A Studio of Her Own: Women Artists in the Collection - Virtual Galleries

While women have been a significant part of the artworld for centuries, their work hasn’t always received equal attention and critical acclaim. In 2020, the Brigham Young University Museum of Art joins with many institutions commemorating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States. As we pause to consider women’s vital contributions to society, the Museum of Art celebrates their artistic creativity, originality, and impact with this new exhibition.

In a groundbreaking essay from 1971, art historian Linda Nochlin called attention to the great gender inequality that existed in the artworld. Her argument emphasized that women had been excluded from training and study in official art academies for centuries and thus were unable to succeed in the same ways as their male contemporaries. The fifty years following Nochlin’s call for change have included more research in discovering women artists, and heightened efforts to support, exhibit, and collect their work. Much remains to be done, but the recent trend of museums publicly committing to purchase and exhibit more work by women is a positive development.

The BYU Museum of Art wants to be among those that value women and their artistic achievements. This exhibition allows us to learn their stories, honor their achievements, and applaud their work. The 60 artists included in the exhibition come from all walks of life and varying levels of professionalism. Some of the 110 works—which showcase various media, including painting, textiles, prints, photographs, mixed media, and digital work—were purposefully acquired through purchase, while others have been generously gifted to the museum by committed artists, donors, and faculty members.

Explore each piece featured in the exhibition by clicking on an exhibition section below!