About a decade ago, a realization struck: there was a vast gap in the writer’s knowledge of female artists. How could that be? Was there a shortage of women creating art, or had their contributions simply been erased from the larger story? This reflection revealed a biased, male-dominated view of art history, which inspired a dedicated study of works by women and a reexamination of the canon.
In the book, the author discusses how certain artistic forms, such as weaving or pottery, have historically been sidelined from the category of art. Women who practiced these crafts were often labeled as working in a secondary sphere, even when their skill and innovation were undeniable. The narrative includes figures like Harriett Powers, an African-American woman born into slavery who forged a compelling visual language from her experiences. The author notes the necessity of challenging the traditional canon because it has long origins rooted in patriarchy and Western centrism, leaving little room for women’s voices.
sweeten the violence
Beyond erasing women from museums and academia, the patriarchal art history has also celebrated works depicting violence against women. The troubling messages of these pieces were often softened by the titles chosen by male stewards of the canon. The role of women in Western art has too often been cast as an object, subject to dehumanizing treatment. Men established this framework, sometimes eroticizing crude scenes of violence while still claiming a lofty artistic lineage. Mythologies such as the transgressions of the Sabine women or Proserpina have been invoked to justify such portrayals. In a notable case, the Portrait of Madeleinea, attributed to Marie Guillemine Benoist, was intended to symbolize liberation yet failed to credit the model’s name; it wasn’t until a 2019 investigation that the model’s identity was clarified.
The status of women in the arts began to shift with later movements that embraced new crafts. The Arts and Crafts movement and avant-garde schools, which prized feminist perspectives and valued activities long dismissed as feminine, helped broaden sightlines. Yet institutions like Bauhaus also carried residual gender biases that persisted into later decades.
Front and rear views of Elizabeth Catlett’s sculpture Black Unity (1968) appear in one historical note, illustrating a moment when women artists began to gain visibility in public art contexts.
The Bauhaus has become a legend, and myths surrounding it still shape perceptions. While challenging these narratives is difficult, understanding their mechanics is crucial. Critical voices must circulate widely and persistently to foster new stories that demand genuine gender equality at the highest levels and an end to discrimination based on gender, race, income, or other factors.
unconventional art, free art
Social change went hand in hand with new artistic avenues, notably photography. This medium lacked the long patriarchal tradition of painting or sculpture, inviting fresh perspectives. Pioneers of photography captured private views of society and, at times, boldly addressed social issues. Vivian Maier, a portrait photographer who created more work while employed as a nanny, gained recognition after her death, while Dorothea Lange is celebrated for her exceptional documentation of the Great Depression.
Photography, though transformative, sits apart from cinema. Filmmaking can lower barriers to entry by requiring less initial budget, yet the industry has long remained male-dominated. The path to leadership has been steep, with many projects unavailable to women. Nonetheless, recent years have seen women win major directing accolades and assume leadership roles in museums and film institutions. There is a clear movement toward greater equality, though progress remains unfinished.
Today, more women lead museums, art centers, and multinational organizations, accelerating the pace of change. Still, the road is lined with continuing challenges. Museums and broader society show progress by elevating women to influential roles, while the arts push for inclusive representation across different communities. This evolution reflects a complex, intertwined struggle for equal access and recognition that spans borders and cultures. A thoughtful advocate for equality argues that the fight is not contained to one country but must be understood as part of a global conversation about rights and creative freedom for all artists, regardless of gender or background.
In an interconnected world, struggles must be shared and supported across borders. Feminism carries weight everywhere, including regions where human rights, including women’s rights, are under threat. In those contexts, creating art is more urgent than ever, as artists challenge oppression and expand the visibility of diverse voices.