Arleen Olshan: The Tangle I’ve Gotten Into is a significant retrospective now on display at iMPeRFeCT Gallery in Germantown, Philadelphia, through February 21, 2024. This exhibition showcases the work of Olshan, an artist and activist known for her role in founding the William Way LGBT Community Center fifty years ago. The event celebrates a rich history of relationships and activism within the LGBTQ community.
Inside the gallery, Olshan reflects on the diverse range of connections represented in her artwork. “There’s a whole gamut of relationships in this room,” she remarks, emphasizing the depth of her portfolio. Jake Foster, Art Exhibitions Manager at the William Way LGBT Community Center, echoes her sentiments, stating, “We have some really stunning works… and lots of it hasn’t been seen for a very, very long time.”
The exhibition features an array of drawings, paintings, and photographs that date back to 1964. According to Foster, these pieces hold historical significance for Philadelphia’s LGBTQ community. He notes, “It’s wonderful to have them all in one place,” highlighting the importance of preserving and showcasing this part of history.
Art as Tribute and Celebration
The exhibition comprises two major series. The first honors those lost to HIV/AIDS, inspired by a heartfelt request from Olshan’s friend, Gil Forman, who lives with the disease. Olshan recounts, “He gave me a photo and said, ‘Please paint me, I do not want to be forgotten.'” One notable portrait depicts Forman alongside his partner, Zach, illustrating the personal connections that have shaped her life and work.
Olshan continues, “There were literally hundreds of people who have passed in my life, that had touched my life through activism—friends, lovers, coworkers, neighbors, artists, writers.” She mentions individuals like Joe Beam, who created the first anthology of Black gay writers, and Rita Addessa, known for her efforts to pass a gay rights bill. “These people will be remembered and not erased,” she insists, affirming her commitment to preserving their legacies through art.
The second series, titled Women Loving Women, showcases Olshan’s works from the 1970s and 1980s. Reflecting on this period, she notes, “We were all just coming out. We were celebrating being lesbians.” One of her featured pieces, Our Hearts Were Young and Gay, captures the spirit of that celebration. “I don’t want people to stop feeling that celebration,” she emphasizes, encouraging ongoing recognition of love and identity.
As Olshan’s retrospective continues at iMPeRFeCT Gallery, many of the artworks are available for purchase. The exhibition not only highlights her artistic journey but also serves as a vital reminder of the history and resilience of the LGBTQ community in Philadelphia.
Visitors can explore the exhibition at iMPeRFeCT Gallery, located at 5539 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144. The gallery is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 17:00.
