The lineage of feminist art and art made by underrepresented artists must be highlighted in order for the work to be documented and respected historically and into the future. This is foundational to both of Sally Jane Brown and Amy Chaiklin’s work.
With their duo show, Sisterhood, the artists directly show feminist lineage of the work to feminist and women artists around and/or before them through their depictions of artists/curators (Chaiklin) and mini-depictions of feminist art work in self portraiture (Brown).
The exhibition “Sisterhood: Portraiture by Sally Jane Brown and Amy Chaiklin” will be on display in the Benedum Gallery of the Monongalia Arts Center for the month of September with an opening reception on September 8, during the Mainstreet Morgantown Arts Walk from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The exhibition presents sixty works; thirty mini-depictions of feminist artworks in self portraiture composed by Brown and thirty ink and graphite portraits selected from Chaiklin’s Cultured Pearls Portraits Project.
The introduction of the catalog, written by art historian Bernadine Franco, mentions :
Sisterhood: Portraiture: Sally Brown and Amy Chaiklin is “a reminder,” asserts Brown, that “contemporary female artists are not alone amongst the revered, patriarchal traditions of the ‘solo genius artist’ in the canon of art.” Feminism in art by the hand of a woman artist combats inequality, explores feminine experiences and seeks to make female artists more prominent and visible in the male-dominated art world. As feminism and feminist art evolves, ‘sisterhood’ recognizes that women, not just men, can be sexist when they are competitive. “Sisterhood is the active support of women artists for each other,” proclaims Chaiklin. “Attending studio visits, exhibition openings, introducing each other to gallerists, curators, collectors, art historians and other women artists expand our artistic reach.”
I love the fact that this exhibition is a perfect example of sisterhood, which started thanks to our common connection with art historian Bernadine Franco (follow this link to the podcast Beyond the Paint with Bernadine). Sally Brown curated the group exhibition Feminist Connect at the Charles Adams Studio Project in Lubbock, Texas in 2022, where she invited Amy Chaiklin and myself among other artists. I am thrilled to have been a link between these two talented artists and was very touched to be included in the exhibition as artworks. Amy Chaiklin presents a portrait she did of me (left below) , and Sally Brown appropriated the appropriation I did about appropriation artist Barbara Kruger (right below). 🙂
Sally Brown is a multi-talented artist, curator, and writer with a strong presence in the art community, particularly in Morgantown. Her diverse artistic practice includes drawing, painting, and performance art, all of which are dedicated to exploring themes of womanhood, motherhood, and the human body. Her creative endeavors have garnered attention both nationally and internationally, with exhibitions held in various locations across the United States and the UK.
In addition to her visual art, Sally Brown is an accomplished writer whose contributions have been featured in prominent publications, in line with her engagement with critical discourse and her dedication to contributing to conversations within the art world. As a curator, Sally Brown has taken on the responsibility of organizing group exhibitions in multiple cities, including Omaha, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and her local community of Morgantown. She is committed to promoting the work of fellow artists, in particular women artists and providing opportunities for creative voices to be heard.
Beyond her creative and academic achievements, Sally Brown is actively involved in fostering dialogue and advocacy within the art community. She is a member of the College Art Association National Committee on Women in the Arts, an affiliation that showcases her commitment to gender equality and representation in the arts. Brown’s role as the Exhibits Coordinator for West Virginia University Libraries further highlights her dedication to bringing art and culture to broader audiences.
Amy Chaiklin is a prominent figurative painter with a global presence in the art world. Her work has been displayed in exhibitions around the world, showcasing her talent and unique artistic vision. While Amy Chaiklin is originally from New Jersey, her artistic career has taken her to various parts of the world. She has lived in Berlin, Germany, and currently resides and works in New York, NY. An important aspect of her artistic journey was her participation in the New York Studio School Paris Program in France. This experience exposed her to new perspectives, artistic influences, and techniques, enriching her artistic style and approach.
Chaiklin is a dedicated and accomplished artist in the contemporary art scene. Her work is included in numerous USA art institutions and museum collections: Birmingham Museum of Art, The Bronx Museum of Arts, The Museum of Modern Art Library Archives, Lower East Side Artist’s Print Archives and Women’s Studio Workshop Artists Print Archives. It offers a unique perspective on figurative art, and her contributions resonate with audiences both locally and globally.
To know more and follow the artists
All work by Sally Jane Brown: pencil and watercolor pen on paper
sallyjanebrown.com I IG: @sallery_art
All work by Amy Chaiklin: ink and graphite on paper; all photos by Adam Reich
amychaiklin.com I IG: @Amychaiklin
listen to the podcast about the exhibition on Beyond the paint with Bernadine
thecuriousfrenchy.wordpress.com 