Gertrude Abercrombie
66 years after her last show in New York City, Gertrude Abercrombie’s works, curated by Dan Nadal, were on view August 9th – September 23rd, 2018 at Karma.
“I am not interested in complicated things nor in the commonplace. I like and like to paint simple things that are a little strange. My work comes directly from my inner consciousness and it must come easily. It is a process of selection and reduction.” - Gertrude Abercrombie
Nadal, who also did an incredible job curating Red Grooms show at Marlborough Contemporary, has a knack for organizing large collections of an artist’s lifetime of work, in a way where you understand their vibe, spirit, and soul the moment you walk in.
Gertrude is a surrealist painter, who was also famous for being very involved in the Chicago jazz scene.
“Surrealism is meant for me because I am a pretty realistic person but I don’t like all I see. So I dream that it is changed… Only mystery and fantasy have been added. All the foolishness has been taken out.” - Gertrude Abercrombie
She was even known to house famous jazz musicians in her home, and she founded a Chicago Salon in her home for musicians, poets, etc.
“Gertrude Stein of the Midwest,” Abercrombie reigned over the cultural scene of Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood from the 1930s to the 1970s, where she held lively dinner parties and salons that included many of the city’s legendary jazz musicians, writers, and artists.” - Hyperallergic
“Gertrude Abercrombie…has taken the essence of our music and transported it into another form.” - Dizzie Gillespie
Notable Exhibition Press
Her works can be found in some very impressive collections including (but not limited to)
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, Illinois
Which is your favorite? Email me at contact@marylynnbuchanan.com
