A captivating exhibition delving into the remarkable career of artist and author-illustrator Elizabeth Olds is set to debut at the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin. The exhibition, titled “Public Works: Art by Elizabeth Olds,” marks the first comprehensive solo showcase of Olds’ diverse and influential body of work, drawing from the Ransom Center’s vast art and archival collections. Spanning from the 1920s to the 1960s, the exhibition promises a deep dive into the multifaceted world of a pioneering American artist.
Elizabeth Olds (1896–1991), recognized for her significant contributions as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) artist, offers viewers an artistic legacy rich with social commentary, poignant portrayals, and a distinct engagement with her era. The exhibition will feature over 100 Olds’ prints, paintings, drawings, and illustrations, presenting a comprehensive overview of her artistic evolution.
Ransom Center Director Stephen Enniss expressed admiration for Olds’ profound engagement with the world, emphasizing the enduring relevance of her critiques on power. “The art of Elizabeth Olds captures the dignity of lives she portrayed, and her unwavering advocacy for the individual resonates with audiences today,” Enniss remarked. Celebrated as the first woman to receive a Guggenheim fellowship in visual arts in 1926, Olds’ contributions as a WPA printmaker are particularly highlighted, showcasing her candid and sensitive depictions of labour, urban life, and the American industrial landscape during the Depression era.
Moreover, the exhibition sheds light on Olds’ relentless experimentation with various mediums and forms throughout her career. Championing the democratic possibilities of printmaking, Olds advocated for silkscreen as a legitimate fine art medium. Her belief in the transformative power of art extended to her role as an author-illustrator, where she penned and illustrated six children’s books between 1945 and 1963, viewing art as an invaluable educational instrument.
Tracy Bonfitto, the Ransom Center’s curator of art and organizer of the exhibition, emphasized Olds’ pivotal role in shaping the narrative of American art. “Olds ardently believed that American art should mirror contemporary American life, harnessing its potential as a potent democratic tool,” Bonfitto stated. The exhibition not only celebrates Olds’ groundbreaking WPA-era contributions but also underscores her innovative endeavours in making art accessible and affordable beyond the program’s conclusion.
“Public Works: Art by Elizabeth Olds” is scheduled to open on February 3 and will remain on view until July 14. For those eager to explore the transformative journey of Elizabeth Olds and witness the depth of her artistic vision, further details and information can be found online at hrc.utexas.edu. This exhibition stands as a testament to Olds’ enduring impact, inviting audiences to engage with a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate in contemporary times.