M B U N EWS
IN MEMORY
REMEMBERING JUDITH GODWIN ’52 Pioneering Contemporary Painter and Abstract Expressionist
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ontemporary painter Judith Godwin ’52 passed away May 29, 2021, after achieving international significance as a major innovator within the Abstract Expressionism art movement. The Suffolk native spent two formative years at MBU studying under noted artist-professors like Elizabeth Nottingham and Horace Day. Their tutelage and knowledge of avant garde developments within contemporary art inspired Godwin to enter the fine arts program at what is now Virginia Commonwealth University. She moved to New York after graduating and achieved acclaim by creating bold, vivid works that emphasized “what is important by painting the image of my feelings on canvas,” said Godwin in an interview. Her process was informed by a desire “to accept my feelings honestly, and not [to] falsify.” Painting, for Godwin, was both “an act of freedom and a realization that images generated by the female
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experience can be a powerful and creative expression for all humanity.” Her work is now featured in more than 50 leading museum collections around the world — including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Museum of Modern Art. Godwin viewed her time at MBU as an artistic turning point, heralding it as a springboard for her future career. She subsequently became a dedicated supporter of the university. She gave faithfully to the annual fund year after year, spent half a decade on the Board
of Trustees, exhibited new paintings at Hunt Gallery, gave frequent guest lectures, offered executive guidance for the art program, and more. MBU formally acknowledged Godwin’s devotion and remarkable accomplishments by awarding her an honorary doctoral degree at its 2003 Commencement ceremony. “Judith loved the university and went out of her way to maintain a strong connection,” said Professor Emeritus of Art Paul Ryan. “Her deep connection with and contributions to Abstract Expressionism — one of the great art movements of the 20th century — is significant and something that MBU can take great pride in.”
