Gertrude Abercrombie (American, 1909–1977), Witches' Switches, 1952. Oil on Masonite, 16 × 20 in. (40.64 × 50.8 cm). Milwaukee Art Museum, Gift of the Gertrude Abercrombie Trust. M1979.30.
Black cats, broomsticks, and other stereotypical attributes of sorcery often feature in Gertrude Abercrombie’s many self-portraits. The four extensions of differently colored hair in Witches’ Switches continue this theme, while also relating to the theatrical way the artist presented herself. In fact, Abercrombie’s self-presentation earned her the unofficial title of Chicago’s “queen of the bohemian artists.” She once said of her paintings: “I am not interested in complicated things nor in the commonplace. I like and like to paint simple things that are a little strange. My work comes directly from my inner consciousness and it must come easily.” This emphasis on the unusual and unexpected links Abercrombie’s paintings to the surrealist works by John Wilde and Kay Sage.
