Black History Month: Faith Ringgold
Today’s inspiring artist for Black History Month is hard to pin down, because she’s made significant work in so many media. Let’s talk about:
I think Faith Ringgold was the first Black artist I had ever heard my parents mention when I was a child, but that was it — only a mention. Later I thought she was “just“ a children’s book author who also made quilts. Wow, what an understatement. At various times in her life, Ringgold has been a painter, writer, mixed media sculptor, performance artist, and a public artist, as well as a narrative quilter.
Faith Ringgold, “Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles.” Photo credit: faithringgold.com
Oh yeah, and an anti-racist, feminist activist too. I could go on, but here are a few reasons I like her and her work:
The more-is-more aesthetic of her quilts, which are packed with text and paint on printed fabric
The variety of media in which she’s expressed herself
Her lack of interest in subtle messages — it’s all out there, especially if you look closely
Ringgold’s art is well-represented in prestigious museums like the Met, the Guggenheim, the Studio Museum of Harlem, and many more. If you’re in New York, you can also see her mosaics in the subway, at 125th Street. I’m not sure how active the artist is at this point — she turns 93 this year — but She has Lived a LIFE. Faith Ringgold doesn’t owe anyone anything.
More inspiring artists to come. See you tomorrow…
