Femme Art
Having a career in art, fashion, and design is a dream for many, yet it is a challenging road to navigate. As a woman who has chosen to embark on a more artistic life path, it's hard to overlook the disparity in representation between successful male and female artists.
This has been on my mind for weeks, leading to endless research and consideration of whom to mention. Don’t get me wrong though, my intention is not to diminish the work of male artists, but rather to shine a light on remarkably talented women in the field. Their work is not just aesthetically captivating and inspiring but also evokes a ton of emotions.
Paula Rego stands out as one of the most renowned women in the art world, exhibiting in major cities and prestigious festivals like the Venice Biennale. The late British-Portuguese artist's work is centered on large pastel paintings featuring characters that narrate stories while conveying underlying emotions such as rage, longing, and loneliness. Her surrealistic style incorporates animal-like figures, yet it also bears a significant influence from the classical period, evident in her depiction of fabric and poses. Rego's work exudes mystery and an unsettling allure that demands contemplation. Among her pieces, "War" and the "Dog Woman" series are the ones I found to be most striking. Reflecting on her art, I came across a quote by her that resonated deeply: “To find one's way anywhere one has to find one's door, just like Alice, you see. You take too much of one thing and you get too big, then you take too much of another and you get too small. You've got to find your own doorway into things.”
"Dog Woman Series" by Paula Rego. Courtesy of the artist.
War by Paula Rego via Tate Museum. Courtesy of the artist.
Laura Soto's work first caught my eye around two years ago when I stumbled upon her Instagram page during an aimless scroll. Since then, I've been obsessed with her mixed-media sculptures, which blend various materials to create large, ethereal forms in an endless array of pastel shades. Her art speaks to my inner child, transforming mundane objects into whimsical and chaotic yet beautiful creations; she is someone I constantly reference when doing visual research. Soto's work has been exhibited in the United States and Milan.
Flesh and Flood, 2018 by Laura Soto. Courtesy of the artist.
Amy Bravo is another artist I discovered through social media and instantly connected with. This Italo-Cuban artist, born in New Jersey and currently based in New York City, explores themes of cultural identity and personal narratives in her work. Her pieces, exhibited across the US and Europe and represented by galleries like Swivel Gallery in Brooklyn and Semiose in Paris, possess an intimate quality derived from her exploration of family stories. Bravo's incorporation of religious Latino iconography initially drew me in, and her unique technique of cutting and sewing canvas adds depth to her compositions. She is definitely one to watch.
Disinheriting The Bull, 2024 by Laura Soto. Courtesy of the artist.
Esther Ruiz, a sculpture and digital collage artist based in Brooklyn, NYC, draws inspiration from geology and sci-fi landscapes. Her artworks, crafted from a variety of materials including stone, quartz, concrete, acrylic, and fluorescent lighting, exude a dreamlike quality while maintaining an earthy foundation. Ruiz's pieces not only inspire but also serve as aspirational additions to any space, sparking intriguing conversations. She has exhibited her work extensively throughout the USA and Paris.
Codex, 2023 by Esther Ruiz. Courtesy of the artist.
Lastly, Delphine Dénéréaz, a French textile artist residing in the south of France, focuses her practice on weaving. Her art serves as a tribute to everyday life, incorporating motifs from her surroundings and teenage memories. Dénéréaz's work strikes a balance between wholesomeness and romanticism, transforming the mundane into the magical through her intricate tapestries. One of my favorite examples of her work is "Bienvenue à Delfunland," showcased in a personal exhibition. Her art has been exhibited in Europe and East Asia.
