‘Abstract Expressionists: The Women’ Rewrites a Male-Dominated Canon

Artnet News

by Sarah Cascone

February 21, 2026

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The exhibition "Abstract Expressionists: The Women" highlights the often-overlooked role of female artists in the influential 20th-century Abstract Expressionist movement. Curated by Christian Levett, a collector and founder of Europe’s first museum dedicated to women artists, this touring show brings together nearly 50 works by 32 artists, spanning from the late 1930s to 1977. The exhibition challenges the male-dominated narrative of Abstract Expressionism, showcasing how women like Elaine de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, and Lee Krasner were integral to the movement, working alongside celebrated male peers. It also features lesser-known artists such as Miriam Schapiro and Emiko Nakano, whose contributions have been historically underappreciated. The show emerged after Levett’s transformative experience viewing the 2016 "Women of Abstract Expressionism" exhibition at the Denver Art Museum, which inspired him to shift his focus from male superstars like Jackson Pollock to their female counterparts. He discovered works by artists such as Yvonne Thomas and Deborah Remington, many of whom were previously overlooked or undervalued. Levett found these pieces priced significantly lower than those by male artists, allowing him to build a world-class collection of women’s art. This exhibition not only sheds light on the contributions of female abstract expressionists but also underscores why their recognition matters. It challenges historical biases that have excluded women from dominant narratives of 20th-century art and highlights the importance of reevaluating art history through an inclusive lens. By presenting both well-known and underappreciated artists, "Abstract Expressionists: The Women" offers a more comprehensive understanding of the movement’s diversity and creativity, ensuring these female pioneers receive the attention they deserve.

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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/21/2026