Alice Neel

This book positions Alice Neel as a civil rights advocate, showcasing her humanist approach through powerful portraits and cityscapes that reflect her commitment to dignity, diversity, and progressive politics.

Alice Neel positions the artist as a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, examining how her artwork reflects her humanist values. The book delves into Neel's ability to portray the humanity, strength, and vulnerability of her subjects, showcasing her commitment to social justice through her art. It highlights her nearly 70-year career, emphasizing her belief that people come first, as she sought to affirm the dignity and significance of every individual.

The publication features a diverse array of Neel's work, including poignant portraits of those affected by the Great Depression, residents of Spanish Harlem, political activists, queer artists, and pregnant women. Through these pieces, Neel's radical humanism emerges as both a political and philosophical stance, revealing her dedication to progressive ideals. The book also includes over 100 works, such as emotionally charged cityscapes, still lifes, and her intimate pastels and watercolors, further illustrating her artistic range.

In addition to the visual analysis, essays within the book explore Neel's representation of LGBTQ subjects, her distinctive blend of abstraction and figuration, and her unwavering support for feminism and racial diversity. The authors also reflect on Neel's personal themes of death, illness, and motherhood, placing her work within the broader context of 20th-century cultural history. Overall, Alice Neel serves as a comprehensive exploration of the artist's profound impact and enduring legacy.