9.2 Harmony Hammond and lesbian abstract art
6 min read•august 19, 2024
pioneered lesbian abstract art in the 1970s, challenging male-dominated traditions. Her work explored female bodies, lesbian desire, and gender roles through innovative materials and techniques, subverting traditional art forms.
Hammond's art inspired a new generation of queer artists and contributed to the . Her legacy continues to influence contemporary artists exploring intersectional identities and social justice through abstract art.
Harmony Hammond's artistic journey
- Hammond's artistic journey encompasses a rich exploration of identity, materiality, and the subversion of traditional art forms
- Her early influences and education laid the groundwork for her groundbreaking contributions to lesbian and feminist art
- Hammond's shift towards abstraction and her exploration of lesbian identity through her work challenged the male-dominated art world and inspired a new generation of queer artists
Early influences and education
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- Attended the University of Minnesota, where she studied studio art and art history
- Influenced by the civil rights movement and the women's liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s
- Studied with feminist art historian Patricia Mainardi, who introduced her to the idea of a female-centered art history
Shift towards abstraction
- Initially focused on figurative painting and drawing
- Began to incorporate abstract elements into her work in the 1970s
- Influenced by the , which celebrated decorative art forms often associated with women's work
- Developed a unique style that combined abstraction with references to the female body and lesbian desire
Exploration of lesbian identity
- Came out as a lesbian in the early 1970s and began to incorporate her identity into her art
- Created works that celebrated lesbian desire and eroticism, such as the "" series (1973-1974)
- Used abstraction to subvert traditional gender roles and challenge the male gaze
- Collaborated with other lesbian artists, such as Louise Fishman and Patty Cronin, to create a community of support and shared artistic vision
Themes in Hammond's abstract art
- Hammond's abstract art explores a range of themes related to gender, sexuality, and identity
- Her work challenges traditional notions of the female body and celebrates lesbian desire and eroticism
- Through her use of unconventional materials and techniques, Hammond subverts the male-dominated tradition of and creates a new language for expressing queer identity
Representations of the female body
- Uses abstract forms to evoke the curves and contours of the female body
- Incorporates materials such as hair, latex, and rubber to create tactile surfaces that invite touch and sensory engagement
- Challenges the objectification of the female body in traditional art by presenting it as a site of power and agency
Subverting traditional gender roles
- Uses traditionally feminine materials, such as fabric and thread, to create large-scale, monumental works that assert the value of women's labor
- Appropriates masculine techniques, such as welding and carpentry, to create works that challenge gender stereotypes
- Creates works that blur the boundaries between painting and sculpture, challenging the hierarchy of art forms
Celebrating lesbian desire and eroticism
- Creates works that celebrate the sensuality and eroticism of the lesbian body
- Uses abstract forms to evoke intimate encounters and moments of passion
- Challenges the invisibility of lesbian desire in mainstream art and culture
- Creates a visual language for expressing queer identity and experience
Pioneering techniques and materials
- Hammond is known for her innovative use of unconventional materials and techniques in her abstract art
- Her use of braided rag rugs as canvas, found objects, and layered textures creates a unique visual language that challenges traditional notions of painting and sculpture
- Through her experimentation with materials, Hammond creates works that are both visually striking and deeply meaningful
Braided rag rugs as canvas
- Uses braided rag rugs as a substrate for her paintings, challenging the traditional use of canvas
- The use of rag rugs references the history of women's labor and the undervalued status of "craft" in the art world
- The texture and pattern of the rugs add depth and complexity to Hammond's abstract compositions
Incorporating found objects
- Incorporates found objects, such as rubber, latex, and hair, into her paintings and sculptures
- The use of found objects adds a tactile and sensory dimension to her work, inviting the viewer to engage with the materiality of the piece
- The incorporation of personal and intimate objects, such as hair and clothing, adds a layer of emotional resonance to her work
Layering and texture in paintings
- Builds up layers of paint, fabric, and other materials to create complex, textured surfaces
- The use of layering and texture creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in her abstract compositions
- The tactile quality of her work invites the viewer to engage with the piece on a sensory level, evoking a range of emotional and physical responses
Impact on lesbian and feminist art
- Hammond's groundbreaking work has had a significant impact on the development of lesbian and feminist art
- Her challenge to the male-dominated tradition of abstract expressionism opened up new possibilities for women and queer artists
- Through her work and activism, Hammond has inspired a new generation of artists to explore issues of gender, sexuality, and identity in their work
Challenging male-dominated abstract expressionism
- Hammond's use of unconventional materials and techniques challenged the masculine ethos of abstract expressionism
- Her focus on the female body and lesbian desire subverted the male gaze and asserted the value of women's experiences and perspectives
- Hammond's work demonstrated that abstraction could be a powerful tool for exploring issues of gender and sexuality
Inspiring a new generation of queer artists
- Hammond's unapologetic exploration of lesbian identity and desire inspired a new generation of queer artists to express their own experiences through their work
- Her collaborations with other lesbian artists, such as Louise Fishman and Patty Cronin, created a community of support and shared artistic vision
- Hammond's work paved the way for the emergence of a distinct lesbian and queer aesthetic in contemporary art
Contributions to the Feminist Art Movement
- Hammond was a key figure in the Feminist Art Movement of the 1970s, which sought to challenge the male-dominated art world and assert the value of women's art and experiences
- Her work was included in groundbreaking exhibitions, such as "Women Artists: 1550-1950" (1976) and "Issue: Social Strategies by Women Artists" (1980), which helped to establish a canon of feminist art
- Hammond's activism and advocacy helped to create a network of support and resources for women artists, including the founding of the in New York City, the first women's cooperative gallery in the United States
Legacy and contemporary relevance
- Hammond's legacy continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists and scholars
- Her work has been the subject of major exhibitions and retrospectives, cementing her place in the canon of American art
- Hammond's exploration of intersectional identities and her commitment to social justice continue to resonate with contemporary audiences
Exhibitions and retrospectives
- Hammond's work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout her career
- Major retrospectives, such as "Harmony Hammond: Material Witness, Five Decades of Art" (2019) at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, have helped to introduce her work to new generations of viewers
- Her work is held in major collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art
Influence on intersectional art discourse
- Hammond's work has been a key reference point for scholars and artists exploring the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and class in contemporary art
- Her emphasis on the materiality of the body and the politics of identity has influenced a range of contemporary art practices, from performance art to social practice
- Hammond's work has helped to expand the boundaries of what is considered "political" art, demonstrating the power of abstraction to engage with social and political issues
Continued exploration of queer identity in art
- Hammond's legacy has inspired a new generation of queer artists to explore issues of identity, desire, and representation in their work
- Her use of unconventional materials and techniques has opened up new possibilities for expressing queer identity through art
- Hammond's commitment to creating a community of support and collaboration among queer artists continues to be a model for contemporary art practices
- Her work demonstrates the ongoing relevance and necessity of exploring queer identity and experience through art, as a means of asserting visibility, claiming space, and building solidarity
Key Terms to Review (21)
A.i.r. gallery: The a.i.r. gallery, which stands for 'Artists in Residence,' is a pioneering art space established in 1972 in New York City dedicated to showcasing the work of women artists. This gallery played a crucial role in promoting feminist art and providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the art world, particularly during a time when women's contributions to art were often overlooked.
Abstract expressionism: Abstract expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. It emphasizes the expression of emotions and individual experience through abstract forms, often using bold colors and dynamic brushwork. This movement allowed artists to explore personal and political themes, contributing to a broader understanding of identity and existence, particularly within queer and feminist contexts.
Art and queer culture: Art and queer culture refer to the creative expressions, visual forms, and cultural practices that emerge from and represent LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and histories. This term encompasses a wide range of artistic mediums that reflect the complexity of queer lives, challenge societal norms, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, fostering a sense of community and identity through artistic representation.
Artivism: Artivism is a blend of art and activism, where creative expression is used as a tool for social and political change. This approach harnesses the power of art to engage communities, raise awareness, and challenge injustices, making it an essential aspect of movements that advocate for marginalized voices and issues. By integrating personal narratives and cultural critiques into visual or performance art, artivism seeks to inspire action and provoke thought in ways that traditional activism may not achieve.
David Wojnarowicz: David Wojnarowicz was a groundbreaking American artist, writer, and activist known for his provocative work that addressed issues of identity, sexuality, and the AIDS crisis during the 1980s and 1990s. His art spanned various mediums, including painting, photography, video, and performance, serving as a powerful response to social injustice and a personal narrative of living with AIDS.
Feminist art movement: The feminist art movement emerged in the late 1960s and sought to challenge the traditional male-dominated art world by promoting women's perspectives and experiences through artistic expression. This movement not only aimed to increase the visibility of women artists but also questioned societal norms and gender roles, inspiring new forms of art that reflected feminist ideals. Key figures and works within this movement have contributed to ongoing conversations about gender equality, representation, and the role of women in art history.
Floorpieces: Floorpieces are a form of art that consists of three-dimensional works placed directly on the floor, often challenging traditional notions of sculpture and space. These artworks invite viewer interaction and encourage a reconsideration of the environment around them, creating a dynamic relationship between the art and the observer, particularly in the context of abstract expressionism and feminist art movements.
Harmony Hammond: Harmony Hammond is an influential artist and theorist known for her contributions to lesbian abstract art and feminist art movements. She is recognized for her exploration of identity, sexuality, and the body in her work, often using materials that evoke personal and cultural histories. Her art challenges traditional notions of abstract expressionism by incorporating elements of feminist discourse and LGBTQ+ experiences, making her a significant figure in contemporary art.
Installation Art: Installation art is a form of contemporary artistic practice that transforms a specific space into an immersive environment, engaging the viewer through a combination of physical objects, multimedia elements, and sensory experiences. This art form often encourages interaction and reflection, making the viewer an integral part of the artwork itself.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect and interact to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept helps to understand the complexity of social issues and the unique experiences of individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups.
Lesbian visibility: Lesbian visibility refers to the recognition, representation, and acknowledgment of lesbian identities and experiences in society, culture, and the arts. This term highlights the importance of making lesbian voices and perspectives known, challenging stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity within various contexts. In relation to artistic expression, lesbian visibility often involves the creation and appreciation of art that reflects and embodies lesbian experiences, particularly within movements that embrace diverse forms of representation.
Mixed Media: Mixed media refers to the artistic technique that combines various materials and methods within a single artwork. This approach allows artists to create more complex and layered expressions by integrating different mediums, such as painting, collage, photography, and found objects. The versatility of mixed media opens up a world of possibilities for artists to challenge traditional boundaries and convey multifaceted narratives.
Pattern and decoration movement: The pattern and decoration movement emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the minimalist art movement, emphasizing the use of decorative motifs and vibrant colors in art. This movement sought to challenge the traditional hierarchy of art by incorporating crafts and decorative arts, celebrating the aesthetic appeal of patterns and textures while often exploring themes of identity, culture, and gender.
Protest Art: Protest art is a form of artistic expression that seeks to challenge societal norms, provoke dialogue, and inspire change regarding social, political, and environmental issues. This type of art often employs visual imagery, performance, and multimedia elements to communicate messages of resistance and highlight injustices. It has been a crucial tool for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, to voice their struggles and advocate for rights and recognition.
Queer aesthetics: Queer aesthetics refers to artistic expressions and visual styles that challenge traditional norms around gender, sexuality, and identity. It embraces fluidity, subversion, and the exploration of marginalized perspectives, often through unconventional forms and narratives that highlight the complexities of queer experiences.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an academic field that emerged in the early 1990s, focusing on the study of gender and sexuality from a critical perspective. It challenges traditional norms and categories surrounding identity, emphasizing the fluidity of gender and sexual orientation. This approach connects to various forms of expression and activism, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in understanding the complexities of identity.
Second-Wave Feminism: Second-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a broader range of issues than the first wave, such as gender equality in the workplace, reproductive rights, and sexual liberation. This wave aimed to address systemic inequalities and challenge traditional gender roles, significantly influencing various aspects of society, including art, literature, and academic thought.
The aids crisis: The AIDS crisis refers to the widespread epidemic of HIV/AIDS that emerged in the late 20th century, particularly affecting marginalized communities, including gay men and people of color. This health crisis not only resulted in a significant loss of life but also highlighted issues of stigma, discrimination, and the urgent need for medical research and public health initiatives.
The lesbian and feminist art movement: The lesbian and feminist art movement emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the male-dominated art world, focusing on the experiences, identities, and struggles of women and lesbians. It aimed to challenge societal norms, highlight underrepresented voices, and create a space for women artists to express their perspectives. This movement emphasized the importance of identity politics and sought to reframe art history by incorporating feminist and queer narratives.
The queer art of failure: The queer art of failure refers to an artistic and cultural practice that embraces failure as a means of subverting traditional norms and expectations, particularly around success and productivity. It celebrates vulnerability, loss, and non-conformity, often reflecting on personal and collective experiences within marginalized communities. This perspective challenges dominant narratives and encourages alternative ways of understanding identity, existence, and art-making.
The Stonewall Riots Art Collective: The Stonewall Riots Art Collective refers to a group of artists and activists who emerged in response to the Stonewall riots of 1969, which were pivotal in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This collective focused on expressing the experiences, struggles, and identities of queer individuals through various forms of art, merging political activism with creative expression. The collective played a significant role in shaping queer art by fostering a sense of community and visibility within the art world, especially for lesbian artists like Harmony Hammond.