By Crocker Staff
E. Charlton Fortune was never one to be bound by limitations. Whether in her travels, her art, or her life, Fortune refused to be confined by obstacles that would have inhibited most. Women in the
late 19
th and early 20th centuries faced outmoded
expectations, but Fortune was unmoved by such constructs. Instead of softening,
she painted ever more rugged and virile compositions.
Fortune’s refusal to follow prevailing trends in painting, such as the more socially conscious works by Diego Rivera, reveal her stubborn adherence to her own passions and principles: painting overtly beautiful or “happy” paintings amidst the popular, yet less aesthetically pleasing art of the day, despite critics’ disapproval. There’s a distinctive singularity evident in her life and work that transcends the status quo and reflects Fortune’s spirited resolve.
While Fortune’s work is most often described as Impressionist or Post-Impressionist, true to her disposition, her compositions were not limited by these externally imposed parameters. In1927 San Francisco Call-Bulletin reported, “The new school doesn’t quite approve of her, contending that she lacks in organization. But everyone admits that she knows how to paint, and half a dozen crimson stickers showed that spectators were backing their approval with cash.”
E. Charlton Fortune, Triptych after Puvis de Chavannes’ La vie pastorale de sainte Geneviève, 1912. Gouache on cardboard, 9 3/4 x 20 1/4 inches. Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art. Gift of Clemence M. Otto.
“Living art comes from an abundance of vitality.”
E. Charlton Fortune
Never lacking in vitality, Fortune was ever adaptable and passionate in her pursuits, eventually moving her focus toward liturgical art, gaining commissions for churches across the Monterey Bay Peninsula, and as far away as Kansas and Rhode Island, eventually founding the Monterey Guild. In true Fortune style, she did not shy away from raising eyebrows when she declared that she aimed to “give God some glory by making the setting of the liturgy as beautiful as the liturgy itself” rather than “please the taste of the most moronic member of the parish.”
Fortune brought her own vision and voice to her work, forging her own path in her own way, and the Crocker is proud to feature 85 works by this bike-riding, plein-air painting, spirited pioneer.
Get inspired to follow your passion and check out E. Charlton Fortune: The Colorful Spirit on view at the Crocker beginning January 28.
Interested in learning more? Check out these exhibition-related programs:
Theater
at the Crocker: "Fortune’s Way, or Notes on Art for Catholics (and
Others)"
January 28, 2018
2 PM
To open the exhibition, the Crocker
and Capital Stage bring art to life through a theatrical reading. Written by
Steve Hauk, Fortune’s Way is a dynamic two-person play that offers audiences
the chance to “meet” E. Charlton Fortune through the auspices of an art history
lecture. Along the way, we get to know Effie (as she is known by friends) – her
struggles, her joys, and the fortitude of spirit she needed to find success as
a female in a man's era. This presentation of Fortune's Way is generously
sponsored by the Kingsley Art Club.
Art/Play/Say
February 22, 2018
6 – 9 PM
Enjoy new and vintage games, coloring, pub trivia, sing-alongs, and a cash bar.
In the gallery of the exhibition, take
inspiration from this artist who made a singular life
for herself against the odds, and share your own voice through poetry. Sign-ups
for poetry begin at 6 PM, and the open mic will start at 7 PM.
Women, Art, and History: E.Charlton Fortune, Corita Kent, and Faith Ringgold in Context
February 25 – March 11, 2018
1 – 3 PM
This spring, the Crocker will host three exhibitions, each devoted to an important American female artist: E. Charlton Fortune, Corita Kent, and Faith Ringgold. Because the dates of these shows overlap, they offer a unique opportunity to explore in depth the subject of women in 20th-century art history. From Fortune’s picturesque Impressionism to Kent’s spiritually-infused Pop and Ringgold’s socially-engaged quilts, explore the unique contributions these women and their sister artists have made to the history of American art. Three Sundays, February 25 – March 11, 1 – 3 PM. Instructor: Kevin Muller.
Curator
Talk: Scott A. Shields on E. Charlton Fortune
March 4, 2018
2 PM
Artist Euphemia Charlton Fortune found her way to success in the decidedly
male-dominated art world of the early-20th century. In the largest exhibition
of Fortune’s work ever presented, viewers will receive a full and robust understanding of her extraordinary career and
Impressionist depictions. Join Scott A. Shields, the Crocker’s chief curator
and associate director, for an in-depth look at Fortune, her work, and her
colorful spirit.
Lunch
& Learn
March 6, 2018
12 & 1 PM
Join an in-depth examination of Fortune’s, Summer Morning, St. Ives (St. Ives Harbor), 1923. Before or after the 30-minute gallery conversation,
take time to enjoy lunch at the Crocker Cafe by Supper Club. Each Lunch &
Learn features a different work of art
.
Homeschool Day: The Colorful Spirit
April 10, 2018
12 PM – 2 PM (DROP IN)
Learn about E. Charlton Fortune, the trailblazing female artist whose work will
be on view in a grand exhibition this spring. Try your hand at Fortune’s
Impressionist style with a visit to the studio.
Top Image: E. Charlton Fortune, Drying Sails, St. Tropez, 1926. Oil on canvas on Masonite, 38 1/8 x 48 1/4 inches. Monterey Museum of Art. Robert J. Dwyer Trust.
