MADRID.- Fundación Mapfre is presenting “31 Women,” an exhibition that honors Peggy Guggenheim’s groundbreaking 1943 showcase at her New York gallery, Art of This Century. This historic exhibition, one of the first in the United States to feature exclusively female artists, marked a significant step in recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in the art world—a field often dominated by patriarchal views that relegated women to roles as muses or assistants to their male counterparts.
Dive into the captivating story of one of modern art’s most influential patrons.
Peggy Guggenheim, a visionary collector, curated “Exhibition by 31 Women” with the intention of elevating female artists who were frequently overlooked. The selected artists, hailing from Europe and the United States, included both established names and emerging talents, primarily associated with surrealism and abstract art. These women defied the artistic norms of their time, reinterpreting surrealism and abstract expressionism to challenge the patriarchal foundations of these movements.
The exhibition not only showcased a diverse range of artworks but also highlighted the resilience and creativity of women artists who navigated the societal constraints of the early 20th century. Through self-representation and inventive personas, artists like Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven and Leonor Fini broke free from rigid gender roles, while others such as Hedda Sterne, Dorothea Tanning, and Meret Oppenheim explored the fluidity of identity and reality in their work. Gypsy Rose Lee, for instance, transformed the strip-tease into a form of artistic expression, challenging contemporary notions of femininity and performance.
Art of This Century, under Guggenheim’s direction from 1942 to 1947, became a pivotal hub for avant-garde art, fostering connections between European and North American artists. The gallery’s innovative design, crafted by Austrian architect Frederick Kiesler, featured movable walls and interactive exhibition spaces that encouraged viewers to engage directly with the artworks. This dynamic environment played a crucial role in elevating the profiles of many artists who would later become celebrated figures in modern art.
The “31 Women” exhibition received extensive press coverage, eliciting a range of reactions from admiration to condescension, reflecting the gender biases of the era. Despite mixed reviews, the exhibition undeniably set a precedent for future recognition of women artists, paving the way for greater inclusivity in the art world.
Today, Fundación Mapfre’s “31 Women” not only revisits this pivotal moment in art history but also reinterprets the legacy of Guggenheim’s original collection. By showcasing works from The 31 Women Collection, the exhibition underscores the enduring impact of these pioneering women and celebrates their contributions to contemporary art. As Fundación Mapfre brings this important story to a modern audience, it reaffirms the vital role that women have played—and continue to play—in shaping the artistic landscape.
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