation and innovation.

Determined to pursue her artistic dreams, Margaret Lowengrund left Pratt Institute and embarked on a journey that would shape her career. She moved to New York City, a vibrant hub of artistic activity, and began to immerse herself in the local printmaking community. It was during this time that she met other like-minded artists and intellectuals who shared her passion for printmaking. Together, they formed The Contemporaries, a print workshop/gallery that would become a landmark institution in the mid-century print field.

At The Contemporaries, Margaret Lowengrund created a space that was not only a haven for artists but also a platform for social and political activism. She believed that art had the power to inspire change and challenge the status quo. Through her workshops, exhibitions, and publications, she promoted the work of emerging artists and provided a space for them to express their ideas and perspectives.

Margaret Lowengrund's impact on the mid-twentieth-century printmaking community was profound. She not only established The Contemporaries as a hub of artistic activity but also played a crucial role in shaping the field's artistic direction. Her innovative techniques, bold compositions, and critical approach to printmaking influenced countless artists and helped to establish printmaking as a respected and influential art form.

In addition to her artistic contributions, Margaret Lowengrund was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. She was a member of various organizations and committees that worked to promote women's rights, labor rights, and cultural exchange. She believed that art had the power to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding between different communities.

Margaret Lowengrund's legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. Her commitment to social and political activism, her innovative approach to printmaking, and her unwavering support for emerging artists have left an indelible mark on the art world. "A Model Workshop" serves as a testament to her remarkable life and enduring legacy, providing a comprehensive exploration into the impact of Margaret Lowengrund and her space, The Contemporaries.

In conclusion, "A Model Workshop" is a groundbreaking exploration into the captivating life and enduring legacy of Margaret Lowengrund, a visionary leader, organizer, and critic who played a pivotal role in the mid-twentieth-century printmaking community. Through a seamless blend of original texts, archival materials, and critical analysis, the book establishes Margaret Lowengrund and The Contemporaries as a vital nexus in the mid-century print field. By contextualizing their activities, networks, and legacies within a constellation of diverse contexts, including organized labor, feminism, entrepreneurship, international exchange, and the creation of modern prints, the book amplifies the histories of 1950s printmaking and sheds light on the lesser-known impact of Margaret Lowengrund and her remarkable contributions to the art world. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of art, the mid-twentieth-century printmaking community, or the enduring legacy of Margaret Lowengrund.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 209 x 262 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777441528