Be Inspired: The Great Women Artists Podcast
We recently came across a wonderful podcast The Great Women Artists presented by art historian and curator, Katy Hessel. Katy interviews artists on their career, or curators, writers, or general art lovers, on the female artist who means the most to them. There are over 40 episodes (and counting) to dive into, including episodes on Elizabeth Catlett (sculptures pictured), Louise Bourgeois and Eva Hesse. Interviews with Cornelia Parker, Maggi Hambling and Es Devlin to name a few. Jump on over to The Great Women Artists website and get listening!
Pictured: sculptures by Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012), which were shared by Katy on the @thegreatwomenartists Instagram account. Along with this info: A painter and printmaker, Elizabeth Catlett was also famed for her sculptures of men, women, and children that explored themes relating to race and feminism. One of her foremost works “Black Unity”, 1968 (pictured top) was made at the height of the Civil Rights Movement and encompasses strength, community, Black identity, and self-determination. Made two decades after she moved to Mexico, this ENORMOUS fist conjures many meanings (which we discuss in depth in the episode): athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists during a medal ceremony at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, a gesture of protest and Black unity popularized by the Black Panther Party. On the reverse of the work, two peaceful visages are carved in the style of African masks. The faces and the fist, two seemingly opposing images symbolize both quiet strength and defiant resolve. Always challenging the past and paving the way for the future (she was also a great educator, and artists would come for miles to learn with her), Catlett was also known for her Mother and Child works – a subject that has so often been presented as white in the history of art.
You can listen to the Elizabeth Catlett episode here.
Above left: Elizabeth Catlett, Target, 1970. Above right: Elizabeth Catlett with David Mora Catlett, El Abrazo (The Embrace).