One Another: Spiderlike, I Spin Mirrors

This exhibition of works in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s Collection explores a succession of creative impulses put forth by some of the most influential female artists of our time. Taking its title from a photograph by Janine Antoni and a poem, “Childless Woman,” by Sylvia Plath (American, 1932–1963), it focuses on the reciprocal nature of relationships, both real and imagined, and the symbolism used to convey the complexity of their cultivation, sustainability, and impact when severed or destroyed. An unspoken and extremely personal discourse plays out in the work of these artists, whether it is between lovers, siblings, a mother and her child, or even an individual and the natural environment. In these works, the figure—animal, flora, or human—often becomes a vehicle to explore themes of empowerment, memory, self-preservation, sexuality, and transformation.
The sculptures, drawings, photographs, and videos featured in One Another are primarily drawn from the museum’s significant holding of works by Antoni (American, born Bahamas, 1964), Louise Bourgeois (French, 1911–2010), and Kiki Smith (American, born 1954). The exhibition will also include a selection of works by Jeanne Dunning (American, born 1960), Eva Hesse (American, born Germany, 1936–1970), Laurie Simmons (American, born 1949), and Hannah Wilke (American, 1940–1993), among others. From Bourgeois’s deeply autobiographical and symbolic approach to artmaking to Smith’s recurrent evocation of the natural world as an impetus for storytelling and Antoni’s performance-based interpretations of her own strength and vulnerabilities, the creative impulses of these artists serve as a strong visual meditation on women and the restorative and nurturing qualities of art. This exhibition is organized by Curator for the Collection Holly E. Hughes.