Sandra Fisher Exhibition at New York Studio School Reassesses Her Role Among School of London Artists

Between March 30 and May 13, 2006, the New York Studio School showcased nearly 70 pieces by American artist Sandra Fisher (1947–1994) alongside her colleagues from the School of London. Curated by David Cohen, the exhibition sought to highlight Fisher's artistic legacy, which was frequently eclipsed during her life by her husband, R.B. Kitaj, and other notable contemporaries. The display included around 50 of Fisher's paintings and works on paper, marked by a conservative impressionistic style featuring voyeuristic portraits of young nude men. Among the highlighted works were Kitaj's 1981 sketch, Frank Auerbach's 1973–74 pastel, and Raphael Soyer's 1983 oil double portrait of Fisher and her husband. Fisher's dynamic brushwork was noted, although her color palette sometimes leaned towards muted, jarring tones. The exhibition was arranged in a salon style, reflecting Fisher's tastes. She passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1994, twelve years prior to this event. The review appeared in the New York Sun on May 4, 2006.