Genesis

Name/Title

Genesis

Entry/Object ID

2024.10

Description

Orange, red, pink, purple, and white print of an embryo or fetus within circles, framed by organic shapes, possibly body parts. Within an orange square with purple borders.

Context

Genesis is one of many works that Hirshfield created exploring political topics such as abortion. As an early member and supporter of the Women for Peace movement, the artist focuses on issues surrounding women, mourning, and reproductive rights. This serigraph is part of a broader body of work Hirshfield did on abortion, which included three prints as well as several paintings and sculptures. While most of the other pieces feature grotesque depictions of birth and motherhood, Genesis offers a rather colorful and graphic view on the subject, highlighting the artist’s versatility. Hirshfield’s mentor Leon Golub spoke of the “probing and analytic force of her art,” stating it “speaks to our times with powerful integrity and experimental directness.” Hirshfield’s decade-spanning career and extensive body of work positioned her as a central part of the Evanston community and the Chicago art scene at-large.

Acquisition

Accession

2024.10

Source or Donor

Deborah Hirshfield

Acquisition Method

Gift

Credit Line

Gift of Deborah Hirshfield

Made/Created

Artist

Hirshfield, Pearl

Date made

circa 1975

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Print, Screen

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Print

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Graphic Documents

Nomenclature Class

Documentary Objects

Nomenclature Category

Category 08: Communication Objects

LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials

Abortions, Women's rights

Dimensions

Height

22-1/2 in

Width

21 in