Pioneering Figure Known for Diverse Works Spanning Seven Decades

Courtesy of Faith Ringgold's official website

▲ Faith Ringgold, 1993, Courtesy of Faith Ringgold's official website

 

Faith Ringgold, a prominent artist celebrated for her extensive career spanning seven decades and encompassing various mediums, including bestselling children's books and politically charged quilts, passed away at her home in Englewood, New Jersey, at the age of 93. The announcement of her death was made by ACA Galleries, her long-time representative, although the cause was not specified.

Born on October 8, 1930, in New York City, Ringgold grew up in Harlem. Despite facing barriers as a woman, she pursued her passion for art, initially attending City College in Manhattan. She began her artistic journey by teaching art in New York public schools before focusing solely on her artistic endeavors in the 1970s. Over the years, she also taught at the University of California, San Diego.
 

▲ Faith Ringgold / American People Series #2: For Members Only / 1963 /Oil on canvas / 36 x 40 in. / Courtesy of Faith Ringgold's official website

Ringgold's work explored themes of race relations and politics in America. Notable pieces include "For Members Only" (1963), depicting stone-faced white men, and her "Black Light" series, which included a painting spelling out a racial slur within the American flag. She also addressed the struggles of Black women through works like her "Slave Rape" series.

▲ Faith Ringgold / Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach / Acrylic paint, canvas, printed fabric, ink, and thread / 74 5/8 x 68 1/2 inches (189.5 x 174 cm) / Courtesy of Guggenheim Museums and Foundation's website

Her most famous work, "Tar Beach" (1988), depicted a young girl flying from a New York City rooftop and was later adapted into a children's book. Ringgold's use of quilting, inspired by her family's heritage and her encounter with Tibetan thangkas, became a signature aspect of her practice.

Throughout her career, Ringgold was an advocate for Black and women artists, organizing protests and defending free speech. She gained international acclaim in the late 2010s and 2020s, with major museums finally recognizing her contributions. Retrospectives of her work were held at institutions such as the Serpentine Galleries in London and the Glenstone Museum in Maryland.

▲ Captured from the Facebook account “Quiltuduko by Faith Ringgold”Ringgold's legacy extends beyond her artwork; she authored over 16 children's books and even developed a puzzle game app called "Quiltuduko." She was honored with more than 20 honorary doctorates during her lifetime.

Ringgold is survived by her two daughters, Michele Wallace and Barbara Wallace. She remained vocal about the underrepresentation of Black women artists in the art world until her passing.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com