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When Gods Came Home
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With the advent of the 19th century, Indian art underwent significant changes in production and distribution with the first daguerreotype photography, Battala woodcut prints, Kalighat paintings, and lithographs. Now art came to be mass-produced, and Raja Ravi Varma led this movement through his oleographs. Largely credited as the man who brought the Gods home, Raja Ravi Varma redefined iconographic and aesthetic idiom in classical Indian art. Ravi Varma gave new meaning to collecting and owning art through his lithographic Press. This pioneering step made it possible for the common man to own a piece of art produced by the incredible Raja Ravi Varma! Credited for many-a-firsts, Raja Ravi Varma was world-renowned as the pioneering Indian painter that focused on perspective. He was also famous for using oil paint in his artworks. He led the pathbreaking approach by depicting Hindu gods and goddesses in a human form. His stories, settings, and scenes were replete with those of Hindu mythological works like Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas. We can say that he was the first Indian artist to gain widespread international fame at a time when painters and artisans largely remained either anonymous or unidentified; and the first to make his work available not just to a specific class of patrons but also to ordinary people by way of his oleographs.
Artists and connoisseurs started converting canvas-based artworks into oleographs or chromolithographs in the 1830s. Europe was the first destination that saw the setting up of printing presses that made colorful lithographic art prints. Its demand soared on the back of commercialization in the 1860s. The process behind such reproduction was intricate. It helped artists to replicate on paper the brush strokes, textures, paintings, shades, hues, and colors of an oil painting. This held particular appeal to leading artists like Raja Ravi Varma. Until then, his artworks were available only to an exclusive group of affluent people. With these lithographs, the painter could expand access to his religious imagery far beyond his existing clientele.
Raja Ravi Varma started The Ravi Varma Fine Art Lithographic Press in 1894 at Girgaum, later moving to Ghatkopar in Bombay, and finally shifted it to Malavli, near Lonavala, in 1899. The Press was the most extensive picture printing establishment in India and the most innovative. Along with hand-coloring, the process involved using as many woodblocks or litho-stones to match the colors and tones to transfer the image. It would take several months to produce an oleograph, depending on the number of colors in the original work.
There is an interesting anecdote behind this work. The renowned painter was advised by Dewan Sir Tanjavur Madhava Row. He had a simple idea to meet the massive demand for replicas of his artworks. The painter could send his works to Europe, where his paintings could be replicated as oleographs. As it happened, this move led to a widespread clamor for Ravi Varma's works.
Later, the painter and his brother Raja Raja Varma decided to set up and operate a press. For this, they took the help of Fritz Schleicher. He was instrumental in establishing the media and looking after its operations. In this venture, Ravi Varma partnered with a local entrepreneur, Govardhandas Khataumakhanji. The Ravi Varma Fine Art Lithographic Press commenced its operations in July 1894 with a chromolithograph, "Birth of Shakuntala" (Shakuntala/Sakoontala Janma).
Two months after that (September 1894), the Press rolled out the oleographs of Lakshmi and Saraswati. This was considered highly radical for its times. This was because of a rampant tradition of restricting specific classes of society from accessing religious methods and places of worship. With the production of these two lithographs, several religious restrictions were crossed, thereby unilaterally democratizing all classes' equal access to the images of their beloved gods and goddesses. These images and many of those produced subsequently became objects of socio-religious and popular culture. The viewers conversed with these lithographs daily following a concept of 'darshan' ('seeing' a religious object) and 'prayer,' 'making these chromolithographs exceedingly important and relevant in the socio-cultural lives of households.
The oleographs printed here were very popular and continued to be published in thousands for many years, even after the death of Raja Ravi Varma in 1906. Later, as each piece became unique and more valuable, many of Ravi Varma's oleographs were embellished with zardozi (gold and silver metallic threads), sequins, glitter, and beads. In today's day and age, these rare lithographs are prized collectibles.
Check out the digital reproductions of these lithographs and more on our website: https://art.rtistiq.com/en/nftdrop/raja-ravi-varma-nft-auction.
Raja Ravi Varma, Birth of Sakuntala (Shakuntala Janma) Image courtesy: Google Arts & Culture; Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation
Raja Ravi Varma, (Lakshmi) Image courtesy: Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation
Raja Ravi Varma, (Saraswati) Image courtesy: Raja Ravi Varma Heritage Foundation
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Why we Need Art for our Homes
We usually think about buying art for our homes as a form of decor. And yes, that is an important role that art serves for us. But bringing art home has so many important benefits that are worth considering. These certainly include the look and feel of your rooms, but they also can improve our mood and creativity. Works of art for the home allow us to bring our internal values and tastes onto our walls. These amazing reasons to share your home with art make it so surprising that many people don’t have much art up on their walls at all. That’s something we’d like to change. So let’s dive into some of the core reasons we need art for our homes. On the journey, we should get a deeper appreciation for these pieces that we share our lives with. "la part du silence" 01, CHRISTIAN DE CALVAIRAC Art and Home Design Let’s start with the most obvious: art can emphasize and transform our home design. There is nothing like art to sharpen the look of our homes. When we want to bring out certain features, like the color of the wood panelling or the abundance of natural light in the morning, nothing works better than paintings, sculptures, and wall hangings. For instance: when we buy art for a minimalist home, we can bring in new details and motifs to liven up the look, or we can mirror the simple lines and stark colors to enhance the effect. Art pieces for home decor are great ways to use our own creativity in collaboration with the artist. We get to combine multiple elements to bring our home into alignment with ourselves. It’s worth mentioning that art is also one ofthe only ways that renters can take control of their interior design. While homeowners have some ability to make structural changes, many renters aren’t even allowed to paint their walls. Art can be the perfect solution for renters. It allows them to radically transform their living space without losing their deposit! Light, Tran Tuan Art for Mood If we go a little deeper, we can also use art to improve our mood. When we purchase art to make us happy or calm or energized, we can supercharge the rooms in our house with these effects. Let’s say you want to buy art for your home office. You can choose calming colors to keep you on an even keel (like greens and blues). Or, if you need that extra jolt of energy, you can try paintings with reds and yellows. We can follow this principle throughout our house. And we can go beyond color to focus on subject matter. Maybe you have beautiful memories from your childhood trips to the beach. Oceanscapes can fill your bedroom, allowing you to recharge and reconnect. Art is an incredible way to boost and change your mood. There’s really nothing like it. And what’s even better is that you can move art around. You don’t need to commit forever. As your tastes and needs change, so can the art in your house. The Marriage Proposal, PIERRE SOUFFLET Art to Express Yourself Your living space deserves to be your sanctuary, a place where you feel accepted and safe. It should make you feel, well, at home. Art expresses so much, the entire realm of human experience can be found in it. And when we purchase art, we begin to make a statement about ourselves. What are our values? Our beliefs? What do we find beautiful? By putting art up in our homes, we can let the core of who we are shine. This connects us back to who we are, and it can also reveal things that we didn’t even know about ourselves. Serenity, FEROZ KHAN Buying Art for the Home All of the above reasons make it clear that no home is complete without art and art prints on the walls! And yet, so many people allow their walls to stand bare. It doesn’t have to be this way. The truth is, there is always room for art in the budget. It’s such an essential part of our lives, and a home without anything on the walls isn’t much of a home at all. Sure, it can be intimidating to begin buying wall art. But if we remind ourselves of why we need art in our homes, that can help guide us to buy the right kind of work. Here are 5 tips on how to buy art online. If you are thinking about where to buy art for your home, RtistiQ is the place to be. Our platform makes the experience of buying art for yourhome enjoyable. From abstract art to nature collections, our online art gallery offers a wide selection of work in many different styles that fit your home. Explore our artworks today! Cover Image: Vibration of Nature, by AFSHANA SHARMEEN
Aesthetic Harmony: Choosing Artworks for Different Rooms in Your Home
When it comes to designing your living space, art plays a crucial role in adding character, ambience, and personal touch to each room. Selecting suitable artwork for different parts of your home can transform a mere living space into a captivating haven. Whether you're aiming for a cosy living room, a serene bedroom, or a vibrant kitchen, this article will guide you through the process of choosing artwork that harmonizes with each room's unique style and purpose. By considering factors such as room function, colour scheme, and personal preferences, you can curate a collection that truly reflects your individuality and enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home. Living Room Art The living room is often the centrepiece of a home, where family and guests gather. Therefore, selecting artwork for this space should create a focal point and set the tone for the entire room. Consider these tips when choosing art for your living room: Size and Placement: Opt for larger pieces or a gallery wall to make a statement. Place the art at eye level to ensure it captures attention without overwhelming the space. Style and Theme: Consider the existing decor and architectural elements. Whether your living room has a modern, eclectic, or traditional style, choose artworks that complement and enhance the overall aesthetic. Colour Palette: Take into account the colour scheme of your living room. Artworks that incorporate colours in your furnishings or accent pieces can tie the room together beautifully. Personal Taste: Select art that resonates with you on a personal level. Whether it's a favourite artist, a specific style, or a piece that holds sentimental value, your living room art should reflect your personality. For a more in-depth view with regards to collecting art for the Living Room, check this article "Choosing Art for Your Living Room: Elevate Your Space with Captivating Artworks" Jade Dragon 2021 by ALESSIA LU on RtistiQ | Abstract Painting Bathroom Art Though often overlooked, the bathroom is an intimate space where you can infuse art to create a serene and relaxing ambience. Consider these suggestions when choosing art for your bathroom: Moisture-Resistant Materials: Bathrooms are prone to humidity and moisture, so choose artworks made from materials that can withstand these conditions. Sealed canvases, framed prints, or art decals are great options. Calming Imagery: Select art that promotes a soothing atmosphere. Opt for nature-inspired pieces, such as seascapes, botanical prints, or abstracts with soft tones, to create a tranquil environment. Scale and Placement: Bathrooms often have limited wall space, so choose smaller art pieces that fit the available area. Consider placing art above the bathtub, near the vanity, or on empty walls for a touch of elegance. Framing and Glass: To protect the artwork from moisture damage, use high-quality frames with protective glass or opt for frameless painting like acrylic prints. BLACK HORSE 2022 by ARTIST RAJASEKHARAN Kitchen Art The kitchen is a lively space where culinary creativity thrives. Choosing art for this area can inject personality and visual interest into the heart of your home. Consider the following factors when selecting art for your kitchen: Style and Theme: Decide on the overall tone of your kitchen, whether it's modern, rustic, or eclectic. Choose art that complements the decor, such as food-themed pieces or bold graphic prints. Colour and Contrast: Use art to add pops of colour and contrast to your kitchen. Consider the colour of your cabinetry and walls when selecting artwork, aiming for pieces that harmonize or create a striking juxtaposition. Practicality: Kitchens are high-traffic areas with a propensity for splatters and stains. Opt for artworks that are easy to clean, such as framed prints or canvas pieces that can be wiped down. Placement Options: Explore various placement options beyond traditional wall hangings. Utilize open shelves to display small sculptures, or consider magnetic frames on the refrigerator for a unique touch. Bedroom Art The bedroom is a private sanctuary for relaxation and personal expression. Choosing art for your bedroom involves creating a calming atmosphere that reflects your taste and promotes restfulness. Consider the following tips when selecting art for your bedroom: Mood and Emotion: Choose art that evokes emotions or memories you find soothing or inspiring. Consider soft landscapes, abstracts, or gentle figurative pieces that create a tranquil environment. Colour Palette: Opt for artwork with a colour scheme that promotes relaxation. Soft hues and pastels can enhance the peaceful ambience of the space, while muted or monochromatic pieces offer a more serene aesthetic. Scale and Placement: Determine the appropriate scale of artwork based on the size of your bedroom. Oversized pieces can be a focal point, while more miniature paintings can create a gallery-like display. Personal Connection: Select art that holds personal significance or reflects your interests and passions. Whether it's a cherished photograph, a favourite artist, or a piece that complements your overall bedroom theme, the art should resonate with you deeper. Hallways and Entryways Hallways and entryways serve as transitional spaces, connecting different parts of your home. Utilizing art in these areas can make a striking first impression and add visual interest. Consider the following tips when selecting art for your hallways and entryways: Gallery Wall: Create a dynamic display by arranging a collection of more miniature artworks or photographs along the hallway or entryway. Mix different sizes and styles for an eclectic look. Mirrors and Reflections: Incorporate mirrors or mirrored art to add depth and make the space appear larger. They can also reflect light, brightening up narrower hallways. Colour and Contrast: Use art to introduce colour and contrast to otherwise plain hallways. Consider bold and vibrant pieces that add energy or muted artworks for a calming effect. Lighting Considerations: Ensure the chosen artworks are adequately lit to maximize their visual impact. Utilize wall sconces or accent lighting to highlight specific pieces along the hallway or entryway. Conclusion Selecting artwork for different rooms in your home is a personal and exciting process. By considering the room's function, style, colour palette, and personal taste, you can curate a collection of art that elevates the ambience of each space. Whether you aim for a vibrant kitchen, a serene bedroom, or a charming living room, the right choice of art can create a cohesive and visually appealing atmosphere throughout your home. Remember to select pieces that resonate with you, evoke emotions, and reflect your individuality, as art is a reflection of your journey and a means to express your unique sense of style. With a thoughtful selection of art, you can transform your living space into a harmonious sanctuary that feels like home.
How to Choose Art for your Home & Office?
Choosing great art for your home can be one of the most fulfilling ventures. Nevertheless, the process of choosing art can be intimidating. Why? Because they don’t know how to choose the right artwork for their home or office. Luckily, we have a few questions to help you find out what artwork to buy. We’ll break it down into areas of the house to make it even easier to follow along. How to Choose Artwork for Your Office Buying wall art for the office can be tough, especially if you have business partners or clients visit. Do you work in a creative field?If so, consider abstract art with lots of unexpected color and shapes, something that keeps you thinking in new ways. This will keep you on your toes and show off your lively free thinking. Do you work in an engineering field or with statistics? Maybe go with clean abstract expressionism, like Mark Rothko or Barnett Newman. Thoseserene blocks of color will give off sophistication while appearing serious minded. Do you work in travel or serve a global clientele? Consider travel photography art prints. These will give your office that sense of adventure and world-wide reach that your work should inspire. Do you work in traditional fields that require high trust, like insurance or real estate? If you work in these sectors, go for representational paintings. A classic approach will establish you as reliable and rooted in a long legacy. As you can see, there is a kind of painting for almost every form of work. When you use artwork to align your office with your values, you’re already one step ahead of the competition. How to Choose Artwork for Your Kitchen The kitchen is the heart of the home. Why shouldn’t it have a lot of beautiful artwork? Do you cook a lot of a certain cuisine? If so, consider buying artwork from the same cultural background as the food you love to cook. This can be especially fun, as many of us use our cooking to connect to our cultural roots, even if we’ve moved to a different part of the world. If you go this route, make sure to support the artists from the culture. Do you like keeping a clean kitchen? If that sounds like you, you probably have a lot of white tile and/or stainless steel. Maybe you have marble countertops. These will give you colors and shapes to guide you in buying art. READ: Tips on How to Buy Art Online Are you the next Julia Child? If you like to experiment and push yourself to cook masterpieces, maybe you would like to fill the kitchen with still life paintings of food. There are plenty of fine art masterpieces that lovingly portray food, and these can be found in beautiful fine art prints. Is your kitchen a mess of unopened mail and used mainly to reheat leftovers? Yeah, we feel you. Maybe pick a strong theme and run with it. Find a subject matter you like (maybe paintings of nature or whatever fits you) and stick with it. This will give it a warm, at-home quality. No matter how you run your kitchen, there is a form of artwork to get you the right painting. How to Choose Artwork for Your Living Room Ah, the living room. The place where families come together. Why not give them something to look at? ● Do you do a lot of entertaining? Maybe go for big pop art pieces, something that really makes a statement. This can give the space a lot of energy and get people talking. ● Do you like to keep it cozy? Nostalgic painting of days gone by can help set the mood. Look for paintings that remind you of childhood, or those sweet moments by the fire. ● Is your living room toy central? If playtime is the main attraction, it might be good to pick something the kidswill love. Large animals are great, like giraffes and elephants and bears. ● Do you do more reading than TV watching? Express that side with prints of neoclassical paintings with historic scenes. Art is the perfect way to make a gathering space beautiful. Buying That Perfect Work of Art These questions should help you get on the right track and find the artwork you’ve been waiting for. No matter the space, you can find the painting for you. It might take a little time, but if you know what you want, you’ll get there. Good luck! If you are ready to explore artworks for your home & office, RtistiQ is the place to be. Our art platform makes the experience of buying art for your home enjoyable. From abstract art to nature collections, our online art gallery brings a wide range of artworks in multiple styles that fit your mood/taste. Explore our artworks today!
ARTICLES ON ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
From Gond Art to Jangarh Kalam: The Legacy of Jangarh Singh Shyam lives on!
A pioneering artist, Jangarh Singh Shyam redefined the Pardhan-Gond school of art. His signature style which was later named after him saw the evolution of Gond art from a ritualistic pictorial art made on the walls and floors to a more sophisticated menagerie of dots and dashes. This re-interpretation of the Gond art came to be famously known as Jangarh Kalam. Belonging to the Pardhan Gond community from the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the artist was considered a cultural prodigy in his native village Patnagarh being an excellent flutist and painter. In 1981, the artist was invited by the legendary J. Swaminathan to work as an artist at Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal. It was at Bharat Bhavan, one of the country's most prestigious museums of tribal and contemporary Indian art, Jangarh Singh Shyam grew as an artist as his creative practice underwent sweeping changes. Mentored by Swaminathan, Shyam’s inheritance in traditional music and storytelling blossomed into a distinctive style of image-making, imparting his paintings a rare life force and energy. As his popularity grew, Shyam found himself amidst the changing contemporary Indian art scene that was becoming more global in its outlook and more inclusive in its representation. It was for the first time we saw that the historically marginalized gained momentum and ground in the narrative space of the country. The artist gained major recognition when he participated in the Magiciens de la terre exhibition held at Centre Pompidou, Paris in 1989, and in Jyotindra Jain’s Other Masters exhibition at the Crafts Museum, New Delhi in 1998. The artist was also commissioned to paint the interiors of Vidhan Bhavan, the Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh, and the dome of Bharat Bhavan. Posthumously, his painting Landscape with Spider (1988) was sold for a record price of $31,250 at Sotheby's New York auction in 2010, marking a first for an adivasi (vernacular) artist. Gleaning from the vast repertoire of tales, ballads, folklore, and fantasies of the Pardhan-Gond community, Shyam fabricated them into his visual narrative, thus bringing the ancient myths and stories to life. As he sought inspiration from the past and the present, the rural and the urban, the real and the imagined, a new visual vocabulary emerged that gave concrete shapes and forms to his community’s myths, legends, fables, tattoos, and music, which were, till then, hidden from the ‘mainstream’ society. It marked a paradigmatic shift in contemporary Indian art when the artist started using canvases, acrylic, oil and pen instead of the traditional charcoal, coloured soil, plant sap, leaves, cow dung, limestone powder, etc. This effective adaptation of the new media, tools and newer themes resulted in unforeseen results and inspired a generation of Gond artists to learn from Jangarh Singh Shyam. Jangarh Kalam, or Jangarh Singh Shyam’s personal rendition of the Pardhan Gond art instilled a creative energy that surged with the emergence of individuality and personal style in a traditionally collective society where artmaking was a group endeavour. In Jangarh Kalam, the images are transcribed from oral narratives that take shape as birds, flying snakes, or growing trees, floating to the rhythm of the music in diverse innovative variations. From enchanted woodlands to aero planes, indigenous deities, childhood stories, and animals, Shyam used colourful dots and peripheral contours of radiating lines to create these unique shapes and patterns reverberating with movement, fluidity, and power. In a tragic turn of events, the visionary artist took his own life at the age of 39 while he was on an international art residency at the Mithila Museum, Japan. While the artist died young, he inspired a legion of young men and women from his community who followed him and were mentored by him in the style he created incidentally. Today, many well-known Gond artists including Shyam’s wife and children and those who apprenticed under him continue to work in the Jangarh Kalam tradition keeping it alive and vibrant. Jangarh Singh Shyam, Paysage avec Araignée (Landscape with Spider), 1988 Image courtesy: Sotheby’s Jangarh Singh Shyam, The Seprpent Shesha Holding The Earth on his Hood, ca. late 1980s Collection and image courtesy: Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bangalore Jangarh Singh Shyam, Ped, Chidiya Aur Hawaijahaz (Trees, Birds, and an Airplane), 1996 Collection and image courtesy: Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bangalore Jangarh Singh Shyam, Phulwari Devi, early 1990s Collection and image courtesy: Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bangalore Jangarh Singh Shyam, Untitled, 1989 Collection: FONDATION CARTIER PARIS
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
CHRISTEL HAAG - UNSTOPPABLE FEMALE ARTISTS
In the one-century life span of abstract art, female abstract painters are not hard to find, to name just a few: Sonia Delaunay (a multidisciplinary artist who achieved success during her lifetime only due to her commercial work, whereas her husband Robert Delaunay was regarded as a serious artist), Lee Krasner (whose contribution to art history has been for a long time overshadowed by her marriage to the abstract expressionist painter Jackson Pollock), Elaine de Kooning (an accomplished artist, member of the Eighth Street Club in New York City she was mostly known as Mrs. William de Kooning, she dedicated most of her life to supporting her husband’s career), Barbara Hepworth (less recognized than her contemporary and fellow British artist Henry Moore), Françoise Gilot (the French-American artist who never managed to escape the “Picasso’s lover” title) and the list can go on. These talented artists have been less visible, not to say “invisible”, to an art establishment blinded by gender bias. Despite a recent shift in mentality and contemporary culture, female artists are still seen as “less” than their male counterparts. Female abstract painters and women artists, in general, deserve more awareness. Christel Haag is a commercially successful German abstract artist. Her work is very process-orientated. She plays with various contrasting effects on canvas by using an entire arsenal of mark-making in her process. The evolution of her paintings does not follow a predetermined concept. Rather, her works gradually evolve through an intuitive and dynamic process. Despite the gestural process, a coherent painting emerges. Haag finds her inspiration in nature. She translates into marvellous color combinations the beauty and harmony that surrender her. Lot 34 Are we Flying In her own words: "In 2002 I made the decision to give up my career in Public Relations at a university, follow my heart and retrain as an artist. Once I made the decision to open the door to my creative urges, I felt that I had to go back to the beginning to discover who I really am as an artist. It was as if I granted myself the right to be free again, free without boundaries or pre-existing ideas of who I should be as an artist. Over the years my experiences led to my colorful, abstract, dynamic, and gestural style of painting. I always try to go to my creative limits while experimenting and giving my artworks my individual expression. Nature inspires me. The marvellous impressions I take home from my travels. Also, I express in my paintings the mood and feeling of a particular moment in time. It is first and foremost the joy of painting, of colors, of the creative process itself, and of the energy of being that drives my artistic creation." 5 vivid paintings from Haag’s portfolio have been minted as unique NFT digital editions and are sold at auction in our coming event SHE IS UNSTOPPABLE. Browse her art and choose your favourite. Don’t forget to register for the auction. Bidding starts May 14th.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
10 Most Influential Living Female Artists
Below, we’ve assembled a list of the top 10 most influential female artists alive today. These women have left an incredible mark on the art world, and while their importance to the current scene is important, their impact will no doubt be felt for generations to come. Cindy Sherman Courtesy of Cindy Sherman Cindy Sherman made a name for herself through intricate self-portrait photography. Taking advantage of her skills as a costume maker and make-up artist, Sherman’s early work began exploring identity by using the artist’s body as the canvas. Her work frequently explores the place of women in the media and cultural landscape. Untitled Film Stills (1977-80) saw Sherman dressing as B-movie characters. In Centerfolds (1981), she upended the expectations of the male gaze, presenting complicated female characters where one might expect titillating, sexualized images. Her latest work speaks directly to the tools we use to communicate with each other. She now takes self-portraits using her phone, manipulating the images using multiple “face tuning” apps. The results are provocative and often disturbing. Tracey Emin Courtesy of Tracey Ermin Tracey Emin is no stranger to controversy. Her work is striking and confrontational, as well as deeply autobiographical. Her work reaches across an enormous array of mediums, from drawing, painting, and sculpture to neon text, film, photography, and sewn appliqué. Some of her installations made major waves in the art world. She premiered Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995 (1997) at the Royal Academy of London. The work is a tent that visitors can enter into, and on the walls are appliquéd the names of, you guessed it, everyone the artist had slept with. It serves as a kind of haunted space, especially in the greater context of Ermin’s work that challenges the role that sex plays in the perception of women. She has gone on to be a professor at the Royal Academy of Arts and a prolific, widely influential artist of our time. Yayoi Kusama Courtesy of Wikimedia Yayoi Kusama is an artist working in sculpture and installation, as well as many other mediums. She became a fixture of the 1960’s counterculture, organizing happenings where participants were nude and covered in painted polka dots. Beginning in 1963, Kusama began creating her Infinity Rooms, a series of installations in which the walls of the rooms were covered in mirrors with colorful balls of light hanging at different lengths from the ceiling. The effect is the perception that the room of lights goes on forever. Her public installation work continues to appear across the world, including Brazil, Japan, Singapore, and beyond. Marina Abramović Courtesy of Wikimedia Marina Abramović is likely the most important and influential performance artist of our time. Her newsworthy works have captured the attention of the artworld for decades, and she isn’t done yet. The Artist is Present (2010) saw Abramović sitting at a table at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. Visitors were invited to sit across the table from Abramović. This went on to become the largest performance art exhibit in MoMA’s history. On top of her amazing career as an artist, she is also a philanthropist and a supporter of young artists through her Marina Abramović Institute. Judy Chicago Courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum Judy Chicago is a major name in the worlds of both art and feminism, with her career striking a path that unites them. Many of her unique techniques are borrowed from boat building, auto body repair, and similar disciplines — what the artist calls the “macho arts.” The Dinner Party (1979) is likely Chicago’s most important work to date. It shows a dinner table set in a triangle, with 39 places set for female heroes, both real and mythical. The dinner plates are all hand-painted homages to the woman who is seated there. The sprawling ambition and bold statement continue to fascinate and inspire people today. Shirin Neshat Courtesy of Wikimedia Shirin Neshat is an Iranian-born New York artist primarily working in photography, film, and video. Her work often focuses on the dichotomies, both socially constructed and eternal, that make up our world: Isamic and Western culture, male and female, public and private. Her film Women Without Men (2009) received the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival. The film, based on the novel by Shahrnush Parsipur, depicts events during the British and American backed coup in Iran that overthrew their democratic government and installed the Shah as monarch in 1953. Vija Celmins Courtesy of SFMoMA Vija Celmins works in paintings and drawings, creating photorealistic pieces. She is celebrated today as one of the leaders in realism, though she pushes her work into almost abstract places by focusing on visual rhythm and the exclusive use of gray tones. Her early breakthrough saw her making exquisite replications of photojournalism, making masterful use of grayscale in her painting. These works highlighted how much of our world view at the time was dictated by black-and-white photographs and disseminated through the media. She has gone on to focus on sweeping visions of natural spaces and events. Much of her current work shows us starry skies, ocean waves, and other large and small scale views of the natural world. Bharti Kher Courtesy of Wikimedia Bharti Kher is an artist working sculpture, installation, and painting. Her work often speaks to realities of inhabiting a body as well as issues around culture. Perhaps her most popular work is The Skin Speaks a Language Not Its Own (2006). The piece depicts a full-size female elephant collapsed on the ground, covered in the traditional bindi — a mark made on the forehead among followers of Hinduism representing the third eye. By bringing together these two images of India, Kher creates a vivid embodiment of the country. Marlene Dumas Courtesy of Wikimedia Marlene Dumas is an artist working in the Netherlands who is known as one of the first three living women to sell an artwork above the $1 million mark. The notoriety is well deserved. Her work is always in ceaseless exploration of human moods and social conditions. Her paintings often eschew direct representation and instead make suggestions of emotional states. Her work often distorts faces and specifics, driving down into the heart of her subject. She continues to be a major name in the art world today. Dumas’s prolific career continues to challenge viewers and evoke what it means to be alive. Julie Mehretu Courtesy of Forbes Julie Mehretu works in painting, drawing, and printmaking, often focusing on the socio-economic realities of our time. Her meticulous work is precise but ultimately deeply felt, mapping out the psychology of people in the urban environment. Her pieces often take on an enormous scale, often two stories tall. Mehretu describes her mark-making process as one that charts the movements and interactions of people in their own societal context. While her compositions can be overwhelming and grand, when viewers take the time to look at it in detail, they often find surprising narratives emerge.