Abstract by Definition: An Index curated by Saul Ostrow

American Abstract Artists is pleased to announce our 90th Anniversary Exhibition, featuring work by 90 current members at ART CAKE in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The exhibition continues the tradition of anniversary shows that honor AAA’s formation in 1936, and the group’s history of continuous activity since then.

Works have been selected by independent curator Saul Ostrow, who states:

The exhibition Abstract by Definition: An Index is an invitation to consider the diversity of what “abstract” means. By juxtaposing contrasting works, the installation is intended to orchestrate an internal dialogue that reflects on the nature of abstract art across several realms—philosophical, historical, etymological, and symbolic.

ABSTRACT BY DEFINITION: AN INDEX
American Abstract Artists—90th Anniversary Exhibition
Curated by Saul Ostrow
April 11–May 30, 2026
Opening Saturday, April 11, 5–8p
Gallery Hours: Fri/Sat/Sun Noon–6p

Featured Artists:

Alice Adams • Liz Ainslie • Steven Alexander • Eve Aschheim • Emily Berger • Jeffrey Bishop • Susan Bonfils • Power Boothe • Sharon Brant • Marvin Brown • Sharon Butler • Jacob Cartwright • James O. Clark • Beth Dary • Matthew Deleget • Rob de Oude • Gabriele Evertz • Laurie Fendrich • Joanne Freeman • Cris Gianakos • Carrie Golkin • Gary Golkin • Gail Gregg • James Gross • Lynne Harlow • Carl E. Hazlewood • Mara Held • Pinkney Herbert • Daniel G. Hill • Gilbert Hsiao • Rhia Hurt • Phillis Ideal • Julian Jackson • Erick Johnson • James Juszczyk • Cecily Kahn • Marthe Keller • Iona Kleinhaut • Sarah McDougald Kohn • Victor Kord • Jane Logemann • Stephen Maine • Russell Maltz • Nancy Manter • Joanne Mattera • Tom McGlynn • Creighton Michael • Manfred Mohr •  Judith Murray • Lisa Nanni • Christian Nguyen •  Megan Olson • Jim Osman • Alex Paik • John T. Phillips • Don Porcaro • Corey Postiglione • Lucio Pozzi • Debra Ramsay • David Reed • Leslie Roberts • Dorothea Rockburne • Marcy Rosenblat • Ce Roser • Irene Rousseau • David Row • Anne Russinof • Cordy Ryman • Lorenza Sannai • Karen Schifano • Mary Schiliro • Claire Seidl • Edward Shalala • Sonita Singwi • Susan Smith • Melissa Staiger • Audrey Stone • Jason Stopa • Li Trincere • Kim Uchiyama • Clover Vail • Vera Vasek • Don Voisine • Merrill Wagner • Stephen Westfall • Mark Williams • Thornton Willis • Patricia Zarate • Tamar Zinn • Nola Zirin

About the Curator

Saul Ostrow was trained as an artist, but since the 1990s he has primarily worked as an independent critic, curator, and educator. Since 1986, he has curated over 70 exhibitions in the US and abroad. He has served as Co-Editor of Lusitania Press (1996–2004) and as the Editor of the book series Critical Voices in Art, Theory and Culture (1996–2006), published by Routledge. Presently, he is Art Editor at Large at Bomb Magazine. In 2010, he founded Critical Practices Inc., an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose projects include curatorial projects, open forums, and a broadsheet publication.

About AAA

American Abstract Artists was founded in 1936 in New York City. Its aim was to serve as an exhibiting organization and a forum for discussion at a time when American abstract art was facing critical neglect. Early members had ties to the W.P.A. Federal Art Project and A.E. Gallatin's Gallery of Living Art and many were former students of Hans Hofmann.

Beginning with their first public exhibition in 1937, the group's shows had an inestimable impact on raising awareness of abstract art in the United States. The organization became an important artistic hub for European artists, including Piet Mondrian and Josef Albers, who were emigrating from war-torn Europe. Early members like Lee Krasner and Ad Reinhardt were instrumental in forming a distinct strand of American abstract art.

Throughout its 90 year history of continuous operation, AAA has served to foster dialogue among members and present their work collectively to the public. The group is one of the few 20th century art organizations that has remained active in our current century and, thanks to its longevity, the group now offers a uniquely multi-generational viewpoint.

About Art Cake

Art Cake was founded in 2019 by brothers Cordy and Ethan Ryman to provide creatives with space for production and events in New York City. Located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Art Cake also sponsors an artist residency program, which provides affordable workspaces to artists from around the world working in a variety of fine art disciplines, with an aim to build and support a diverse community of artists.