Faith Ringgold, a multifaceted artist, writer, and advocate, navigated a distinctive path in the American art scene, challenging the marginalization of Black and female artists in major museums. She expressed her creativity through vivid paintings, quilts, and children’s books delving into African American life and history. Ringgold passed away on April 13 at her residence in Englewood, N.J., at the age of 93.
Her assistant, Grace Matthews, confirmed her death without specifying the cause.
Throughout her six-decade career, Ringgold, a versatile and productive artist, defied norms and expectations. She delved into figure paintings and politically charged art during a period dominated by abstraction. Her advocacy for racial and gender equality often clashed with the prevailing art trends, as she explored unconventional art forms like “story quilts,” blending text and imagery to extend her artistic vision beyond traditional paintings.
Ringgold’s stance on being a minority in various aspects empowered her to pursue her artistic vision fearlessly. She emphasized, “I believe in being an artist as a way of life; my intention is serious, and I’m ready to challenge anyone who says what I do isn’t.”
Despite operating on the fringes of the mainstream art world, Ringgold actively sought to reform art institutions. In the late 1960s, she participated in protests against renowned art museums in New York City, demanding better representation for women and Black artists in exhibitions and collections.
While facing initial obscurity, Ringgold’s career took a significant turn in 1960 when she embraced political themes in her “American People” series, reflecting the racial tensions of the era. Her artwork, such as [ppp1], depicted powerful visual narratives amid societal unrest and racial turmoil.
In her later works, Ringgold explored a more abstract and joyful approach, experimenting with different color palettes and forms. Her discovery of thangkas at the Rijksmuseum sparked a new phase in her artistic journey, leading her to create painted quilts in collaboration with her mother, Willi Posey. These story quilts, like [ppp2], intricately weaved fiction and personal experiences through vibrant visuals and text blocks.
One of Ringgold’s most renowned works, “Tar Beach,” not only inspired a series of picture books but also marked her transition into the realm of children’s literature. Through her storytelling, she captured the essence of the Harlem Renaissance and pivotal figures like Rosa Parks, captivating readers with her imaginative narratives.
Ringgold’s upbringing in Harlem, surrounded by a community of artists and musicians, laid the foundation for her artistic pursuits. Despite facing health challenges in her youth, she found solace and encouragement in her artistic endeavors, eventually carving a distinct path in the art world.
Her legacy extends beyond art as she delved into activism, advocating for feminist and antiwar causes. Ringgold’s commitment to social issues and her unique storytelling approach set her apart in the art world, earning her recognition and acclaim in later years.
Faith Ringgold’s artistic journey, marked by resilience and creativity, continues to inspire audiences worldwide, transcending boundaries of race, gender, and convention.