eLecture- Exploring the work of Faith Ringgold-Recreate a Famous Work of Art

In this eLecture we will explore American artist Faith Ringgold and discuss how she references and recreates famous works of art. Click on any of the links to further explore on your own! Many feminist artists recreate famous works of art from a feminist perspective. Feminism is a movement based on the belief in equality in all areas of life for women and girls. Feminist artists express and represent these beliefs in their artwork. American artist and art teacher Faith Ringgold, who has said feminist artist Judy Chicago influenced her, has created and continues to create powerful art about women, African Americans, and American culture. In some of her art Ringgold references famous works by men, but includes and honors African American women in her re-interpretation. Ringgold often creates her work in the form of quilts with paintings on the fabric, which is a reinterpretation in its own right, as quilts are traditionally thought of as being created by women. In Dancing at the Louvre Ringgold depicts a woman and girls dancing around Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings, including the Mona Lisa. The children depicted are actually her grandchildren and the woman is a character Ringgold created named Willia Marie Simone, who is an artist. They are in a famous art museum in France. In The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles she references Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, but includes images of many famous African American women holding a sunflower quilt.

Dancing at the Louvre, Faith Ringgold, 1991


The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles, Faith Ringgold, 1991


Another example of Ringgold revisiting a famous man's artwork, here she references the work of Henri Matisse


Matisse's Chapel, Faith Ringgold, 1991


Other Examples of Feminist Artists Recreating Famous Works of Art by Men

Artist Mary Beth Edelson reinterprets Leonardo Da Vinci's famous painting,
The Last Supper by including many female artists in her painting.


Some Living American Women Artists / Last Supper, Mary Beth Edelson, 1972

Artist Judy Chicago also references Da Vinci's The Last Supper in her installation/sculpture The Dinner Party which features 39 place settings and ceramic plates for important women in history.


The Dinner Party, Judy Chicago, 1979

Activity- Recreate a Famous Work of Art Painting

Note to Teacher or Parent: This activity is appropriate for grades 5 and up. The teacher or parent should make necessary adaptations to activity depending on grade level. For example, really encourage older students to think about the content and message of recreating the particular piece of art they choose.

Supplies/Materials:
Pencils
Brushes (assorted sizes)
18” 24” paper (heavy weight paper)
acrylic paint
water containers
rags

Instructions
Use books or the internet to browse through famous works of art. Chose a piece you would like to reference in your own art or reinterpret in your way. Think about who you would include in your piece, what you would change, and why! You can be looking at the work in a museum or a book, show yourself making the work, include yourself or someone you know in the work, it is up to you! Sketch out some drawings. Once you have decided on a sketch you can begin your final piece/painting.

When you are finished painting you may wish to write an explanation and/or story to go with your painting.

Resources

http://www.faithringgold.com

Holton, Curlee. (2004) Faith Ringgold: A View from the Studio. Charlestown, MA: Bunker Hill Publishing