In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the contributions of women throughout art history, including artworks by women from LACMA’s collection.
A marionette of a dapper man has been on display at LACMA for decades. It is usually situated among early 20th century Russian paintings, both figurative and abstract. Charmingly handmade of what appears to be found objects, this sculpture always made me wonder, why is there a puppet here?! Fear of puppets is a real thing (called pupaphobia) yet I was drawn again and again to this little man and needed to know more about the artist who made him.
Alexandra Exter was born in Russia where she developed into a daring and experimental avant-garde artist. She eventually emigrated to Paris, France, where she lived for the rest of her life. She was a painter, stage and costume designer, street artist, book illustrator, and teacher, and influenced Art Deco style. She also made puppets.
Our man in evening dress is part of a cast of marionettes that include robots made of cans, tires, and wooden spools, delightful characters from the commedia dell’arte, and a blue policeman in uniform and high boots. They were to appear in a film set both in 17th-century Venice and 1920s New York. The film never got made, but the marionettes survived and are scattered throughout the world.
Alexandra Exter was a tremendously accomplished and influential artist that many have never heard of. Search online for images of her work and you will be blown away by her extraordinary oeuvre. Women’s history is history. Let’s celebrate women artists every day.