Gertrude Abercrombie's Eccentric World on View in Milwaukee
Two concurrent exhibitions in Milwaukee celebrate the strange, singular vision of Gertrude Abercrombie, a painter who imbued everyday objects with an uncanny willfulness. The shows, hosted by the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Museum of Wisconsin Art, position her as a 'good witch of the American absurd.' Abercrombie (1909–1977) was a studious eccentric and a fixture of Chicago's jazz scene, known for her meticulously composed interiors and self-portraits featuring moons, cats, and eggs. The exhibitions draw from her estate and private collections, featuring over 100 works. They run through September 2026.
Key facts
- Two exhibitions in Milwaukee focus on Gertrude Abercrombie.
- Venues: Milwaukee Art Museum and Museum of Wisconsin Art.
- Abercrombie is described as a 'good witch of the American absurd.'
- She was active in Chicago's jazz scene.
- Her work often features moons, cats, and eggs.
- Over 100 works are on display.
- Exhibitions run through September 2026.
- Abercrombie lived from 1909 to 1977.
Entities
Artists
- Gertrude Abercrombie
Institutions
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Museum of Wisconsin Art
Locations
- Milwaukee
- United States
- Chicago