Untitled (from Collection Resonance) 2011

Monique Orsini created this untitled artwork, from her "Collection Resonance" series, using gestural brushstrokes and vivid colors. It's fascinating to consider Orsini's work within the context of abstract expressionism. Her paintings diverge from the masculine bravado often associated with that movement in post-war America. Instead, this piece offers a softer, more introspective exploration of form and color. The bold reds and deep greens evoke a sense of organic growth. We see the influence of institutions like the New York School, but with a distinctly personal touch. It is made in the latter half of the 20th century, when questions around whose art gets exhibited in museums and galleries became more urgent. To understand the painting fully, we can turn to feminist art criticism and examine the gendered dynamics within the art world. We also can examine how artists, like Orsini, might deliberately challenge those dynamics through their choice of subject matter, style, and artistic persona.