The Arlington Museum of Art (AMA) proudly announces the debut of “She Said, She Said,” a groundbreaking exhibition featuring an extensive collection of contemporary artwork by women artists, curated from the esteemed Rubell Museum’s vast holdings. This highly anticipated exhibition, curated by Alexandra Perez of the Rubell Museum, underscores the pivotal role that women artists continue to play in shaping the contemporary art landscape.
“She Said, She Said” presents over 50 works across a diverse range of mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, video, and installation. The exhibition brings together more than 30 artists from various generations, cultures, and artistic disciplines, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. Organized thematically, with several galleries dedicated to solo presentations, the exhibition delves into complex topics such as representations of the body, appropriation and subversion, self-portraiture, and gestural abstraction.
Among the featured artists are notable contemporary practitioners such as Solange Pessoa, Beverly Semmes, Cajsa von Zeipel, and Allison Zuckerman. Their work, along with that of their peers, highlights the significant contributions that women artists have made—and continue to make—to the canon of contemporary art. The exhibition is not only a celebration of these artists’ achievements but also a reflection on the evolving discourse surrounding gender, identity, and artistic expression in the modern era.
“She Said, She Said” marks a significant moment in the AMA’s history, as it coincides with the museum’s opening year at its new location in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District. The exhibition will be on display in the AMA’s newly established Traditional Gallery from August 17, 2024, through November 3, 2024, providing art enthusiasts and the broader public with a unique opportunity to engage with this compelling body of work.
Mera Rubell, co-founder of the Rubell Museum, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Through our continued partnership with the Arlington Museum of Art, we are able to bring our collection to new and broader audiences, reflecting our mission to showcase and encourage public dialogue about work by a wide range of contemporary artists. ‘She Said, She Said’ underscores our commitment to supporting and championing artists, particularly women whose diverse perspectives and innovative practices are essential to the contemporary art world.”
Chris Hightower, President and CEO of the Arlington Museum of Art, emphasized the significance of the exhibition within the context of Arlington’s diverse and dynamic community. “The Arlington Museum of Art is unique in many ways. While we possess the capacity and expertise of a major art institution, our approach is as much influenced by the creativity and vision of Broadway producers as it is by curators and art historians. Arlington is one of the five most diverse cities in the country, and this diversity informs our dedication to presenting a wide array of traditional, immersive, and emerging art forms. Our collaboration with partners like the Rubell Museum enables us to bring world-class exhibitions to our community, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to experience at the AMA.”
“She Said, She Said” represents the third collaborative effort between the Arlington Museum of Art and the Rubell Museum, building on the success of previous exhibitions that have brought international acclaim to Arlington. In 2019, the AMA hosted “Keith Haring: Against All Odds,” a retrospective that offered a comprehensive look at the iconic artist’s work, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. In 2021, the AMA presented “30 Americans,” a powerful exhibition showcasing works by 30 African American artists, which explored themes of racial, sexual, and historical identity, as well as the enduring impact of artistic legacy and community.
Kendall Quirk, AMA Director of Exhibitions, highlighted the ongoing importance of the museum’s partnership with the Rubell Museum. “Our long-standing collaboration with the Rubell Museum has been an invaluable opportunity to bring the very best of contemporary art to Texas. More importantly, we engage our community around these exhibitions through innovative programming and partnerships that inspire dialogue, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation of the arts.”
As the Arlington Museum of Art continues to evolve and expand its reach, “She Said, She Said” stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. This landmark exhibition is poised to leave a lasting impact on Arlington’s cultural landscape, offering visitors a chance to experience the transformative power of contemporary art through the lens of some of today’s most compelling women artists.
