Ninth Street Women: Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler summary

Artistic Revolution and Personal Struggles

In Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel, we are introduced to five women artists who played pivotal roles in the development of Abstract Expressionism - Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler. The book begins with their early years, exploring their struggles as female artists in a male-dominated art world. Each of them had to confront societal expectations, personal insecurities, and the challenges of their time.

Lee Krasner, for instance, was married to Jackson Pollock, whose fame often overshadowed her own artistic contributions. Elaine de Kooning, on the other hand, was married to Willem de Kooning, a prominent artist whose success sometimes eclipsed hers. Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler also faced similar challenges, trying to carve out their identities as artists amidst the shadow of their male counterparts.

Artistic Growth and Influence

In the middle section of the book, Gabriel delves into the artistic growth and influence of these women. Despite the challenges they faced, they continued to create groundbreaking works, each developing a unique style and making significant contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Krasner's bold, gestural paintings, de Kooning's energetic brushwork, Hartigan's vibrant, emotional canvases, Mitchell's powerful, nature-inspired abstractions, and Frankenthaler's innovative soak-stain technique were all pivotal in shaping the movement.

Moreover, the book highlights the significant roles these women played in the development of the art community. They were not just artists, but also mentors, critics, and champions of their contemporaries. They hosted salons, taught, and wrote about art, contributing to the intellectual discourse surrounding Abstract Expressionism.

Personal Lives and External Influences

While their artistic careers flourished, the personal lives of these women were fraught with challenges. Gabriel explores the impact of their tumultuous relationships with their famous artist husbands, their struggles with mental health issues, and the societal pressures they faced as women. These external influences, while often difficult, also had a profound impact on their art, shaping their styles and subject matter.

For instance, Krasner's grief over Pollock's untimely death influenced her 'Night Journeys' series, while de Kooning's marriage to an alcoholic and abusive husband was reflected in her intense and chaotic paintings. Hartigan's struggles as a single mother and Mitchell's turbulent relationships with fellow artists also found their way into their art, adding layers of depth and emotion.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

In the final section, Ninth Street Women examines the legacy of these artists. Despite the challenges they faced, they had a profound impact on the art world, challenging gender norms and redefining what it meant to be a woman artist. Their works continue to be celebrated and exhibited in major museums, and their influence can be seen in subsequent generations of artists.

In conclusion, Ninth Street Women is a compelling exploration of the lives and art of five remarkable women who defied societal expectations and made significant contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of art and the resilience of the human spirit, inspiring future generations of artists and women to pursue their creative passions despite the odds.