Jessica Holmes Reviews Joan Semmel Exhibition at The Bronx Museum of the Arts

Jessica Holmes reviewed Joan Semmel's exhibition "A Necessary Elaboration" at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, which ran from March 6, 2015 to May 31, 2015. The exhibition featured Semmel's paintings from the 1970s to the present, focusing on her feminist perspective on the female body and sexuality. Holmes analyzed Semmel's use of color, scale, and perspective to challenge traditional representations of women in art. The review highlighted Semmel's influence on contemporary feminist art and her role in the women's art movement of the 1970s. Holmes discussed specific works, including "Intimacy/Autonomy" (1974) and "Touch" (1972), noting their exploration of female desire and autonomy. The review also addressed the exhibition's curation by Holly Block and Sergio Bessa, emphasizing its historical significance. Holmes connected Semmel's work to broader feminist discourses and its relevance to current debates on gender and representation. The review was published on May 19, 2015, on artcritical.com.