Faith Ringgold

A groundbreaking African-American artist who revolutionized narrative quilts as political art

Faith Ringgold (born 1930) redefined contemporary art by weaving together African-American traditions with radical political commentary through her signature story quilts. Growing up in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance, she overcame racial and gender barriers to create works that challenged America's social fabric.

Her 1985 masterpiece 'Who's Afraid of Aunt Jemima?' transformed the racist mascot into a powerful businesswoman narrative, using quilted canvas to subvert stereotypes. This innovative medium combined painting, fabric, and text - a direct challenge to the male-dominated Abstract Expressionism of her era.

Ringgold's 1991 children's book Tar Beach, based on her quilt of the same name, became the first illustrated book by an African-American woman to win the Caldecott Honor. She later created the American People Series confronting civil rights struggles through shocking figurative paintings.

Through 25+ published books and 50+ solo exhibitions worldwide, this 93-year-old activist artist continues challenging systemic racism. Her works reside in MoMA, the Guggenheim, and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, proving that marginalized voices can reshape cultural narratives.