It's quite possible that if you ask any of us about people who have had a major influence in the field of art, and more specifically in sculpture, all the names that come up are male artists. And it's no surprise, because for a long time, they've had more visibility and their work has had more impact. However, this doesn't mean that there haven't been female sculptors who have produced good and highly influential work in the past.
Famous women sculptors in history
Would you like to meet them? Here we name a few so you can delve deeper into their work.
Louise Bourgeois, prominent in the art of the 20th century. XX
We've already talked about her on our social media, so you're probably familiar with her! Louise Bourgeois was one of the most important sculptors of contemporary art in the 20th century. During her career, she explored various avant-garde movements, primarily surrealism and expressionism. Her famous spider-shaped sculpture, which represents her idea of motherhood (both protective and predatory), sold at auction for $10.7 million. Impressive!
Camille Claudell, a woman artist with a very interesting life
Camille Claudell studied at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. There, she met Auguste Rodin, who fell in love with her and, from that moment on, she became his model and muse. Despite their mutual attraction, he was linked to another woman, which served as inspiration for Claudell in the creation of his most important works, such as Mature age . In fact, various works he created portray, to some extent, episodes from his relationship.
Unfortunately, when her works were achieving a certain success and appearing in articles in art magazines, in the midst of an emotional crisis, Camille locked herself in her studio, and in December 1905 she gave us her last major exhibition before spending the last 30 years of her life locked away in a psychiatric center.
Yayoi Kusama, pure innovation in art
This Japanese artist settled in New York at the age of 18 to begin her artistic career there. Sculpture is one of the mediums through which she has expressed herself throughout her life. You may not know this, but she was a precursor to Pop Art, Minimalist Art, and even Feminist Art. A fact that will surely surprise you? She influenced contemporary artists of her time, such as Andy Warhol and Claes Oldenburg. Wow!
Cristina Iglesias, a versatile woman in the art world
Last but not least, we want to highlight a contemporary artist, Cristina Iglesias. She trained at the Chelsea School of Art, and both her time in the United Kingdom and Italy shaped her future as an artist. Influenced by Russian Constructivism, her work uses a variety of materials, such as concrete, glass, and steel.
His work can be seen in museums around the world: MACBA (Barcelona), the Tate Gallery (London), Reina Sofía (Madrid), MoMA and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York or in the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris inter alia.
Women in the world of sculpture
Starting today, you'll no longer be short of female role models to talk about! We wanted to bring you this article in honor of International Women's Day, which will be celebrated this weekend, to reclaim their place in the world of sculpture and the great works they have left us.
If you know of any other artists whose story you could tell us a little more about, how they inspired other artists, or the works they've created, please share it with us in the comments!
