In 2021, the traveling museum exhibition Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group, 1938-1942 launched a new chapter of appreciation and scholarship on a group of overlooked Southwest artists who had combined modern art and spirituality within their idea of the “collective unconscious.” The exhibition, which traveled all around the country, was a huge hit that brought renewed attention to the Transcendental Painting Group.
Agnes Lawrence Pelton (1881-1961), The Being: A Transcendental Vision, 1934. Oil on canvas, 27 x 25 in.
One of the people who played a pivotal role in the success of the exhibition was Addison Rowe Gallery owner Victoria Addison Rowe. She will be keeping the group’s name relevant with a new show at her gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Titled Transcendental and Beyond: The Essence of Art, the show will expand on the rich dialogue that was started in 2021 with the exhibition. It opens June 28 and runs through October.
Dorothy Morang (1906-1994), Awakening Evidence, 1970. Pastel on paper, 25½ x 19½ in.
“The genesis of my new show, Transcendental and Beyond: The Essence of Art, was sparked by a desire to expand the work I have done for the TPG group to a more contemporary venue. I want to highlight the enduring significance of the transcendental theme in art throughout the last century and focus on the dynamic expressions of female artists,” Rowe says. “These two concepts further fueled my exploration. The recent acquisition of Agnes Pelton’s masterpiece, The Being; A Transcendental Vision, by my gallery, served as the catalyst, crystallizing my vision for the exhibition. Through this show, I aim to weave a narrative of time, illustrating how artists across different time periods have grappled with and articulated universal themes in their work. At its core, the exhibition celebrates the diverse ways in which each artist interprets and embodies the transcendental, inviting viewers to see beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. By showcasing works that exude an inspirational energy or spirit. I want the show to express the theme of introspection and discovery and represent works that challenge the viewer to look beyond the mundane and explore the boundless depths of artistic expression.”
Sheila Isham (1927-2024), Tui II, 1972. Acrylic on canvas, 42 x 52 in.
Rowe adds that over the past two years she has undertaken a global journey in search of young and contemporary artists who could help her present a modern interpretation of the TPG’s mission. The show will offer historic TPG works, but also new works from working artists of today. “My aim was to enlist their talents to help tell the compelling story of transcendental themes, while highlighting the thematic similarities and compositional diversity across different time periods in history,” Rowe says. “In this exhibition, I’ve curated a selection that includes landscapes and cosmic scenes, showcasing the juxtaposition of themes and the myriad ways in which artists interpret them. The vibrant palette of colors serves as a conduit for expressing a range of emotions, from uplifting to contemplative, inviting viewers to ponder the vastness of the universe.”
Vivian Springford (1913-2003), Burst Blue and Purple, ca. 1972 Acrylic on canvas 52 x 50 in.
Works in the show include Pelton’s 1934 oil The Being: A Transcendental Vision, as well as paintings by historic artists such as Dorothy Morang, Vivian Springford and the late Sheila Isham, who died in April at the age of 96 years old. Contemporary artists include Rachel MacFarlane, Grace Rosario Perkins, Angela Heisch, Brianna Bass and others. All of the painters are women. “Each artist featured in the exhibition has been selected for their significance and visionary contributions to the art world. By showcasing their work together, I aim to underscore the profound impact of female artists throughout history and highlight their often-overlooked contributions,” Rowe says. “Through this powerful exhibition, I hope to convey the importance of their work and their enduring legacy in shaping the trajectory of art history.”
Rachel MacFarlane, The Light off Twillingate, 2023. Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in.
Rowe is hopeful that the momentum achieved by the museum exhibition, and now her show, will continue to bring new collectors to the Transcendental Painting Group. The group was only active from 1938 to 1942, and yet it still commands attention 80 years later. The show will also offer new opportunities to teach viewers what the group was about.
Mimi Chen Ting, Hakone, 2011. Acrylic on canvas, 46 x 55 in.
“Transcendental art, to me, is characterized by the intangible spirit energy it exudes. It’s about the power to see beyond the surface, to delve into the depths of one’s consciousness and connect with something greater than oneself. Unlike conventional landscape or genre scenes, transcendental art encompasses a broader scope, invoking a universal feeling that transcends the ordinary,” Rowe says. “At its core, transcendental art invites viewers to embark on an introspective journey, to contemplate the mysteries of existence and tap into the boundless energy that permeates the universe. It’s about capturing the ineffable, the sublime, and evoking a sense of wonder and awe that transcends time and space. Through its profound resonance, transcendental art offers a gateway to the inspirational, inviting viewers to explore the infinite depths of the human experience.”
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