“I don’t paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality.” —Frida Kahlo 

Frida Kahlo’s iconic self-portraits became a mirror of her struggles and independence, portraying both physical pain (from a life-altering bus accident) and emotional torment and giving voice to women of her time who were often silenced. 

Kahlo’s struggles mirrored those of many female artists across history. Though female subjects are frequently portrayed in art, women striving for careers as working artists face significant social, cultural and institutional barriers. A 2022 Burns Halperin report showed that only 11% of acquisitions and 14.9% of exhibitions at 31 U.S. museums were works by women artists. Despite these challenges, women have made significant contributions to the arts and continue to assert their place. Let’s shine a light on some of these prominent female artists, from antiquity to the modern era. 

Celebrating Women in Art: A Brief History 

In ancient times, women were involved in pottery, textiles, and sculpture—yet their contributions were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. They had limited access to formal training, which hindered their ability to pursue careers as professional artists. Nevertheless, over time, women began to defy these limitations and make their mark on the art world, even when society attempted to restrict their expression. 

Groundbreaking Female Icons

Here are some female artists who fearlessly challenged artistic and societal norms throughout history: 

  • Artemisia Gentileschi (16th century): A pioneering Baroque painter, Gentileschi’s dramatic, powerful work often featured women in positions of strength and struggle: groundbreaking for her time. 
  • Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (17th century): Known for her portraits of European royalty, Vigée-Lebrun’s elegant depictions of Queen Marie Antoinette portrayed women as dignified, powerful figures, challenging societal norms of the period. 
  • Georgia O’Keeffe (early 20th century): Revered as the “Mother of American Modernism,” O’Keeffe used bold, abstract imagery in her paintings, particularly of flowers and landscapes, challenging traditional views of art and female representation. 
  • Frida Kahlo (early 20th century): Known for her emotive self-portraits, Kahlo’s work explores themes of identity, gender, postcolonialism, and pain. Despite facing significant personal hardships, her art inspired generations of women to embrace their resilience and creativity. 
  • Mary Cassatt (Early 20th century): As an impressionist, Cassatt’s tender portrayals of mothers and children highlighted the quiet strength of women at a time when women were fighting for the right to vote and be heard. 
  • Lee Krasner (20th century): Known for innovative works like “Little Images,” Krasner was integral to abstract expressionism, pushing boundaries in artistic innovation and the reinvention of personal identity through art. 
  • Judy Chicago (contemporary): With feminism as its lens, Chicago’s work, like “The Dinner Party,” celebrated the achievements of women throughout history and challenged traditional perceptions of women’s roles in art. 
  • Miriam Schapiro (contemporary): As a key figure in the feminist art movement, Schapiro bridged the gap between fine art and traditional domestic crafts with her “femmage” style, using quilting and fabric to highlight women’s domestic roles in a creative context. 

Women Redefining Art Today 

In modern times, women have used their creative expression to challenge societal norms and tackle issues like mental health, identity, and race and provide new perspectives on what art can be. The contributions of these women have not only shaped the history of art but also continue to influence contemporary artists today: 

  • Yayoi Kusama, known for her immersive polka-dot installations, has used her art to explore themes of infinity and mental health. 
  • Digital art and social media have given new platforms to female artists like Shantell Martin and Jen Stark, whose work reaches a global audience and inspires new generations. 

The Road Ahead 

Despite the progress made, gender disparities in the art world persist. Women make up 70% of Bachelor of Fine Arts graduates and about 75% of Master of Fine Arts graduates in the U.S., yet only represent 46% of working artists across all artistic disciplines. Women also remain underrepresented in leadership positions within galleries, museums, and auctions, even though they make up most of the staff in these institutions. 

As the art world evolves, women’s voices will continue to shape its future. Whether through traditional painting, digital innovation, or performance art, female artists are breaking barriers and opening new doors for future generations to walk through—without limitations. 

Redefine the Status Quo with a Humanities Degree 

The online Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from The University of Texas Permian Basin explores the intersection of art, culture, history, and identity, which helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills while understanding the impact of creative expression on society. Carefully curated courses like Women Artists (ARTS 3301) and topics such as modern media, art history, virtual reality, and film provide a diverse and inclusive learning experience. Whether you want to champion women artists or chart your own path in the arts, UTPB’s fully online curriculum offers the flexibility and foundation to turn your passion into purpose. It’s a versatile degree that opens doors to many roles and skills you can apply in everyday life. 

Inspire future generations to celebrate and pursue artistic expression without limitations. Apply on your own terms and join the Falcon Family online next semester!