International Women’s Day- The Perfect Opportunity To Champion Women In The Arts

International Women’s Day (March 8th) is upon us.  #ChooseToChallenge  #IWD2021

A global event to celebrate the achievements of women, take action for equality and raise awareness of gender bias. A chance to increase the visibility of fantastic female creatives.

Now, this is something we can truly get behind, and the perfect excuse for us to talk about some of the wonderful women in art, and give them the accolades they so deserve. 

If you pose the question of ‘who are the greatest artists of all time’ you will most likely get a lineup exclusively consisting of men. Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh and Michelangelo will almost certainly make their appearance. 

A great tragedy to the world of Art, as many female artists don’t get the recognition they so deserve. 

It is, after all, a man’s world. 

In honour of IWD we’re here to change that narrative, and bring you an all female list of the greatest artists of all time. 

Let the record show that these are just some of our favourites, to put all the talented women in art into a singular list would make for a rather lengthy article. 

Instead we’ve whittled it down to just four.

Firstly the iconic Frieda Kahlo, her striking self-portraits and notorious unibrow have made Kahlo a household name. Despite passing in 1954 Frieda Kahlo continues to inspire the artists of today, and is considered a pivotal predecessor in identity politics.

Next on our list is art phenomenon Yayoi Kusama, considered by many to be ‘the world’s favourite artist’. Yayoi has captured the curiosity of museum goers across the globe, with an estimated 5 million queuing up for a glimpse at her works in the past 5 years. Having spent the last four decades in a psychiatric hospital Yayoi has the kind of genius that borders on insanity.

Thirdly we present Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun. Favoured painter of Marie-Antoinette, flee-er of the French revolution and a life lived in exile; Elisabeth had a truly fascinating life story. A renowned painter and successful artist since her teenage years Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun is most certainly one of art’s greats.

Finally Mary Cassatt, a leading lady of the impressionist movement Cassatt created many images of the social and private lives of women, with emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children. Mary garnered much popularity and acclaim for her works,and is still discussed as one of the Impressionist movement’s pioneers.

International Women’s Day is a perfect opportunity to champion your favourite woman in art. Take the time to appreciate all the wonderful contributions women have made to the world of Art.

What additions would you make to our lineup of the greatest female artists?

Written By: Jessica Rowe