We can do it

Feminist Art Movement Timeline

  • Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair, 1940, oil on canvas, 15 3/4 x 11 in, Museum of Modern Art, New York

    Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair, 1940, oil on canvas, 15 3/4 x 11 in, Museum of Modern Art, New York

    I picked this artwork because it was created after Frida Kahlo's divorce to Diego Riveria. She shows an androgynous look in this artwork (cropped hair, suit), which was uncommon to see in art at the time. I saw that there are interpretations of this artwork being about her divorce or of her bisexuality, but either way I think it's an important feminist artwork either way because it shows autonomy of herself which many women didn't have the opportunity of.
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    Early Feminist Art (1940s-1950s)

    Men dominated art and women were marginalized during this time period. Abstract expressionism was popular during the 1940s and 1950s. Although women were excluded from art, some artists were able to emerge. A few of them were Frida Kahlo and Lee Krasner, whose art subtly spoke out for feminism.
  • Lee Krasner, The Seasons, 1957, oil and house paint on canvas, 92 3/4 x 203 7/8 in, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

    Lee Krasner, The Seasons, 1957, oil and house paint on canvas, 92 3/4 x 203 7/8 in, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

    'The Seasons' is by Lee Krasner, whose artwork was often overshadowed by her husband's. She was one of the few female artists during the abstract expressionist circle. This artwork was created shortly after the death of her husband and is representative of the cycle of life. This contributes to the feminist art movement as she was one of the few female abstract expressionist artists.
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    Birth of Feminist Art (1960s-1970s)

    This era came alongside the Civil Rights Movement and Sex Revolution. This bought more artworks from women of color, although they were still often silenced and many artworks spoke out against sexism. Some prominent artists during this era: Judy Chicago, Barbara Kruger and Louise Bourgeois.
  • Faith Ringgold, American People Series #20: Die, 1967, oil on canvas, two panels, 72 x 144", Museum of Modern Art, New York

    Faith Ringgold, American People Series #20: Die, 1967, oil on canvas, two panels, 72 x 144", Museum of Modern Art, New York

    I chose this artwork because Ringgold was a feminist artist who used artwork to represent the message of racism, violence and sexism such as this one. It shows people (especially women) in an attack that is race fueled and it shows the brutality during race riots towards women.
  • Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party, 1979, monumental installation, 48 ft x 14.63 meters, Brooklyn Museum, New York

    Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party, 1979, monumental installation, 48 ft x 14.63 meters, Brooklyn Museum, New York

    I chose this artwork because it was created to commemorate women who were a part of empowering women such as Virginia Woolf and Sojourner Truth. This artwork bought visibility to the achievements women have done throughout history.
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    Intersectional Feminist Art (1980s-1990s)

    This movement focused on intersectionality within feminist art and also advocacy for women's issues alongside reclaiming identity. Some prominent figures during this art movement: The Guerrilla Girls, Coco Fusco Guillermo Gomez-Pena
  • Miriam Schapiro, Heartland, 1985, acrylic paint, fabric and collage on canvas, 101.6 x 101.6 cm, Smithsonian Art Museum, Washington, D.C

    Miriam Schapiro, Heartland, 1985, acrylic paint, fabric and collage on canvas, 101.6 x 101.6 cm, Smithsonian Art Museum, Washington, D.C

    'Heartland' by Mirian Schapiro showcases crafts that are often associated with women, therefore deemed inferior to male art, using materials such as quilting, sewing, fabric patterns and honoring/putting female dominated hobbies in the same way that male art often is. I chose it because I feel like interests deemed feminine are seen as less than and this put them on the same level.
  • Guerrilla Girls, Do women have to be naked to get naked to get into the Met. Museum?, 1989,  print, ink and paper, 22 x 28 in The Tate Modern, London

    Guerrilla Girls, Do women have to be naked to get naked to get into the Met. Museum?, 1989, print, ink and paper, 22 x 28 in The Tate Modern, London

    This artwork was chosen because it was a loud, accurate message that called for advocacy towards women in the art world to be allowed in without being forced under the male gaze. I chose it because it is advocating for women and still is true, in art and other professions unfortunately.
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    Contemporary Feminist Art (2000s-Now)

    Contemporary feminist art involves many mediums such as sculptures, photography and digital art. It has emphasized reclaiming identity - for example for women with queer identity, global perspectives such as Africans, Asians etc. It involves topics like race, sexuality, colonialism, reproductive rights and justice. Some artists that are known right now: Karah Walker, Simone Leigh, Zanele Muholi.
  • Kara Walker, A Subtlety, or the Marvelous Sugar Baby, 2014, sculpture plastic & carving, 35 x 75 ft, Domino Sugar Factory, Brooklyn, New York

    Kara Walker, A Subtlety, or the Marvelous Sugar Baby, 2014, sculpture plastic & carving, 35 x 75 ft, Domino Sugar Factory, Brooklyn, New York

    I chose this sculpture because it represents the sexualization of black women while also facing racial discrimination in the past and even present. The artist used a caricature of black women to spread a message about the dehumanizing of black women that's happened historically.
  • Simone Leigh, Brick House, 2019, bronze sculpture,16 ft x 9 ft, High Line Plinth, New York City

    Simone Leigh, Brick House, 2019, bronze sculpture,16 ft x 9 ft, High Line Plinth, New York City

    I also chose this sculpture because this one is a strong message for feminism, but unlike the other sculpture this one is less depressing. It represents how black women have often been the supportive structure in society.