The University of Michigan Museum of Art presents 'Both Sides of the Line: Carmen Herrera & Leon Polk Smith' from 30 August 2025 to 4 January 2026. The exhibition features over 45 works—including paintings, works on paper, and three-dimensional objects—that explore the creative dialogue between the two geometric abstraction pioneers, who were neighbors and friends. It is the first time their work has been shown together at this scale, highlighting Herrera's crisp lines and bold colors alongside Smith's sweeping curves and expansive forms.
The exhibition matters because it addresses the historical marginalization of both artists: Herrera, a Cuban-born woman, and Smith, a gay man from Indian Territory, were often overlooked by the mid-century art world despite their groundbreaking contributions. By pairing their distinct yet parallel paths, the show offers a fresh understanding of geometric abstraction and the power of artistic friendship, while correcting a long-standing gap in art historical narratives.