Brenda Goodman's 1990-2010 Paintings Explore Personal Trauma Through Abstract Figuration at John Davis Gallery

Between July 22 and August 15, 2010, the John Davis Gallery in Hudson, New York, showcased "Brenda Goodman: Work 1990-2010," which highlighted oil paintings by the artist from Detroit. Goodman's art, shaped by personal events such as the passing of her partner's son and her experiences of childhood exclusion, fuses abstraction with figuration. In her Self Portrait series, she depicts herself nude in her studio, while the Singing series presents figures in bright settings. Notable large works—Crossing Over, Burial, Loss, and Hard Choice—illustrate deep emotions through small figures set against dark forms. Additionally, her Troubled Waters series employs abstract forms as stand-ins for individuals. Her unique methods and sparse sketches convey depth, linking her to artists like Arshile Gorky and Henry Moore.