MUNTHE ART MONDAY: ALLISON ZUCKERMAN

Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.

I’m Allison Zuckerman, a visual artist based in Brooklyn.

My work fuses art historical imagery with contemporary vernacular to create paintings that celebrate women as protagonists of their own agency, not as submissive subjects. I recontextualize art history through a lens of feminine power by appropriating exclusively from male artists – this act functions simultaneously as homage and critique. My figures are imposing, intimidating, yet beautiful —they resist easy interpretation. By reimagining classical, modern, and comic book elements, I construct new narratives that challenge traditional representations of women, offering instead a vision of a complex, multifaceted female identity.

Allison is wearing Thiki blouse, Totor boots and Tazy skirt.

Can you name some other female artists that inspire you and explain why they do so?

I find inspiration in the work of Evelyne Axell, Dana Schutz, Wangechi Mutu, and Cindy Sherman—all for very different reasons, but each of them has profoundly impacted how I think about art.

Evelyne Axell is a continual source of inspiration for her boundary-pushing exploration of Pop Art and feminine sensuality. The way she embraced her identity and redefined the narrative of desire and freedom aligns with my motivation to reclaim and reshape how stories about women are told in art. Axell’s use of vibrant color and imagery to disrupt norms mirrors my approach to dismantling outdated ideas in art history. I am thrilled to be showing alongside her this November, at Koenig Gallery in Berlin.

Dana Schutz’s ability to merge figuration with abstraction inspires me to explore bold, sometimes uncomfortable narratives. Her approach to storytelling and the way she navigates human vulnerability within her paintings resonates with the emotional depth I channel in my own work.

Wangechi Mutu's art captivates me through its fusion of surrealism and mythology. Her work feels like a portal to another dimension—something I aim to achieve through my own practice.

Cindy Sherman’s exploration and challenge of feminine identity, and the way she morphs herself into various personas fascinates me. She challenges the viewer to question what is real and what is constructed. That sense of narrative fluidity—where identity is something you both perform and subvert—is something I carry into my work, especially when I engage with art historical imagery and reframe it through new perspectives.

Each of these artists’ work reminds me that art can and should challenge the status quo, while opening up space for new conversations.

What would you like people to notice in your artwork?

I want people to see the layers—both visually and conceptually. On the surface, my work is vibrant, maximalist, at times humorous, and intense, but beneath that, there’s a deep narrative about empathy and history. My work invites people to engage with the nuance of experience —whether it’s about reclaiming narratives, examining how technology shapes us, or confronting challenges in our world. I hope viewers walk away with a sense of curiosity, compassion, and a new perspective.

Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?

Creating art affords me the opportunity to challenge a 500-year-old art historical narrative that has left out the female experience, to channel both personal and collective stories, and to help others see the nuances in our journeys. I aim to push against objectification and to uplift marginalized voices. It's an inspiring process to contribute to a lineage of women artists who've reshaped the way we understand strength and identity.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?

I feel very blessed that my feminist voice has been heard and embraced, which has given me immense hope for the future. I feel that we are entering a moment where diverse perspectives, especially those of women, are not just acknowledged but celebrated. It’s deeply encouraging to see this shift and to be part of an ongoing conversation that uplifts and empowers.

Allison is wearing Thiki blouse.