Fahamu Pecou, Nunna My Hero: After Barkley Hendricks’ ‘Icon for My Man Superman’, 1969, 2011, Acrylic, gold leaf, and oil stick on canvas 63 x 49 1/2 inches. Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University; Gift of Marjorie and Michael Levine

Superman and Wonder Woman are two of the most beloved icons in American pop culture. Created in times of economic adversity and world war, these characters quickly emerged as beacons of American morality, representing the ideals of truth, justice, and the American way.

Men of Steel, Women of Wonder is a new exhibition developed by Crystal Bridges’ Assistant Curator, Alejo Benedetti, that examines art world responses to Superman and Wonder Woman ranging from their Depression-era origins to today’s contemporary artist interpretations. The exhibition features over 70 paintings, photographs, installations, videos, and more by a wide range of artists.

Offering fresh perspectives on these cultural icons and tapping into our current national love for superheroes, the artists in Men of Steel, Women of Wonder use Superman and Wonder Woman to explore national identity, American values, social politics, and the concept of humanity in an exciting, thought-provoking, unforgettable exhibition.