WILLIAMSBURG, VA.- Trace the creative evolution of one of Abstract Expressionism’s most underrecognized artists with “Judith Godwin: Bold Strokes,” on view Feb. 12-May 30, 2027 at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary. The retrospective spans nearly 50 years and features approximately 30 works that capture the dynamic interplay of gesture, form and motion central to Godwin’s work.

“Judith Godwin was one of the most compelling voices in the Abstract Expressionist movement, but she painted during a time when women artists were often overlooked. ‘Bold Strokes’ examines the arc of her amazing and productive career, and celebrates her unbounded energy that resulted in a long sequence of powerful works,” said David Brashear, exhibition curator and director of the Muscarelle Museum of Art.

Organized chronologically across three galleries, “Bold Strokes” highlights shifts in mood, period and process throughout Godwin’s artistic practice. It also demonstrates her ability to communicate the physical intensity, spatial awareness and emotional rigor of modern dance on canvas. Godwin gleaned inspiration from her friendship with choreographer Martha Graham and used bold brushwork and intense colors to create swirls and circles that imply motion. She called painting “an act of freedom and a realization that images generated by the female experience can be a powerful and creative expression for all humanity.”

One of Godwin’s earliest works on view at the Muscarelle is “Nucleus III” (1950), produced years before she relocated from her home in Virginia to expand her practice. She painted “Echoes 1” (1954) shortly after relocating to New York in 1953, where she studied with Hans Hofmann and explored the possibilities of abstract art alongside her peers.


Judith Godwin, American (1930-2021). “Memories,” 1990. Oil on canvas. Judith Whitney Godwin Foundation for the Arts.

While many of her early contemporaries borrowed vibrant color inspiration from green landscapes and blue skies and incorporated softer translucent hues in their paintings, Godwin was not afraid to use deep, bold tones often associated with masculinity. She deployed black as a central force in her works produced between the mid-1950s and mid-1960s. “Big Show” (c. 1958) is anchored by exaggerated swaths of black paint that convey strength and dynamic movement against contrasting white strokes and rich blue accents.

Black became less dominant in Godwin’s later works as she broadened her palette and her color schemes became more euphoric. “Memories” (1990), a 138-inch motion-filled triptych, elevates varying hues of blue against stark white brushstrokes while black and brown serve as accent colors alongside gleaming gold strokes. Even as her artistic practice evolved, circles and swirls remained a central presence in her works, visualizing the rhythm and energy of life.

“The longer an artist works, the more likely there is a style evolution. In Godwin’s work, there is both a continuing thread and a demonstrated ability and commitment to innovation,” said Brashear.

Godwin grew up in Suffolk, Virginia, just 50 miles from the Muscarelle Museum of Art, and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art at Richmond Professional Institute, which was a division of William & Mary at the time.

“The Muscarelle Museum of Art is committed to scholarship, regional legacy and elevating women artists, so it is the ideal place to celebrate Judith Godwin’s extensive career. Her contributions to American Abstract Expressionism are both profound and deeply rooted in the artistic legacy of Virginia,” said Brashear.

“Bold Strokes” draws works from various museums as well as private collections that rarely release the works for public viewing.


Judith Godwin, American (1930-2021). “Big Show,” c. 1958. Oil on canvas. Judith Whitney Godwin Foundation for the Arts.

“Partnering with the Muscarelle Museum of Art allows the Judith Whitney Godwin Foundation for the Arts to present these monumental paintings in an environment that honors both the artist’s Virginia roots and her enduring contribution to American Abstract painting. This exhibition brings her powerful artistic legacy to new audiences,” said Anthony Korner, president of the Judith Whitney Godwin Foundation for the Arts.

A catalog accompanying the exhibition will be released on Feb. 1, 2027.

“Judith Godwin: Bold Strokes” is curated by David Brashear, director of the Muscarelle Museum of Art, and features works on loan from the Judith Whitney Godwin Foundation for the Arts.

The Muscarelle Museum of Art is located on the historic campus of William & Mary. Its permanent collection of nearly 8,000 objects is one of the oldest campus-based collections of art in the U.S. The Museum serves as a working laboratory for the university, collaborating with faculty and staff in interdisciplinary ways and engaging students through internships, research and study, as well as a dynamic resource for the wider community. Through exhibitions, educational programming and community engagement, the Museum aims to serve as a catalyst for art exploration on campus and beyond.

For more information, visit muscarelle.wm.edu.