Faith Ringgold, a renowned multimedia artist known for her pictorial quilts depicting the African American experience, passed away at the age of 93 at her home in Englewood, N.J. Throughout her career, which spanned over fifty years, Ringgold explored themes of race, gender, class, family, and community using a variety of media including painting, sculpture, textiles, and performance art. She was a strong advocate for bringing the work of Black artists and women into major American museums, and her art has been exhibited worldwide and is part of the permanent collections of prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum.
Ringgold’s art often reflected her own experiences, and she used her work as a platform for activism and social justice. Her paintings from the 1960s and ’70s delved into complex topics such as race relations in America and the intersection of gender and race. Critics praised her unique style that integrated craft materials with fine-art materials, vibrant colors, and a focus on ordinary Black people and their daily lives. Despite early critical acclaim, Ringgold did not achieve widespread recognition in major museums until later in life, attributing this to her race, gender, and unwavering commitment to using art to address societal issues.
Among Ringgold’s most well-known works are her “story quilts,” large panels of canvas painted with narrative scenes that celebrate the joys and struggles of Black life, particularly Black women’s lives. One of her most famous pieces, “Tar Beach,” inspired her first children’s book of the same name, which received critical acclaim and awards such as the Caldecott Honor Book and the Coretta Scott King Award. Ringgold went on to illustrate more than a dozen children’s books, often with her own text, including stories about Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. Despite never intending to become a children’s author, Ringgold’s talent and unique perspective resonated with young readers and critics alike.
Throughout her career, Ringgold’s work remained a powerful force for social change and representation. Her ability to seamlessly blend art and activism earned her widespread admiration, with critics noting her ability to address complex social issues while maintaining a sense of beauty and hope in her work. Ringgold’s legacy as both an artist and children’s author is a testament to her passion for storytelling and her unwavering commitment to advocating for marginalized communities through her art. Her impact will continue to inspire future generations of artists and activists seeking to make a difference in the world through their creative expression.
