By Balasz Takac
Art history always remains unjust to certain figures, with reasons differing from one situation to another. An interesting example is an American painter Lynne Drexler whose domains have been obscured for decades until the recent revival in the art market.
Although many women have been excluded from the canons simply because of the patriarchal norms, that was not really the case with Drexler. In fact, in 1971, the artist settled on a remote Monhegan island and practically withdrew from the art world. Nevertheless, she continued painting with the same vigor without having to comply with the latest tendencies or demands of the art market. To secure some earnings, at a certain point, Drexler even painted seascapes for tourists.
After her death, her works were exhibited in several regional galleries, and ten years later, the first proper retrospective of her work took place at the Monhegan Museum. Ever since, the interest in her work has been increasing. However, it wasn't until recently that Lynne Drexler gained wider recognition thanks to the increasing demand following several prominent sales in auctions.
Her legacy will now be properly honored with an exhibition jointly organized by two New York galleries - Mnuchin Gallery and Berry Campbell. Titled Lynne Drexler: The First Decade, the exhibition will be her first solo one in the city after almost forty years.