In Episode 08 of The Great Women Artists Podcast, Katy Hessel interviews the Director of Tate Modern, FRANCES MORRIS (!), on the mammoth American abstract painter, AGNES MARTIN!!

And WOW, is it incredible to hear such a groundbreaking curator speak SO passionately and eloquently about one of the greatest abstract painters to ever live.

With a career that spanned five decades, Agnes Martin was known for her square canvases and meticulously rendered grids that translated into some of the most otherworldly pieces of art.

Born in 1912, she grew up in rural Canada surrounded by nature before relocating to New York, where she worked alongside the Abstract Expressionists. In 1968 she relocated back to rural life and later settled in New Mexico, where she lived in monk-like conditions, painting everyday, up until her death in 2004.

We discuss Frances's first-hand experiences with Martin's work; how she feels in front of one of her sublime paintings; what led her to curate such a spectacular exhibition in 2015; and of course, what the great artist taught her – ultimately, to look.

It was such a privilege to speak to Frances Morris on Agnes Martin, and to hear such a personal response to a great artist. I hope you enjoy!!

 

WORKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Morning, 1965

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/martin-morning-t01866

Friendship, 1963

https://www.moma.org/collection/works/79842

On A Clear Day, 1973

https://www.moma.org/collection/works/63682

Happy Holiday, 1999

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/martin-happy-holiday-ar00179

Further information

Frances's Tate exhibition: 

https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/agnes-martin

Short film by Tate: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=902YXjchQsk

Mary Lance's documentary on Agnes Martin: 

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/withmybacktotheworld

Thank you for listening!!

This episode is sponsored by the National Art Pass/ @artfund: https://bit.ly/32HJVDk To receive a free tote bag with your National Art Pass, enter the code GREAT at checkout!

Follow us:

Katy Hessel: @thegreatwomenartists / @katy.hessel

Recorded by Joel Price

Sound editing by @_ellieclifford

Artwork by @thisisaliceskinner

Music by Ben Wetherfield

Thanks to Well Fray-Smith

https://www.thegreatwomenartists.com/