New Britain Museum of American Art announces new Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina exhibition

(Left) Louise Nevelson (1899–1988), Dawn’s Presence, 1972–1975, painted wood, 93 x 32 x 32 in. 3 x 32 x 32 in. (base), On loan from the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia: Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 77.1241.

(Right) Esphyr Slobodkina (1908–2002), Abstraction with Red Circle, 1938, oil on canvas, 29 x 13 x 1 ¼ in., New Britain Museum of American Art: Olga H. Knoepke Fund. 1994.02.

The New Britain Museum of American Art will host a new exhibition titled Architects of Being Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina from July 30 through November 1, 2026. Organized by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the display marks the first time the works of these two pioneering abstraction artists have been placed in direct dialogue.

The exhibition brings together nearly 80 artworks spanning a diverse range of media including sculpture, painting, collage, textile, fashion, jewelry, and design. Although neither artist received formal architectural training, both utilized spatial construction, material assemblage, and installation principles to shape their respective practices.

Both women were born in different regions of the former Russian Empire to Eastern European Jewish families who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. They both relocated to New York City during the 1920s, subsequently emerging as early leaders of abstract art in mid-century America.

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Nevelson became widely recognized for her large-scale wood constructions, immersive installations, and architecturally inspired clothing. Slobodkina, who utilized her background in mechanical drawing, designed two modern houses and applied engineering concepts to her sculptures, paintings, and interior environments.

The presented works span from the 1930s to the 1970s, highlighting how both women navigated a male-dominated art world through interdisciplinary and experimental methods. The permanent collection at the New Britain Museum of American Art already houses cornerstone pieces from both creators.

An accompanying exhibition catalog published by the University of Arkansas Press will feature new research and original scholarship. Contributions to the publication include writing from museum curators Dr. Catherine Walworth, Dr. Chelsea Pierce, and Lisa Hayes Williams, alongside licensed architect Adrienne Montare.

Related programming

Members Opening Reception
Thursday, July 30, 5-7 p.m.

Distinguished Lecture | “Designing Lives: Stories Behind Architects of Being” with Dr. Catherine Walworth
Thursday, July 30, 6 p.m. Catharine M. Rogers Lecture Series

Lecture | “From the Ancient to Avant-Garde: The Art of Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina” with Lisa Hayes Williams
Thursday, September 24, 5:30 p.m.

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New Britain Museum of American Art announces new Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina exhibition