Drusilla Modjeska recently unveiled her latest publication, A Woman’s Eye, Her Art, a compelling examination of the lives and works of early 20th-century female artists. Scheduled for release on September 30, 2023, the book intertwines art history with themes of war and social change, all through a contemporary lens. Modjeska draws upon her extensive research and passion for the subject, aiming to illuminate the often-overlooked contributions of women in the art world.
Modjeska, who has lived in Australia for over 50 years, presents her insights while seated in her favourite leather chair, decorated by a photographic self-portrait of her friend, the artist Julie Rrap. This vibrant image, featuring Rrap’s face and bare shoulders alongside her own back, encapsulates the confidence and challenge that characterizes many of the female artists Modjeska highlights in her work.
The author’s affinity for feminist narratives is evident throughout her career. Since publishing Exiles at Home in 1981, Modjeska has explored the intersections of biography, memoir, and fiction, focusing on female writers and artists. Her previous work, Stravinsky’s Lunch, contrasted the lives of Australian artists Stella Bowen and Grace Cossington-Smith, illustrating the complexities of balancing creativity with domestic responsibilities.
Focusing on Pioneering Artists
Modjeska’s latest book prominently features Paula Modersohn-Becker, a pivotal figure in modern art. In 1899, she left her hometown of Bremen to pursue her artistic career, defying societal expectations. Modersohn-Becker’s life was marked by struggles, including a turbulent marriage to traditional landscape painter Otto Modersohn. She found creative freedom in Paris, but her life was tragically cut short when she died of a pulmonary embolism shortly after giving birth in 1907.
Reflecting on Modersohn-Becker’s work, Modjeska expresses a profound connection, particularly to the artist’s haunting eyes in her self-portrait. “Those eyes sear into you,” she explains. “She saw so much; she was so little seen.” This sense of visibility and recognition resonates throughout Modjeska’s writings, as she continues to advocate for women artists who have often been overshadowed by their male counterparts.
As she examines the lives and careers of modernist women, Modjeska highlights the constraints placed on artists like Clara Westhoff, who faced limitations due to her marriage to poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Modjeska’s narrative draws parallels between these historical figures and contemporary challenges, as seen in the recent media coverage surrounding motherhood and art.
Art, Motherhood, and Societal Reflections
In a notable moment, Modjeska draws a connection between the recognition of Modersohn-Becker’s work and contemporary discussions about women in the arts. For instance, Google celebrated Modersohn-Becker on its search page for her 142nd birthday, coinciding with media attention on Australian political figures and their personal lives. This juxtaposition provoked Modjeska to reflect on the ongoing dialogue regarding the coexistence of art and motherhood.
The author engages with fellow artists like Rrap and Chantal Joffe to explore the broader implications of their work, while also collaborating with another friend, Helen Mueller, who has translated a new German edition of Modersohn-Becker’s letters and diaries. These letters reveal intimate details about her life and the struggles she faced, including the erasure of her husband’s impotence from earlier editions.
As Modjeska continues to navigate her own portrayal in a biography by Bernadette Brennan, she reflects on the dual nature of visibility and anonymity in the artistic community. “At a personal level, it can be a bit confronting,” she admits, “but at an intellectual level, it’s interesting to see what my life says about bigger generational themes.”
With A Woman’s Eye, Her Art, Drusilla Modjeska not only celebrates the artistic achievements of women but also challenges readers to reconsider the historical narratives that have long overshadowed their contributions. As she embarks on a promotional tour in October and November, her work promises to inspire a renewed appreciation for the stories of women artists throughout history.
