The Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, is hosting the traveling exhibition 'Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939,' on loan from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The show highlights the trailblazing work of American women artists, writers, and designers who moved to Paris at the turn of the 20th century, exploring their contributions across disciplines like art, fashion, and literature. The museum has added interactive QR codes with curated playlists, and the exhibition runs through June 22, 2025.
The exhibition matters because it reframes a pivotal but often overlooked chapter of art history, celebrating the resilience and creativity of women who defied societal constraints to forge new paths. Executive director Raphaela Platow emphasizes its message of possibility and self-belief, particularly for younger generations. By bringing this Smithsonian-organized show to a regional museum, 'Brilliant Exiles' expands access to narratives that remain deeply relevant to contemporary conversations about gender, migration, and artistic freedom.