Women Artists You Should Know

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653): often linked with Rome, where she trained in her father’s studio and faced well-known events like her sexual assault and subsequent legal battle. However, she also lived in Naples for over two decades, from 1630 to 1654, briefly staying in London from 1638 to 1640. A Baroque painter whose powerful compositions and bold use of chiaroscuro captivated viewers. Gentileschi was probably the most celebrated female painter of the 17th century, portraying themes of strength, resilience, and the female experience.

Lee Krasner (1908-1984) was a key figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, Krasner's dynamic and gestural paintings reveal her mastery of color, texture, and composition. Despite being overlooked by critics due to her relationship with her husband, Jackson Pollock, Krasner's artistic journey spanned over 50 years, marked by perpetual reinvention across various mediums, including portraits, Cubist drawings, collage, assemblage, and large-scale abstract painting.

Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was a prominent Impressionist painter, and printmaker. Cassatt's intimate portrayals of women and children offer glimpses into domestic life and maternal bonds. Her sensitive brushwork and keen observation capture moments of beauty and tenderness. Unlike her contemporaries, Cassatt was resolute in pursuing art as a career. Disappointed with her art education in the United States, she sought further training in Paris.

Alma Thomas (1891-1978) was an African American artist and educator. Her abstract paintings are vibrant with color, rhythm, and energy. Thomas' innovative use of color theory and geometric abstraction reflects her lifelong commitment to artistic exploration, which flourished later in life. She didn't pursue art as a full-time profession until the age of 68 or 69, after retiring from teaching.

Ana Mendieta (1948-1985) was a Cuban-American artist known for her groundbreaking performance art and earth-body works. Exploring themes of identity, spirituality, and the connection between humans and nature, Mendieta fused art with life. She experimented with performance and other unconventional mediums, even when the art market showed little interest. Her renowned "earth body" works involved imprinting her silhouette onto archaeological sites, beaches, and caves in Cuba, and Mexico.

The contributions of female artists often linger in the shadows of their male counterparts. Whether you're familiar with them or not, we bring you pioneering female artists whose names and artworks should be familiar to all.