Faith Ringgold

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Faith Ringgold (b. 1939) is a painter, mixed media sculptor, performance artist, writer, teacher and activist best known for her story quilts. Born and raised in Harlem, she worked for almost 20 years as a teacher in New York City public schools. Ringgold’s artwork is political exploring themes race, gender and American history. Her early work responded to the Civil Rights and feminist movements. At 90 years of age, Ringgold is still a prominent voice in the art world, advocating for women artists of color, and has received numerous awards and honors while still creating powerful works of art today.

 

Workshop

Let’s take inspiration from Faith Ringgold’s early Black Light Series (1967-1969) and celebrate some of the extraordinary Black women, friends and family that matter in our lives!

  1. Think of a special Black woman, friend, family member or someone significant in history (current or past) that you’d like to celebrate

  2. Write down the reasons why you chose them and a few words that come to mind when you think of them

  3. Paint a portrait in real life, from memory or even by using the words that came to mind

  4. Share your painting with other friends, family, students, and teachers by celebrating

    your artwork and all the reasons why they matter to you!

Materials

• Paper or Canvas
• Paint
• Brushes
• Pencil & Paper

Follow Up

Who did you choose to celebrate? Why?
Did you choose to paint a portrait, use text or both?
What words, stories or thoughts came to mind when you were creating your portrait?
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate the Black women, friends and families in our lives?

Faith Ringgold Black Light Series #6: Love Black Life, 1969

Faith Ringgold Black Light Series #6: Love Black Life, 1969

 

“I wanted to make a difference and I decided I was going to use art to do it. ”

- Faith Ringgold

 
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Helen Frankenthaler