[Essay] The Paintings of Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso

When I first saw Adelaide Labille-Guiard’s magnificent Self-Portrait with Two Pupils at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2008, I could not take my eyes off of it. It was clearly a masterpiece that both challenged and invited me to investigate its contents. I was surprised that I had never heard of Labille-Guiard. As I stood there in awe of the painting, I became a little exasperated at my ignorance of this masterpiece. As I began to explore the nuances of this painting I was deeply moved by the artist’s story. In her lifetime, Labille-Guiard was dedicated to promoting woman artists; it was amazing what she accomplished in the chaotic times of the French Revolution. I decided then and there that I would start an homage series, dedicated to historical woman painters. I also decided to use my self-portrait as a vehicle to raise public awareness of these gifted women.

Through A Brush With HerStory, my goal is to resurrect these artists from the shadows of history and the depths of dusty archives. Obstacles of the day — whether it was lack of training, family obligations, or the restraints placed by society upon their practice of painting — did not stand in the way of their craft. They were not the shining stars of art but were the quiet undercurrent that existed with little or no forum to rise above the premier art establishments of the era. The Royal Academies of France and England barred women from studying or exhibiting their art throughout history. Compelling is what comes to my mind in describing these female artists. They are the story of humility and perseverance.

I bring to the table my creative journey and combine it with the power and emotion I encounter in the biographies of my female subjects. In a sense, I am an actress playing the role of women like Remedios Varo, Angelica Kauffman, or Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun. Their tales can be told through a simple “fusion” self-portrait or a complex scene depicting a particular aspect of their lives. Recently, I have also incorporated my original poetry into what I entitle  the “Homage Ode” project. The resulting works are depictions of their inner strength, their dramas, their talent, and their defiance of convention.

By Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso

A Brush with HerStory: Paintings by Gabriella Gonzalez Dellosso will be on view December 14, 2019 to April 12, 2020 in the Perkins Gallery.