2019
48 x 48”
Oil and newspaper on canvas
On loan from the The Family Collection

Bagwell created “In the Kitchen” in 2019, two years before the arrival of its sister-piece “Laundry Ladies” in 2021.

Both comment on women’s gender roles, specifically the historical expectation of women to keep the day-to-day life running smoothly, whether that be in the kitchen or ironing and folding laundry.

Look closely at the women: note their facial expressions, posture, and hands to gain insight into their complex attitudes. The newspaper insets include references to women’s rights.