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Nancy Spero Biography
Nancy Spero was an American visual artist whose career spanned over five decades, marked by her unwavering commitment to political, social, and feminist issues. Born on August 24, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, Spero's family moved to Chicago when she was a toddler, where she later attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1949. Her education continued in Paris at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts and under the tutelage of André Lhote, an early Cubist painter and critic.
Spero's early work in the 1950s, known as the "Black Paintings," was characterized by dark, brooding images that focused on the human figure, often depicting couples in embraces or standing figures. These works were emblematic of her exploration of the human condition and relationships. Her time in Paris with her husband, fellow artist Leon Golub, and their children, was a period of artistic growth, despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated art world.
The political climate of the 1960s, particularly the Vietnam War, catalyzed a significant shift in Spero's work. Her response to the atrocities of the war materialized in "The War Series" (1966–1970), a collection of anti-war paintings made with gouache on paper. These works were a stark departure from her earlier figurative paintings, employing a feminized formal language to depict the weaponry of war and its gendered repercussions. "The War Series" included pieces like "Female Bomb" (1966), which portrayed women as both victims and initiators of violence, a theme that would permeate her later work.
Spero's engagement with the feminist movement in the 1970s further shaped her artistic direction. She became involved with artist-activist groups such as Women Art Revolution (WAR) and was a founding member of the A.I.R. (Artists in Residence) Gallery, the first women's cooperative gallery in New York. Her work during this period was heavily influenced by the writings of Antonin Artaud, whose words she used to express her frustration with the marginalization of female artists. The "Codex Artaud" series, consisting of 34 horizontal scrolls, collaged together fragments of Artaud's writing with female figurative imagery, was a testament to her innovative approach to combining text and image.
Throughout her career, Spero's work continued to evolve, drawing from a rich tapestry of historical and cultural references. She incorporated imagery from ancient cultures such as Egypt and medieval Europe, as well as goddesses and myths, to create a visual lexicon that celebrated and critiqued the representation of women across time. Her pieces often featured a nonhierarchical arrangement of figures on monumental scrolls, challenging traditional compositional structures and advocating for principles of equality and tolerance.
Spero's art was not only a form of protest but also a means of reimagining history from a female perspective. She sought to reframe the narrative, making "woman as protagonist" central to her art. Her work was both a reflection of her times and a timeless commentary on the universal experiences of women, from suffering and suppression to liberation and triumph.
Nancy Spero's contributions to the art world were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the College Art Association and election to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Her work has been exhibited in major institutions worldwide, such as the Tate in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Spero's legacy continues to influence contemporary art and feminist discourse, with her work held in prestigious public collections and the subject of retrospective exhibitions.
Nancy Spero passed away on October 18, 2009, in New York City, leaving behind a powerful body of work that continues to inspire and provoke. Her art remains a testament to her vision of a world where the female experience is central, and the voices of women are heard and celebrated.
Nancy Spero Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
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receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
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