Joyce Pensato's Batman Returns exhibition introduces color and studio debris at Friedrich Petzel Gallery

At Friedrich Petzel Gallery, Joyce Pensato's exhibition titled Batman Returns showcases a significant shift as she incorporates color into her usually monochrome works, alongside remnants from her former studio. Renowned for her black, white, and silver pieces, Pensato started illustrating Batman in the mid-1970s with a lively, whimsical calligraphic technique. However, the character has since been eclipsed by others like Donald Duck and Homer, who are also featured in this exhibition. Running until February 25 at 537 West 22nd Street, the show redefines Abstract Expressionism, challenging its traditionally macho image and establishing Pensato as a bold feminist and a successor to both Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. A discussion about the exhibition is set for February 24 at The Review Panel at the National Academy Museum.