Gallery
Endure - Women artists of the 20th century
The legacy of the female artist in the 20th century is one born of endurance and resistance. In this exhibit, I aim to show several artists and their artwork, and examine the forces that pushed against them in life and how these artists not only endured but in many cases persevered.
What did the female artist of the 20th century have to endure? From whom? And why? These questions, along with many more, beg to be answered. To start, we must examine the idea of Greatness.
Greatness, as a concept, is often asked about female artists. “Why were there no ‘Great’ female renaissance painters?” is a common question. Greatness, as defined in art, is intrinsically linked to masculinity and men. Many women artists were simply not allowed to paint in the same capacity, and those that tried often faced ridicule and ire. Mary Cassat, one of the few female painters that exhibited with the French impressionists, won no favors or curried any kindness with the group, as they often expected her to flirt with the judges or find a man who would vouch for her. Nancy Prophet showed innate talent with sculpture, but was forced to starve herself to get by as art schools would not hire a woman of her skin color. Saint Phalle, a bit of a renaissance woman herself who explored various mediums, too had to deal with the reality of life as she struggled to cope with her unfortunate past.
These artists, and more, show the resilience, strength, and what lengths the woman artist of the 20th century would go to for her goals.
Below is a timeline of each woman's artwork, in order of relevance to the theme. However, you are more than welcome to create your own path and link these paintings as you wish. I believe the artists themselves would've appreciated that as well.
