The Powerful Legacy of Women in Art World
Women have been tremendously influential in the world of art, from the Renaissance period to modern-day. Despite the traditional social conventions and gender stereotypes of the era, female artists have managed to break barriers, explore each their unique creativity, and defy preconceived notions of what constitutes female art. Consequently, they have left a massive impact on the world of art.
From the dawn of time, women have been involved in creative pursuits and the history of art. Across the centuries, the contributions of female artists have been integral in the progression and development of the art world. Here, we take a look at some of the most influential artists and how their works impacted art as we know it today.
A Brief Overview of Women in Art
Throughout its existence, the art world has been dominated by male artists, but women have been able to carve out a place for themselves regardless of the obstacles in their way. Many of their works have gone unrecognized, their contributions have been overlooked and the works of pioneers in the field have been lost over time.
However, despite the odds, female artists have have persevered, forming an incredible legacy for future generations of artists. From the Renaissance of the 15th century to the Postmodern period of the 20th century, women have left an indelible mark on the art world.
Impactful Artworks Across the Centuries
From the 16th to 18th centuries, female artists were slightly outnumbered by their male counterparts, during the Classical period. However, their works still flourished – showing an incomparable blend of emotion, representation and creativity. Here are some of the most influential female painters of this period:
● Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625): sometimes referred to as the ‘first great woman in the history of art’, Anguissola was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period. Amongst her successes, she was invited to the court of King Phillip II of Spain at the recommendation of Michelangelo and became the first female to gain recognition for an artistic career.
● Judith Leyster (1609-60) – The Dutch painter was famous for her genre works depicting scenes of everyday life and portraits. She was one of the most successful female painters of the era, and her talent and achievements are currently receiving more recognition.
● Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653) – a remarkable artist, she became an early female exponent of the Baroque style. She was one of the first women to take a lead role in challenging artistic tradition and using strong and astute female characters in her works. Gentileschi, who openly utilized the ugliness of female suffering in order to unravel the power of her female subjects, is today seen as a dominating force of the European artistic scene.
The 19th Century: New Established Centers of Power
The 19th century saw a massive influx of female talent in the art world. While their works were often overshadowed by their male counterparts, women continued to leave an enduring legacy in the field. Here are some of the most influential female artists from the time.
● Rosa Bonheur (1822-1899) – the French animal painter and sculptor was admired for her bold and novel works that obliterated traditional stereotypes regarding acceptable female pursuits. She garnered wide acclaim and recognition for her works and was the first female artist to ever be awarded the prestigious Cross of the Legion of Honor.
● Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) – the American painter specialized in the Impressionist style, becoming one of the best-known representatives of the movement. Her distinct style captured the simple daily lives of women in domestic settings, with the focus on mother-and-child portraits instead of traditional romantic themes and religious subjects.
● Marie Bashkirtseff (1858-1884): a Russian painter noted for her lyrical and intense works, Bashkirtseff was also a famous diarist who wrote about her life and the difficulties of being an artist at this time. She captured the world around her in vivid impressions and sketches, beautifully recording everyday scenes that ranged from animals to people, in oils, watercolors and charcoal.
20th Century Serves as a Catalyst for Change
The 20th century saw the emergence of female voices in the once-dominant male art world, with some of the most revolutionary works from renowned female artists. Many of the women artists from this era pushed the boundaries of art, utilizing modern media to express themselves. A few of the most impactful female artists of the time include:
● Frida Kahlo (1907-1954): the Mexican painter is an instantly recognizable icon and a symbol of strength and creative expression. She pushed the boundaries of art, with her own works always taking precedence over her political affiliations or her romantic relationships. Her iconic works continue to strike an emotional chord with their viewers.
● Lee Krasner (1908-1984): the American artist is credited with the development of abstract expressionism. She used her works to convey powerful messages of female power along with the exploration of identity, womanhood and the body.
● Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002): the French artist was widely celebrated for her bold and vivid works of art. She combined different elements of art such as painting, sculpture and playground installations. Her works have continued to be influential in 20th century art.
Present-Day Pioneers
Today, women are playing an increasingly important role in art, and are being acknowledged as inspiring figures and creative visionaries in the modern art world. Some of the most inspiring female aritists of the present times include:
● Marlene Dumas (1953-present): the South African artist has gained recognition for her challenging and expressive works. Exhibitions of her works in major cities like London, Paris and New York have sparked high praise from art lovers.
● Jenny Holzer (1950-present): the American Conceptual artist is well-known for her large-scale public installations, often utilizing LED and other new media formats. Her works are deeply reflective of issues faced by women, such as gender stereotypes, control and justice.
● Lupuene Nuba (1983-present): the Congolese mixed-media artist has gained worldwide recognition for her awe-inspiring works of art. She combines traditional techniques with her own unique vision to create gentle and powerful works that draw attention to the everyday struggles of women.
Throughout history, female artists have consistently impacted art with their unique and powerful works. The volume of their contributions may have been overshadowed by their male counterparts, but their legacy has consistently grown in potency over time. It is no wonder then, why female artists continue to be revered, inspiring and influencing present day and future generations.
