Fierce Chick Friday: Louise Nevelson
Jack Mitchell (American, 1925-2013). Louise Nevelson, New York, 1974. Gelatin silver print, sheet: 9 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches (24.8 x 16.6 cm). Collection Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York; Gift of Seymour H. Knox, Jr., 1976 (K1976:4.37). © Estate of Jack Mitchell
Louise Nevelson
Louise Nevelson’s talent and creative distinction is undeniable. She is considered one of the most important American sculptors of the twentieth century.
Louise Nevelson, Dawn’s Host, 1959 Private collection, Courtesy Fondazione Marconi. Photo: A. Zambianchi-Simply.it, Milano© Louise Nevelson / Bildupphovsrätt 2017
Though she exhibited work for decades, she didn’t achieve her signature style (and financial stability) until her late 40s, and her reputation didn’t really take off until her 60s. She was also a mother, and struggled with the opposing forces of cultural expectations of motherhood and fully pursuing her creative ambitions and personal potential.
“When you are centered, people can’t control you because they are your reflection. By the same token, you are their reflection.”
— Louise Nevelson
Louise Nevelson, Facade, 1966
“The greatest thing we have is the awareness of the mind. There we can build mansions. There we have all the things that are not given to us on earth.”
- Louise Nevelson
Louise Nevelson, Mrs. N's Palace, The Metropolitan Museum of Art © 2019 Estate of Louise Nevelson / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
“...in life you cannot dig for the truth in every area. Must there be an answer? You take a flower, and you take every petal, and you won’t have a flower. Keep the flower.”
- Louise Nevelson
Photo: Louise Nevelson, Jack Mitchell 1980
Her resilience, commitment to her personal and creative visions, belief in herself, and dogged persistence (never give up!) are why she’s our Fierce Chick Friday this week. We hope you find her story and words inspiring as well.