William N. Copley | Dorothy Iannone

This publication, which documents the eponymous exhibition at the Philara collection, highlights aspects of freedom, self-determination, and the ecstasy of physical love. It brings together two internationally renowned artistic perspectives: William N. Copley and Dorothy Iannone. Whereas Copley was influenced by Dadaism, Surrealism, and Pop Art, Dorothy Iannone developed a unique visual language from American Expressionism, a movement overwhelmingly male-dominated in the 1950s. Here, for the first time, the works of Copley and Iannone are being presented in juxtaposition.
During their lifetimes, the two artists had few points of contact. Independently of each other, both created a highly coherent visual language that manifests parallels as well as clear differences. Transcending gender roles, stereotypes, and social norms as well as the accompanying fight against censorship are characteristic of Iannone’s pictures; Copley, on the other hand, selected depictions whose formulaic strictness and exaggeration of gender roles demonstrate a deeply ambiguous sense of humour to the point of absurdity.