Joan Semmel's New Paintings at 93 and Current Exhibitions
At the age of 93, Joan Semmel is producing some of her most compelling artwork, featuring new pieces such as "Blue Space" (2025) and "Satin Wrap" (2026) in her ninth exhibition titled "Continuities," which commenced on April 17 at Alexander Gray Associates. Interest in her portraits surged following a retrospective at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 2021 and a forthcoming exhibition at Xavier Hufkens in Brussels in 2024. Additionally, a significant survey called "Joan Semmel: In the Flesh" is currently on display at the Jewish Museum until May. Semmel has been creating art in her Soho studio for over five decades, having started her artistic education at Cooper Union and the Art Students League. Born in the Bronx in 1932, she has inspired numerous younger artists.
Key facts
- Joan Semmel is 93 years old and producing new work.
- Her exhibition 'Continuities' at Alexander Gray Associates opened April 17.
- A survey, 'Joan Semmel: In the Flesh,' is at the Jewish Museum through May.
- She had a 2021 retrospective at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
- She exhibited at Xavier Hufkens in Brussels in 2024.
- Her Erotic Series (1972–73) shifted perspective from the male gaze.
- She has lived and worked in her Spring Street studio for over fifty years.
- She studied at Cooper Union and the Art Students League of New York.
Entities
Artists
- Joan Semmel
- Joyce Kozloff
- Nancy Spero
- Judith Bernstein
- Li-Lan
- Harmony Hammond
- Francisco Franco
Institutions
- Alexander Gray Associates
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
- Xavier Hufkens
- Jewish Museum
- Cooper Union
- Art Students League of New York
- Artists Rights Society (ARS)
- The Guardian
Locations
- Soho
- Spring Street
- New York
- United States
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Bronx
- Bayside
- Queens
- Madrid
- Spain
- Philadelphia
- SoHo