Suzy Spence and Heather Morgan explore theatrical femininity in concurrent New York exhibitions

Two concurrent exhibitions in New York presented contrasting approaches to female representation by women artists. Suzy Spence's 'A Night Among the Horses' ran from January 11 to February 17, 2018 at Sears Peyton Gallery in Chelsea, featuring fox hunting scenes where equestriennes in elaborate riding attire navigate complex gender and class dynamics. Heather Morgan's 'Heavenly Creatures' was on view from January 5 to 28, 2018 at David & Schweitzer Contemporary in Bushwick, presenting sensuous portraits of women with overt erotic energy. Spence, who studied under feminist artists Mira Schor and Maureen Connor, creates ambiguous paintings where subjects confront or evade the gaze through veiled theatricality. Morgan's work, including self-portraits and depictions of friends, emphasizes individual personality through clothing, makeup, and tattoos, though she explicitly stated she doesn't identify as a feminist painter during a closing day dialogue with Jennifer Samet. Both artists use painterly techniques to explore how female subjects can manipulate viewer perception—Spence through enigmatic social commentary and Morgan through visceral emotional exposure. The exhibitions sparked discussion about contemporary approaches to representing femininity beyond traditional feminist frameworks.