Seeing and Recognition

The Paintings of Lee Sherry

Curated by David McDonough, Susan Bee, and Zak Vreeland

Opening Reception: Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 • 6-8 PM

On view through May 31st, 2026

Field of Play is pleased to announce Seeing and Recognition, the first survey show of the paintings of Lee Sherry (1947-2012). Lee was the daughter of founders of The Second City theater troupe. She had close ties to the Language poets and was part of an avant-garde painting circle in SoHo. Lee showed in the 1970s and 1980s but never gained wide recognition or fame. She left behind a mysterious and enigmatic body of work that is particular to her sensibility while channeling centuries of painting interests and special techniques. Rarely seen yet deeply resonant, Sherry’s singular practice feels at once ancient and strikingly fresh. This show introduces her elusive and poetic work to a new audience.