Recognition of Art by Women: In Retrospect

Recognition of Art by Women: In Retrospect commemorates a decade of the Norton Museum of Art’s Recognition of Art by Women (RAW) series, an initiative launched in 2011 to address the underrepresentation of women artists in museum exhibitions and collections. Designed as a platform for solo presentations by emerging and mid-career artists, the series has played a pivotal role in shaping the museum’s contemporary programming and commitment to equity. This anniversary exhibition honors the nine artists who preceded the tenth RAW artist, Danielle McKinney, bringing their works into dialogue within a single exhibition. Featured artists include Jenny Saville, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, Phyllida Barlow, Klara Kristalova, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Svenja Deininger, Nina Chanel Abney, María Berrío, and Rose B. Simpson. Bringing together artists with diverse practices and perspectives, the exhibition highlights a wide range of approaches to mark-making, materiality, and subject matter. From painting and sculpture to mixed media and installation, the works on view demonstrate how contemporary women artists engage deeply personal, emotional, and conceptual concerns while contributing to broader artistic discourse. Presented at the Norton Museum of Art, In Retrospect not only reflects on the achievements of the RAW series but also underscores its ongoing mission to foster a more inclusive and representative art world. The exhibition runs through September 27, 2026.