Yesterday was International Women's Day. I deliberately waited to post about this day because I thought it was important to continue the conversation past the designated day. To have a singular day to create awareness is vital, but it is just as pertinent to further the conversation after the day is over.
Although there are many successful women artists in the world, there remains a marked difference between men and women in the arts. Most recently I noticed this during a trip to eight galleries throughout Chelsea. Only one of the galleries was showing work by a woman. The other seven featured the work of men. Women's work is often not recognized as it should be by the New York art markets.
When asked to recite some of my favorite artists or to discuss artists I've studied, I've come to realize I always end up speaking the name of a man. Even now, most of my art history text books did not include very many women artists. I sat down to think about how this had affected me growing up.
I know art in and of itself is an extremely competitive profession with very little rates of success in terms of full-blown career. I've seen fellow female artists grow in jealousy instead of support and try to tear other female artists down instead of lift them up. I find it inane as it is difficult enough in this and any field as a woman. We should be lifting one another up.
So, in an effort to do so I want to highlight some female artists who I greatly admire. I encourage all of you to check out their work as they make strides in mediums such as ceramics, painting, printing, photography, and more. I also recommend that the next time you are in a museum or gallery space to take note of how many women artists are included and to seek out exhibitions featuring women artists.