Gertrude Barrer, a notable American artist, was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. From a young age, she displayed a love for literature, history, and music, honing her skills as a violinist and pianist. However, her true passion lay in the world of art, and her artistic journey began at The Art Students' League in NYC under the tutelage of Harry Sternberg. Even during her early years of study, her talent and promise as an artist were evident.
In 1939, Gertrude embarked on her artistic education at the University of Iowa, where she had the opportunity to work closely with the renowned artist Philip Guston. It was during her time at the University that she met Oscar Collier, another art student, with whom she formed a close bond. Their connection blossomed into love, and the two artists married in 1942.
Following their marriage, Gertrude and Oscar's life took them on a journey that spanned various locations. They relocated to Detroit and then to Texas, where they welcomed their daughter Greer in 1943. However, their lives were soon impacted by the circumstances of World War II, as Oscar was drafted and stationed in Texas. Due to medical reasons, he was later discharged from the military.
The couple's journey led them to Taos, New Mexico, where they immersed themselves in the artistic and literary community. It was during their time in Taos that Gertrude had the opportunity to interact with Native American artists, an experience that would significantly influence her artistic expression. The Western landscape and the art she encountered left a lasting impression on her, and her interest in Native American art began to take shape.
Upon returning to New York City in 1945, Gertrude resumed her studies at The Art Students' League, this time under the guidance of Will Barnet. She delved deeper into Modernism, expanding her artistic horizons. It was around this time that a group of artists, including Gertrude, Collier, Wheeler, Daum, DeMott, Busa, Barrell, and Lewin, came together under the name "Indian Space painters." They found a hub for their artistic endeavors at Kenneth Beaudoin's Galerie Neuf on 79th Street, where Gertrude, Oscar, and Beaudoin co-produced the first artist-run periodical, "Iconograph."
In 1946, Beaudoin curated an exhibition titled "8 and a Totem Pole" at Galerie Neuf, introducing the world to the Indian Space movement. Gertrude's exceptional talent, skill, and use of space in her works garnered positive attention. Her first solo exhibition at Galerie Neuf in 1947 was a success, solidifying her reputation as a prominent artist. However, the strains of marriage and the pressures of artistic pursuit took a toll on her relationship with Oscar, and their marriage eventually ended.
Despite the personal challenges, Gertrude persevered in her artistic journey. She remained at The Art Students' League and, in 1948, reconnected with Frank Russell, who had returned from serving in the war. Their meeting reignited their artistic passions, and they became a formidable artistic duo. Charles Alston, a renowned African American painter and Frank's former teacher at the League, introduced them to the Artist's Gallery in NYC, and they became part of the social justice artist's group called "Spiral." Through "Spiral," Gertrude and Frank formed lasting friendships with some of the most esteemed artists in the country.
The late 1940s to the mid-1950s marked a period of significant recognition for Gertrude. She held three solo exhibitions at the Artist's Gallery and participated in numerous group shows, many of them with "Spiral." Her works were showcased in prestigious venues such as the Whitney Annuals, two traveling exhibitions organized by the Whitney Museum and the American Federation of Abstract Artists, and the Meyer Shapiro/Kootz Gallery show "Talent of 1951," curated by Clement Greenberg. In addition, her art caught the attention of various galleries and museums, leading to acquisitions for their permanent collections.
As the 1960s rolled in, Gertrude's artistic vision underwent a transformation influenced by the cultural shifts of the time. The Vietnam War, a deep interest in history, humanism, mysticism, and the ancient world all played significant roles in shaping her work. This period saw Gertrude incorporating the figure into her art to a greater extent, accompanied by an explosion of vibrant colors that seemed almost alchemical in nature. Her mastery as an artist was evident, and she felt freer than ever to express her inner truths on canvas.
In 1974, Gertrude and Frank founded the Russell/Barrer Atelier, a collaborative artistic venture that involved their daughter Aurora and her partner Durer, a master printer. They produced silk screens and etchings that were marketed in both the USA and Europe. Gertrude's decorative paintings also garnered immense popularity, with over 2000 of them sold between 1974 and 1990. Additionally, the couple's prize-winning collector's plates, designed for Rosenthal, found a home at the UN chapel and the Vatican.
Despite her continued exploration of various styles and subjects, Gertrude Barrer remained devoted to abstraction throughout her life. She courageously embraced her identity as a feminist and an outsider, unafraid to challenge conventional norms in her art and life.
In 1988, Gertrude's husband, Frank, passed away, leaving behind a profound void. However, the late 1980s brought renewed interest in the art of the 1940s and 1950s, leading to a resurgence of attention to Gertrude's work. In 1991, the Indian Space Retrospective exhibition at Mishkin Gallery, Baruch College, NYC, curated by Sondra Kraskin and Barbara Hollister, rekindled interest in Gertrude's art. This renewed recognition resulted in representation at Snyder Fine Art and Berman/Daferner Gallery in NYC. Gertrude's one-person show at Berman/Daferner in 1992 drew critical acclaim, and she went on to participate in group shows at both galleries.
Gertrude Barrer's artistic journey came to an end in 1997 when she passed away. Even until her final days, she painted with unwavering passion and showcased early and later works in exhibitions. Her artistic legacy lives on, a testament to her indomitable spirit and her unique contributions to the world of art.