Speaking in Shapes: The Language of Geometric Abstraction

Though the origins of geometric abstraction have historically been understood as rooted in European modernism, this exhibition examines how artists have experimented with the artistic approach over time and across cultures. As evident in the works in this gallery, geometry—often seen as precise, detached, and free of personal expression—has long been utilized by artists to make viewers think and feel in profound ways. 

With the rise of modernism in the early twentieth century, many artists pursued the notion of “pure form,” artwork devoid of representative meaning. However, the freedom to take up such approaches to art-making has historically eluded women artists and artists of color who were often expected to convey their experiences more directly in their art. The explorations in pattern, line, and color presented here offer an expanded view of geometric abstraction. These works are in conversation with one another, highlighting the shared desire among artists to communicate in the most fundamental of forms.

Speaking in Shapes: The Language of Geometric Abstraction is curated by Patricia Lee Daigle, Ph.D., Chief Curator.

All exhibitions at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art are underwritten by the MBMA Exhibition Fund: Lead support provided by Kay Clark, and Maggie and Milton Lovell, with additional funding from Anonymous, Irene and Ron Ayotte, Gloria and Kenneth Boyland, Deborah and Bob Craddock, Susan and James Edelman, Debi and Galen Havner, Sally Hergenrader, James R. Humphreys, Betty and George Johnson, Kristen and Jay Keegan, Valerie and Carl Person, Deborah D. Tipton, Bill Townsend, and the Doris S. and Hubert Kiersky Charitable Remainder Trust.