Joan Semmel: Skin in the Game

A comprehensive catalog of Joan Semmel's painting career, from early abstract works to feminist art and activism, featuring rare drawings and collages. Semmel's paintings reflect the struggle for women's equal representation, power, and empowerment, celebrating her pivotal role in these movements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: Marquand Books Inc

This comprehensive catalog, the first of its kind on the painting of New York-based artist Joan Semmel (born 1932), traces the artist's career from her early abstract works to her movement-defining feminist art and activism, and finally to the vital and monumental images that she is creating today of her own mature body. The book offers readers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in nearly 55 years of Semmel's extraordinary work, featuring a selection of her rarely seen drawings and collages.

In the face of persistent censorship and in defiance of deep-rooted sexism and ageism, Semmel has relentlessly created paintings that reflect the ongoing struggle for women's equal representation, power over their own bodies and sexuality, and empowerment through self-expression. At a time when sex and body positivity have become international movements, this volume celebrates Semmel's pivotal and under-recognized role in bringing these ideas forward.

Early Abstract Paintings:

Semmel's early abstract paintings showcased her bold experimentation with form and color. These works, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, were characterized by their use of bold lines, geometric shapes, and vibrant hues. They reflected the artist's fascination with the abstract expressionist movement and her desire to break free from traditional artistic conventions.

Feminist Art and Activism:

As Semmel's career progressed, she became increasingly committed to addressing feminist issues through her art. Her works began to reflect the struggles and experiences of women, particularly those marginalized and oppressed by society. Semmel's feminist art explored themes of gender inequality, body image, and reproductive rights, using her paintings as a platform to raise awareness and advocate for change.

Vital and Monumental Images:

Today, Semmel is renowned for her powerful and evocative images of her own mature body. These works, which often feature close-up shots of her face, hands, and feet, reflect the artist's deep self-reflection and her commitment to celebrating the aging process. Semmel's images challenge societal norms and stereotypes about beauty and aging, promoting a more inclusive and positive view of the human body.

Persistent Censorship and Defiance:

Throughout her career, Semmel has faced censorship and resistance from those who oppose her feminist and political views. Despite these challenges, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to her art and her activism. Semmel's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, and she has received critical acclaim for her contributions to the feminist art movement.

Conclusion:

Joan Semmel's painting career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her art and her commitment to social justice. Through her abstract works, feminist art, and images of her own mature body, Semmel has challenged societal norms, advocated for women's rights, and promoted a more inclusive and positive view of the human body. This comprehensive catalog celebrates Semmel's extraordinary work and her under-recognized role in shaping the feminist art movement.

Weight: 1002g
Dimension: 299 x 293 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646570164