In 2023, Frieze Masters, on the occasion of its 11th anniversary, is set to mark the milestone with a groundbreaking thematic section entitled « Modern Women. » This section is dedicated entirely to female artists from the period of 1880-1980. Curated by Camille Morineau, co-founder and scientific director of AWARE – Archives of Women Artists, Research, and Exhibitions, in collaboration with AWARE, the exhibition aims to shed light on the often overlooked contributions of female artists to the modern art movement.

« Modern Women » is an exploration of works created by women artists during a century that saw the rise of two feminist waves in Europe and the United States, ultimately giving birth to feminist art in the 1970s. This section’s primary objective is to challenge the notion of a singular, progressive, and predominantly male form of modernism. AWARE seeks to present multiple facets of modernity and redefine what it means to be « modern » by incorporating a wide array of perspectives and artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, and digital art. Some of the featured artists distanced themselves from political themes, while others engaged actively in producing politically charged artworks. By bridging figurative and abstract practices with feminist activism, the exhibition highlights the diverse and distinctly modern journeys of these artists.

The artists selected by Camille Morineau, in collaboration with Matylda Taszycka and Eléonore Besse from the AWARE team, represent a rich tapestry of talent and creativity. The lineup includes: Emilie Charmy – Galerie Bernard Bouche, Ethel Walker – Piano Nobile, Tarsila do Amaral – Almedia e Dale, Paule Vézalay – England & Co, Vera Molnár – Vintage Galeria, Maria Lai – M77, Anna Eva Bergman – Perrotin, Kangja Jung – Arario, Faith Ringgold – ACA Galleries, Lisetta Carmi – Ciaccia Levi, Martini & Ronchetti.

This remarkable exhibition will take place during Frieze Week in London, running from October 11 to October 15, 2023, in the scenic Regent’s Park. It offers art enthusiasts a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a century’s worth of artistry and to explore the multi-faceted expressions of modernity.

AWARE (Archives of Women Artists, Research & Exhibitions) is a non-profit organization founded in 2014, dedicated to making the work of women artists from the 19th and 20th centuries more visible. AWARE’s website hosts a wealth of bilingual content, including over 1,000 biographical texts, attracting up to 100,000 monthly visitors. The platform represents a diverse range of voices, with contributions from around 450 researchers, curators, feminist art historians, art critics, and activists worldwide. In addition to its online resources, AWARE organizes conferences, roundtable discussions, and seminars in collaboration with institutions, universities, museums, and other independent organizations globally. AWARE is headquartered at Villa Vassilieff, a space highly symbolic of its mission, dedicated to women artists and feminist art research, hosting events, meetings, and educational workshops.

The « Modern Women » exhibition at Frieze Masters 2023 promises to be an enriching and enlightening experience, offering a fresh perspective on the contributions of women to the evolution of modern art. It serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of these remarkable artists who shaped the artistic landscape of their time and continue to inspire us today.

@awarewomenart

@friezeofficial

Emilie Charmy, Colette circa, 1920. Huile sur toile, 89 x 146 cm © Galerie Bernard Bouche. Photo : A.Ricci

Eléonore Besse, Camille Morineau et Matylda Taszycka © Margot Montigny