Written by Ally Abruscato. Photo courtesy of Halle Garrett.
No matter the medium, female artists have continuously been making an impact on the world. Although at times they’ve been overlooked or overpowered by men, their work remains significant. Many female artists have used their art as a form of self-expression, sometimes discussing what it means to be a woman. These artists and art pieces should receive the attention they deserve. Let’s take a look at a few impactful artists over the years!
Frida Kahlo is one of the most well-known female artists in history. Through her art and her actions, she was known to be true to herself. Kahlo’s paintings, especially her self-portraits, are famous for their bright colors and rich meanings. Her paintings discuss intense topics of womanhood including abortion and miscarriage. She used her artwork to show her internal struggles and difficulties. Likewise, her paintings embraced parts of herself that society told her to hide, including her famous mono-brow. Kahlo was consistently genuine and never attempted to hide her Mexican heritage, bisexuality or womanhood.
Rania Matar is an excellent female photographer, dedicated to exploring identity through her work. She grew up in Lebanon before moving to the United States in the 1980s. Her experience and culture shape a lot of her work. Often shooting women, Matar discusses adolescence and womanhood through photography. From pictures of girls in their rooms to women in larger environments, Matar presents women as they truly are. She remembers her own life experiences and finds similarities and differences in women across the world. Her photographs have been hung in many museums and work to share the realities of being a woman.
Luisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” is a fantastic feminist work of fiction, despite it being published in the 1860s. Alcott herself was ahead of her time, often arguing for women’s rights, including suffrage. Her most famous novel, “Little Women,” speaks to young women about the unfair expectations placed on them as well as the need for sisterhood. The book was so popular that it has remained a classic over the years, even being adapted as a movie several times. The most recent adaptation was headed by Director Greta Gerwig. She took her own spin on the traditional tale, making it relatable to present day women, even though it is set in the same period as the book. By combining Alcott’s reality with the story in her novel, Gerwig creates a multi-layered film that speaks to the realities of women throughout history and into today. Both Alcott and Gerwig made an impact on the portrayal of womanhood and feminism with their connections to “Little Women.”
There are so many amazing female artists that I did not mention that deserve to be acknowledged and admired. Whether it’s painters, photographers, writers or filmmakers, there is an abundance of talented female artists. Just here at SCAD, there are many brilliant and skilled creative women. But we wouldn’t be here if not for the many other great female artists who came before us. We should be thankful for them and for those who continue to create today. Happy Women’s History Month.
