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Celebrating the Trailblazing Legacy of Faith Ringgold (1930-2024)
The pioneering Black artist, author, and quilter – and cherished member of the ARS community – broke barriers and inspired generations.
The art world lost a true visionary on April 12, 2024 with the passing of acclaimed artist Faith Ringgold at the age of 92. Ringgold was renowned for her pioneering work that blended painting, quilting, and storytelling to powerfully explore themes of race, gender, and the African American experience.
Ringgold is best known for her iconic story quilts, quilts using painted canvases that narrate stories about African American history and culture. Her first story quilt “Who’s Afraid of Aunt Jemima?” from 1983 launched this unique artform blending quilting, painting, and storytelling. Her children’s book “Tar Beach” in 1991, adapted from one of her quilts, won numerous awards and is considered a classic.
© 2024 Faith Ringgold / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy ACA Galleries, New York
As an activist, Ringgold protested against racial and gender discrimination in the art world in the 1960s-70s, co-founding groups like Where We At Black Women Artists. Her early “American People” series painted from a female perspective on the civil rights movement marked the start of her mature artistic voice.
With a prolific career spanning over 60 years, Ringgold received numerous honors including over 75 awards and 23 honorary doctorates. Her work is held in major museum collections worldwide, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Museum of Modern Art in New York, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., and the Tate Modern in London.
The art community mourns the loss of this visionary artist, but Ringgold’s powerful body of work and lasting impact will ensure her enduring influence. ARS has the profound honor of continuing her legacy through licensing.
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