James Ward presents: Seven Americans: A Contemporary Exploration of American Modernism

In 1925, well-known gallerist and photographer Alfred Stieglitz held an exhibition at his 291 gallery in NYC, calling the exhibition ‘Seven Americans’. It was ground-breaking in its approach to embrace the avant-garde artistic movements sweeping through Europe, such as Cubism, Futurism and Fauvism. It challenged traditional artistic conventions and heralded a new era of American art. Stieglitz played a crucial role in nurturing an artistic community that revolved around his gallery known as ‘291’, after the gallery’s NYC address. 

‘Seven Americans’ highlighted the diverse range of artistic styles and approaches, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modernism, pushing forward innovative ideas which was to become known for its collective impact in shaping American art.

It was Stieglitz’s visionary approach which allowed young creative voices at the time like Georgia O’Keeffe to be given a platform to show their work. O’Keeffe would later become arguably the greatest American modernist painter.

Whilst carrying forward the spirit of innovation and artistic discovery, JC Gallery pays homage to the legacy of Stieglitz and offers a new platform in London, for this impressive era of American modernism to be viewed in a contemporary setting. 

Our mission has always been to bridge the past and the present, to connect the ground-breaking works of modernist visionaries from the past with the contemporary audience of today. We believe that art is not static, but a living, evolving conversation. Through our specialisation in American modernism, we preserve a vital piece of American artistic heritage while nurturing the growth of new dialogues and perspectives.