Mary Ann Unger: To Shape a Moon from Bone

Mary Ann Unger (1945–98) was a feminist pioneer of neo-expressionist sculptural form, known for her graphic composition, watercolor, large-scale conceptual sculpture, and environmentally responsive, site-specific interventions. This monograph features 50 images of her work, an interview with her daughter, and essays that trace her life, studies, and network of artists and mentors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2022
Publisher: Marquand Books Inc

Mary Ann Unger, a prominent figure in the downtown New York art scene of the 1980s and 1990s, was a versatile artist known for her expertise in graphic composition, watercolor, large-scale conceptual sculpture, and environmentally responsive, site-specific interventions. She was a member of the Guerrilla Girls, a group recognized as a pioneer in feminist neo-expressionist sculptural form. This monograph showcases a collection of 50 images of Unger's work, often monumental sculptures that take on organic shapes. The book's essays, inspired by Roberta Smith's 1999 obituary for Unger, provide a comprehensive exploration of her life, studies, and the network of artists and mentors that influenced her. Additionally, the catalog includes an interview with Unger's daughter, the artist Eve Biddle, adding further insight into her artistic legacy.

Mary Ann Unger, a renowned artist who emerged in the vibrant downtown New York art scene during the 1980s and 1990s, possessed a diverse range of artistic skills. Her expertise extended to graphic composition, watercolor, large-scale conceptual sculpture, and environmentally responsive, site-specific interventions. Unger's contributions to the art world were significant, and she is widely acknowledged as a feminist pioneer in the realm of neo-expressionist sculptural form.

This monograph presents a comprehensive collection of 50 images that capture the essence of Unger's artistic journey. These images, often monumental sculptures that take on organic shapes, showcase her exceptional talent and creativity. The book's essays, inspired by Roberta Smith's 1999 obituary for Unger, provide a deep and insightful exploration of her life, studies, and the profound impact she had on the art community.

In addition to the visual representation of Unger's work, the catalog also includes an interview with her daughter, the artist Eve Biddle. Through this interview, readers gain a unique perspective into Unger's artistic legacy and the influence she had on her daughter's artistic development. Eve Biddle shares personal anecdotes and insights, shedding light on the artistic influences that shaped her mother's career and the profound impact she had on her family.

Mary Ann Unger's artistic journey was marked by her commitment to social justice and her use of art as a means of activism. She was a member of the Guerrilla Girls, a group of feminist artists who used humor and satire to address gender inequality and political issues. Through their interventions, the Guerrilla Girls challenged the dominant art world narrative and brought attention to the underrepresentation of women and minorities in the arts.

Unger's work often addressed themes of gender, power, and identity. She explored the complexities of female representation and the challenges women faced in a male-dominated society. Her sculptures, which often took the form of abstract figures and installations, were characterized by their boldness and their ability to provoke thought and conversation.

Unger's influence extended beyond her own artistic practice. She was a mentor to many emerging artists and a supporter of the arts community. She served on the board.

Weight: 862g
Dimension: 272 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646570263