There is a Woman in Every Color: Black Women in Art

There Is a Woman in Every Color examines the representation of Black women over the past two centuries.

Exhibition Images

  • BCMA Accession #: 2003.28, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Double Cherry Blossoms, 1973, acrylic on canvas, 60 in. x 40 1/8 in. (152.4 cm x 101.92 cm), Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of halley k harrisburg, Class of 1990, and Michael Rosenfeld. Photography by Luc Demers.

  • Portrait of a Biracial Woman, c. 1855-60

    BCMA Accession #: 2020.22.4, Unidentified Photographer, Portrait of a Biracial Woman, c. 1855-60, quarter plate ambrotype in thermoplastic case, 4 1/4 x 3/14 in. (10.8 x 8.26 cm), Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Museum Purchase, Gridley W. Tarbell II Fund. Photography by Luc Demers.

  • BCMA Accession #: 2020.22.2, John B. Wortham, African American Woman (Nanny) & Three White Children, late 19th century, cabinet card, 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (10.8 x 16.51 cm), Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Museum Purchase, Gridley W. Tarbell II Fund, Photography by Luc Demers.

    BCMA Accession #: 2020.22.2, John B. Wortham, African American Woman (Nanny) & Three White Children, late 19th century, cabinet card, 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (10.8 x 16.51 cm), Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Museum Purchase, Gridley W. Tarbell II Fund, Photography by Luc Demers.

  • BCMA ID #: 65.2020, Augusta Savage, Gamin, ca. 1930, painted plaster, 9 x 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 in. (22.86 x 14.61 x 10.8 cm), Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick, Maine, Gift of halley k harrisburg, Class of 1990, and Michael Rosenfeld.

About the Exhibition

There Is a Woman in Every Color examines the representation of Black women over the past two centuries. Bringing together over forty works of art, objects, and artist books, this exhibition challenges histories of marginalization and makes visible Black women’s presence in American art history.

Inspired by works in the BCMA’s permanent collection, the exhibition also provides an opportunity to place art by Black women in conversation with one another, showcasing their exploration of personhood, issues of identity, and resistance to certain modes of representation or classification.

Selected artists include Edmonia Lewis, Elizabeth Catlett, Alma Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, Betye Saar, Faith Ringgold, Kara Walker, Mickalene Thomas, Ja’Tovia Gary, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Nyeema Morgan.

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