Gallery Insights at NMWA
By Gabriely Simette
Main hall of the National Museum of Women in the Arts
On February 16th, members of IDB Family Association embarked on a guided tour of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), led by art curators Gabriela Rosso and Daniela Rosso. The NMWA is the world's first museum dedicated solely to women artists.
As we started our tour, we first explored the museum's history. We found out that the building used to be a Masonic Temple but is now a place that celebrates and empowers women artists. Our guides told us about the founder, Wilhelmina Cole Holladay, who had a big vision and worked hard to make this museum happen.
Self-portrait by Frida Kahlo and portrait of Whilelmina Cole Holladay
During the tour, the guides shared insights into the history of some artworks and pointed out details such as the importance of lighting to enhance the visibility of the pieces.
We had the opportunity to see artworks by various artists, and our guides also highlighted pieces by Latin American artists. Among the works we were able to admire were "Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky" by Frida Kahlo, "Composition No. 1" by Fanny Sanín, "Anything" by Adriana Varejão, "Mujer Ángel" by Graciela Iturbide, "The Call" by Remedios Varo, among others.
We admired various art forms such as paintings, sculptures, photographs, and objects representing different aspects including race, family, culture, female representation, nature, and religion.
With insights from Gabriella and Daniela, both gallery owners, we gained a curator’s perspective on the artworks’ value. Each exhibition showcased the expertise of its curator, enriching our understanding of the diverse artworks on display.
One standout piece was a prized still life painting by Clara Peeters, featuring a fish, a groundbreaking work in Dutch art.
Exploring ‘The Sky’s the Limit’ section, dedicated to contemporary art, we encountered works by various artists, including Latin Americans like Beatriz Milhazes, whose sculpture celebrated Brazilian culture. Another highlight was a captivating exhibit featuring a meticulously arranged table suspended from the ceiling, showcasing innovation and creativity.
Overall, our visit offered an enlightening and enriching experience, providing a unique perspective through the lens of curators and gallery owners, leaving a lasting impression on our group.
