In Women Artists in Midcentury America, readers embark on a journey spanning two decades, delving into the evolving social and artistic landscapes through the lens of all-women exhibitions. These groundbreaking projects courageously confronted issues of sexual and racial discrimination, igniting profound discussions about women's roles within modernism and democracy. Looking closely at the inception and reception of these exhibitions by curators, artists, critics and the public, the book sheds light on the remarkable contributions of numerous artists, from Ruth Asawa to Marguerite Zorach. By foregrounding the accomplishments of women artists during a conservative period overshadowed by the feminist movement of the 1970s, Belasco provides a fresh perspective on the complex history of women’s art in America and its significance in the broader art world.

"Mary Reid Kelley" celebrates the first museum exhibition devoted to the finely crafted and researched costumes, objects, and drawings that Mary Reid Kelley creates for her visually and intellectually stimulating videos. An essay by curator Daniel Belasco analyzes the sources and significance of the working objects in how they promote the unreality effect of Mary Reid Kelley s videos, which combine both the analog and digital and the personal and historical. A conversation between Corinna Ripps Schaming and Mary Reid Kelley and her long-time collaborator Patrick Kelley reveals insights into their working process. For the first time, the full range of the artist s costumes, props, drawings, furniture, and accessories are photographed and presented as unique works of art."

Luise Kaish was a key figure in the New York art scene of the late 20th century, whose multidisciplinary and process-oriented practice contributed to various artistic discourses at the time. The strength and breadth of her work, her influential role in education, and the prestigious awards she received in recognition of her practice set her apart as an early female leader in the arts. She will be remembered for her immense talent, highly individual point of view, pursuit of the sublime, keen execution, and passion for life, which, despite the tides of changing tastes, will remain forever significant.