Faith Ringgold, an acclaimed author and artist known for her groundbreaking work that combined painting, textiles, and storytelling through quilts, has passed away at the age of 93. Her unique and highly personal artworks can be found in collections across the country and have broken barriers for Black female artists in a predominantly white male-dominated art world. As a founder of the Where We At artists collective in 1971, Ringgold was a vocal advocate for the representation of Black and female artists in museums and galleries.
Ringgold’s artwork often addresses issues of race and gender while maintaining a vibrant, optimistic, and lighthearted style that reflects her warm memories of growing up in Harlem. Through her narrative quilts, she introduced quilting in her work after being inspired by Tibetan paintings, incorporating handwritten narratives around her acrylic paintings. One of her noteworthy pieces, “Who’s Afraid of Aunt Jemina,” subverts stereotypes by portraying a successful African American businesswoman instead of the typical ‘mammy’ figure.
In addition to her visual art, Ringgold was also a prolific children’s book author, with her first illustrated book, “Tar Beach,” featuring a heroine who flies over the George Washington Bridge as a symbol of women’s empowerment. Her works often focus on historical and cultural figures, with pieces like “The French Collection” weaving together narratives of Black cultural figures with Western art icons. Ringgold’s commitment to social activism is evident in pieces like the “9/11 Peace Story Quilt” created with New York City students to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Throughout her career, Ringgold created numerous public works, including mosaic murals in subway stations in Los Angeles and Harlem that celebrate figures such as Dinah Washington and Malcolm X. Her books for children introduce young readers to prominent Black artists and historical figures, highlighting the achievements of individuals like Langston Hughes and Rosa Parks. Born in Harlem in 1930, Ringgold was the daughter of a seamstress and dress designer, whose influence can be seen in her textile-based artworks.
Despite facing challenges as a Black female artist in a predominantly white male art world, Faith Ringgold’s impact on the art world and beyond is significant. Her legacy as a trailblazer for diversity and representation in the arts will continue to inspire future generations of artists and activists. The news of her passing has sparked tributes from fans and colleagues, honoring her contributions to art, culture, and social justice. May her work continue to inspire and provoke thought for years to come.
