This month, we are celebrating the incredible women who have made their mark in the world of art. From painters and sculptors to photographers and writers, these women have not only created beautiful works of art, but have also broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of female artists. In this blog we celebrate some of the amazing women in art who inspire us every day.
And what better way to kick things off than with the iconic Georgia O'Keeffe, an American modernist painter and draftswoman who paved her own path in the art world, creating captivating works that were independent of major movements.
Next up is Frida Khalo, whose art goes beyond just beautiful brushstrokes, as it serves as a powerful symbol of female empowerment. Despite facing challenges and adversity, Kahlo fearlessly expressed her truth and challenged societal norms through her paintings.
“The most important thing for everyone in Gringolandia is to have ambition and become 'somebody,' and frankly, I don't have the least ambition to become anybody." ― Frida Kahlo
Yayoi Kusama, the incredible Japanese artist, with her iconic motifs of pumpkins and polka dots, has become a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary art world. From her stunning infinity rooms to her fusion of abstract expressionism and minimalism, her work continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Representing Japan at the Venice Biennale and having major retrospectives at prestigious museums, Kusama's influence knows no bounds. And she's not alone; she's just one of the many talented contemporary artists pushing the boundaries of painting.
Marlene Dumas is a renowned painter born in 1953 in Cape Town, South Africa, whose unique style and masterful use of fluid lines and delicate colours have made her one of the most influential painters of our time. Her work is internationally recognised and celebrated, especially her stylised figures and intimate portraits. Through her art, Marlene blurs the lines between the public and the private, creating thought-provoking and ambiguous images.
Now we have another iconic figurative portrait artist, Jenny Saville, who was born in 1970 in Cambridge, England. Jenny Saville's art is a powerful exploration of the human body and its perception. Blending classical and modern influences, her paintings capture the raw and imperfect beauty of flesh, reminiscent of Rubens' iconic nudes. As a member of the Young British Artists, Saville's work stands out for its pure focus on figurative painting.
Moving on to another British artist, Tracey Emin is an internationally acclaimed artist whose work spans across various mediums. From installations to neon sculptures and embroidery to paintings, her versatile oeuvre captures the rawness of human experience and emotion. With honesty and vulnerability, Emin delves into her personal life and traumas, creating art that is both poignant and powerful.
Born in 1938 in Riga, Latvia, Visa Celmins has made her mark in the art world with her meticulous paintings and graphite drawings. Now residing and working in New York, her work has captured the hearts of many, connecting minimalism with a contemplative perspective.
Lastly, we have chosen to feature Helen Frankenthaler, whose iconic "stain" painting, Mountains and Sea, shook up the art world in 1952 and continues to inspire today. As one of the leading figures of the Colour Field movement, Frankenthaler's bold use of colour and unconventional pouring technique paved the way for a new era in abstract art. And as a woman in the male-dominated Abstract Expressionist scene, she fearlessly carved her own path and left her mark on the art world.
