Ricky Bernstein (American, b.1952), Betty’s Big Night, from the Kitchen Dreams Series, 2013. Blown, sandblasted and painted glass, colored pencil, aluminum and mixed media.
By Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass | Published April 8, 2020 | Full size is 639 × 497 pixels
Though his works are often described as whimsical due to theme, use of color and pattern and their larger-than-life scale, Ricky Bernstein believes this term “…belies the seriousness of the subject matter.” The main character in this work is Betty, a 1950’s housewife aspiring to win her husband’s office party contest. Her fantastic balancing act creates a perfect metaphor for the roles, expectations and aspirations of women in the 1950’s, as seen by the artist.
Partial gift of Ricky Bernstein and museum purchase with funds from Ron Abramson, Carl and Elizabeth (Betty) Pforzheimer, Solomon (Sonny) and Gloria Kamm, David and Monica Bernstein, Sheldon Bruce Palley, Peter Zandan, Mariah Riess, Warren and Margot Coville (Trico Foundation), Ann Rollins, Alan and Barbara Boroff, Henry and Linda Wasserstein, Bonita (Bonnie) Marx, Julia Mueller, John and Liane Butitta, and Chris Rifkin
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