Discover PHL's guide to upcoming exhibitions puts PAFA in the spotlight, with Only Tony: Portraits by Gilbert Lewis and Taking Space: Contemporary Women Artists and the Politics of Scale making the list.

On Only Tony:

This fall, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts — the first and oldest art museum and art school in the nation — will display a collection of 32 portraits by Philadelphia artist Gilbert Lewis, all of which focus on longtime model, Tony. With portraits spanning almost a decade, Only Tony examines the transition from young man to adult, the relationship between artist and model, and offers a queer perspective on the history of figurative art in the United States. On view in the Historic Landmark Building from November 19, 2020 through May 16, 2021. The show will join concurrent Gilbert Lewis exhibitions at the Woodmere Museum or Art and William Way LGBTQ Community Center, celebrating and shining a light on Lewis’ impact within his community.

On Taking Space: 

One of three exhibitions held by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts between 2020 and 2021 that celebrate women artists and honor the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, Taking Space: Contemporary Women Artists and the Politics of Scale features works by over 30 women artists, focusing on space, size, and repetition in the artworks and how these characteristics can be interpreted as political gestures by the artists. On view November 19, 2020 through April 11, 2021 in the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building.