Mavis Pusey: Mobile Images is the first significant museum exhibition showcasing the distinguished career of the Jamaica-born artist and educator, spanning over 50 years. Opening at ICA Philadelphia on July 12 and running through December 7, this exhibition is co-organized with the Studio Museum in Harlem, where it will be exhibited in spring 2027. This extensive retrospective reexamines Pusey’s influence on abstract art and much more.
A key figure in geometric abstraction, Mavis Pusey (1928–2019) produced vibrant paintings and works on paper that reflect her diverse interactions with fashion, printmaking, and the urban landscapes of various cities. Despite her global presence in the art scene, her works have often gone unnoticed. Mobile Images represents over a decade of research and collaboration, offering fresh perspectives on Pusey’s life and artistic practice.
Much of Pusey’s artwork explores themes closely tied to contemporary life. Her Broken Construction series (1960s-1990s) exemplifies her powerful use of destruction and renewal as metaphors for societal evolution. These pieces, along with others, are enriched by the inclusion of photographs, personal notes, and archival materials that provide invaluable insights into her artistic journey and the historical context surrounding her pioneering work. This exhibition highlights Pusey’s significant contributions to abstract art, deepening our understanding of her lasting influence on contemporary artistic dialogue.
For more information, visit icaphila.org.
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