Johanna Foster, Ph.D., professor of Sociology and the Helen Bennett McMurray Endowed Chair in Social Ethics, is presenting a solo exhibition at the New Jersey City University Visual Arts Gallery through May 28.
Titled “Formidable Women, Dangerous Times,” the exhibition features a powerful body of figurative painting inspired by fierce women, both real and imagined, who have inspired courage and perseverance in devastating times.
“I have been so fortunate for the chance to expand my academic training and practice in fine art over these past few years, and I’m really excited for the opportunity to bring this new expertise into the sociology program in the years to come. I know many students at Monmouth are interested in the intersections of visual art and social issues, and the sociology of art is a subfield in our discipline that I’m looking forward to incorporating more fully into our program. Our great colleagues in the Department of Art and Design, and the Monmouth University Center for the Arts, are already offering terrific opportunities for our students who are curious about the intersection of art and society, and this experience will help me better contribute to the amazing arts community that we are lucky to have here at Monmouth,” Foster said.
Through a series of evocative portraits ranging from larger-than-life renderings to small scale works, Foster explores themes of personal and political resistance. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on women’s strength while offering a space for connection, recognition, and healing.
The gallery, located at 100 Culver Ave., Jersey City, and is open Monday through Friday, from noon to 5 p.m. Appointments outside regular hours may be scheduled by emailing gallery@njcu.edu.
Foster recently received the Donald Warncke Award for her commitment to service and dedication to Monmouth University and its faculty union, where she served as president and chief negotiator from 2019 to 2025.