It makes sense that one of Lorraine O'Grady’s recent exhibitions was entitled "Speaking Out of Turn." For it was O’Grady who staged a series of performance intrusions in New York galleries in 1980 with her seminal work “Mlle Bourgeoise Noire.” O’Grady wore a debutante-style gown made of 180 pairs of white gloves as she promenaded through the galleries, whipping herself with long cat o nine tail reeds decorated with white chrysanthemums. She walked shouting, ‘’That’s enough ... black art must take more risks!” From that moment on Lorraine O’Grady forged her risk-taking career which includes writings, performances, collages and photos.
O’Grady is experiencing a resurgence of popularity and critical acclaim. In 2017 she received the Alumnae Achievement Award from Wellesley College and has a solo show now at theMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston entitled “Lorraine O'Grady: Family Gained.”
Guest:
Lorraine O’Grady is a Boston-born, New York-based conceptual and performance artist, 2014 recipient of the College Art Association's Distinguished Feminist Award, 2017 recipient of the Alumnae Achievement Award from Wellesley College. Her exhibit "Lorraine O'Grady: Family Gained"is on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston now through December 2nd.
Callie Crossley is a 2013 recipient of the Alumnae Achievement Award from Wellesley College and is a sitting member of the Wellesley Board of Trustees.
