Gladys Nilsson Presents New Wall Drawing at Menil Drawing Institute in Houston

Chicago-based artist Gladys Nilsson has created a new large-scale wall drawing titled 'Drawing' (2025) for the Menil Drawing Institute's Wall Drawing Series in Houston. The work features a cast of full-figured, aging female characters engaged in playful, sensual interactions with male companions. Nilsson, known for her watercolors and as a member of the 1960s Chicago art collective the Hairy Who, employs a cartoonish style with vibrant colors and exaggerated forms. The piece challenges traditional art historical depictions of women by presenting mature bodies with humor and dignity, subverting ageist and misogynist conventions. Created with acrylic markers, water-soluble crayons, graphite, and acrylic paint, the temporary installation will be painted over in August 2025. The work includes a central figure referred to as 'Big Girl' who holds colored pencils while surrounded by other characters in various states of affectionate engagement. Critics note that Nilsson's approach contrasts with historical male artists like Pablo Picasso, offering a more egalitarian and joyful representation of female sexuality and companionship. The artist, who turned 85 in May 2024, continues to explore themes of aging, desire, and bodily authenticity in her practice.