January 23 - April 26, 2020
Nancy Spero
Nancy Spero
Solo show, Louisiana. Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen, Denmark
American artist Nancy Spero (1926-2009) was a feminist pioneer. As an activist in the 1960s, she levelled her art against all existing power structures, notably political oppression, racism and male hegemony. The exhibition is the first presentation of the artist’s work in Denmark.
Dealing with the violence in her time – World War II followed by the Vietnam War and Third World oppression – Spero’s work also aspired to define a different material, drawing inspiration from ancient cultures. Long paper friezes are inhabited by supernatural figures, fighters and lovers, often in cyclical processions placing women at the absolute centre of the world.
To express what she considered the basic nature of humanity, Spero in her final years entirely stopped representing men in her work, which makes her expression no less human or powerful.
An exhibition of Museum Folkwang, Essen, in cooperation with Nordiska Akvarellmuseet, Stockholm, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Lillehammer Art Museum. Supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art.