Faith Ringgold, a pioneering artist and author known for her vibrant and detailed quilts that combine painting, textiles, and storytelling, passed away at the age of 93 at her home in Englewood, New Jersey. Her works can be found in prestigious collections such as the Smithsonian and the Museum of Modern Art. As a Black female artist, she faced challenges in an industry dominated by white males, leading her to become a social activist advocating for the representation of Black and female artists in American museums. Ringgold incorporated feminist and racial perspectives into her work, focusing on the exploitation of Black women.
In her illustrated children’s book, “Tar Beach,” Ringgold’s protagonist symbolizes women’s self-realization and freedom by flying over the George Washington Bridge. This story was based on one of her narrative quilts and reflected her memories of life in Harlem. Ringgold introduced quilting into her work in the 1970s after being inspired by Tibetan thangkas, creating fabric frames with handwritten narratives around her paintings. She challenged stereotypes in her works, including the “Aunt Jemima” archetype, and depicted her daughters dancing at the Louvre among European masterpieces in a series titled “The French Collection.”
One of Ringgold’s notable socially conscious works is the “9/11 Peace Story Quilt” created with New York City students as a response to the Sept. 11 attacks. This quilt, featuring squares with thoughts on peace from the students, was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ringgold also created public works such as the “People Portraits” glass mosaics in Los Angeles and the “Flying Home: Harlem Heroes and Heroines” murals in a Harlem subway station. Her art often celebrated Black culture, featuring figures like Langston Hughes and Malcolm X alongside European masters.
Ringgold’s children’s books introduced young readers to important Black figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. She shared stories from the Harlem Renaissance and the Underground Railroad, aiming to educate and inspire children. Born in Harlem in 1930, Ringgold was the daughter of a seamstress and collaborated with her frequently. She earned degrees in art from City College of New York and taught at the University of California in San Diego for many years. Her motto, “If one can, anyone can, all you gotta do is try,” reflects her belief in perseverance and determination.
Throughout her career, Faith Ringgold broke down barriers for Black female artists, using her vibrant quilts to address issues of race, gender, and representation in the art world. Her distinctive style, combining painting, textiles, and storytelling, has left a lasting impact on the art world. Ringgold’s legacy as a social activist and artist who celebrated Black culture and history continues to inspire future generations of artists and readers alike.
