Artistic Journeys

Leepa-Rattner-Gentle Permanent Collection Galleries

Ongoing

Artists do not create in social, political, or historical vacuums.  Instead, they are compelled to respond to the cultural environments in which they live.  Artistic Journeys is an exhibition that traces how personal and world events in the twentieth century have molded the artistic careers of a family of artists.

Abraham Rattner (1893-1978) was a figurative expressionist who lived in Paris in the 1920s and 1930s, associating with some of the giants of 20th century art.  He returned to America in the 1940s to become one of our leading colorists.

Esther Gentle (1899-1991) was the second wife of Abraham Rattner and became recognized as a printmaker, sculptor and painter in her own right while opening doors for a new generation of women artists.

Allen Leepa (1919-2009) was the son of Esther Gentle and founded the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. Leepa earned a doctorate degree at Columbia University, taught art at Michigan State University, was recognized as an author and art critic, and became a noted abstract expressionist painter.

Four permanent collection galleries are a journey through the twentieth century as seen through the creative vision of these three artists.

(Image: Installation view of Rattner 1 Gallery)