Betty Parsons Exhibition Opens at De La Warr Pavilion
The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea has launched a survey of the acclaimed New York gallerist and artist Betty Parsons, marking the first major exhibition dedicated to her work in Europe. The exhibit showcases her contributions as a painter and sculptor, emphasising her dynamic use of color and form over decades, reports BritPanorama.
Parsons, who advocated for both renowned abstract expressionists such as Jackson Pollock and artists from underrepresented backgrounds like Agnes Martin, is now receiving recognition beyond her influential gallery operations. Her solo exhibition at London’s Whitechapel Gallery in 1968 briefly spotlighted her artistic talent, which has now been revived in this timely exhibition.
Featured works span five decades, and the display is thoughtfully curated to reflect shifts in Parsons’ style from the 1930s to the 1980s. The exhibition includes around 50 pieces that illustrate her evolution from delicate, linear compositions to more robust geometric forms, resulting in vibrant displays ranging from the glowing pinks of Summer Fire to the contrasting colors of St Simon.
While Parsons devoted weekends to her painting, she was much more than a casual artist. Trained in sculpture in Paris under Antoine Bourdelle between 1923 and 1933, she returned to the medium in 1965. Her later sculptural works, made from found wood and often resembling totems, reflect her innovative approach to combining painting and three-dimensional art.
The exhibition also features her earlier landscapes, which reveal her fascination with bright color contrasts and fluid forms. Works such as Rockport from 1943 exemplify her early style, while her transition into abstraction in the 1950s showcases her ability to isolate forms within vibrant fields of color, as seen in Bahamas.
As the 1960s progressed, Parsons adapted her techniques to respond to the hard-edged abstraction movement, incorporating elements reminiscent of Clyfford Still and Mark Rothko. Nevertheless, her works demonstrate a unique processing of these influences rather than direct imitation, evident in her use of light and space informed by personal experiences and contemporary events.
Describing her artistic process, Parsons stated, “When I start painting a picture I try to become a blank and only let an emotion come into me.” This meditative approach fostered a style marked by whimsical sculptures and lively colors, illustrating her playful spirit and creativity as both an artist and a pioneering gallerist.
Betty Parsons: Sheer Energy is showing at De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea until 18 January 2026
