Gertrude Abercrombie, a pivotal figure among the Midwest Magic Realists, has gained renewed recognition through recent exhibitions. In 2023, the Milwaukee Art Museum showcases a retrospective of Abercrombie's work, alongside a parallel exhibition featuring her contemporaries. This revival highlights the artist's significant impact on the art community and the friendships that fueled their creative expressions.
Revival of Interest in Gertrude Abercrombie
In recent years, Abercrombie's small-scale paintings have seen auction prices soar, with her piece “Message for Mercy” (1950) fetching over $1 million at Sotheby’s in November 2025. This marks a significant increase from her previous record of $864,000.
The Milwaukee exhibition features around 80 paintings by Abercrombie, allowing viewers to explore her unique vision and the themes of her work. The accompanying exhibition, titled “Gertrude and Friends: The Wisconsin Magic Realists”, includes pieces by fellow artists John Wilde, Karl Priebe, Dudley Huppler, and Marshall Glasier.
The Magic Realists and Their Community
The term Magic Realists was coined by Alfred Barr, the former director of the Museum of Modern Art, to describe a group of artists who blended elements of Surrealism with their own Midwestern experiences. This group, centered around Abercrombie, was unique in its composition, featuring a diverse mix of artists, including two women and two gay men.
During the 1940s, these artists built a supportive network that encouraged their creative expressions. Abercrombie, affectionately known as “Queen Gertrude”, served as a mentor and host, fostering an environment of collaboration among her peers. Her connections extended to avant-garde musicians, providing a space for cultural exchange in racially divided Chicago.
Artworks Reflecting Bonds of Friendship
Many works in the exhibitions symbolize the deep friendships among these artists. For example, Priebe’s painting “Portrait of Gertrude Abercrombie” (1952) captures her essence with haunting beauty, while Wilde’s 1966 group portrait showcases the affection shared among the artists. These pieces encapsulate the spirit of rebellion and camaraderie that defined the Magic Realists.
Abercrombie’s own work, such as “Letter from Karl” (1940), features personal elements like unopened letters, representing the ongoing communication between the artists. This painting, along with others, serves as a testament to their unique relationships and the collaborative nature of their art.
Through these exhibitions, the Milwaukee Art Museum not only celebrates Abercrombie’s legacy but also the collective strength of the Magic Realists. Their stories remind us that art is often born from community, and it is the connections among artists that shape their narratives.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hyperallergic. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
