Iconic American Artist Faith Ringgold Remembered as She Passes at 93

Faith Ringgold, a multifaceted artist, activist, and children’s book author, renowned for her distinctive quilts that vividly portrayed the African American experience, has left us at the age of 93. Her daughter, Barbara Wallace, and ACA Galleries, her steadfast representatives since 1995, have confirmed her passing.

Faith Ringgold: A Pioneer in Politically Charged Art

Ringgold, who initially trained as a painter and sculptor, made a significant impact in the 1960s with her politically charged artworks that courageously tackled race and gender inequality. One of her most striking pieces, “Flag For the Moon: Die N*****” (1967), served as a powerful commentary on societal issues during the Apollo moon landing. 

Transitioning from Canvas to Quilt: The Evolution of Ringgold’s Work

Ringgold’s expressive style seamlessly transitioned from canvas to quilt, incorporating diverse materials in the 1970s inspired by Tibetan thangkas. Her “story quilts,” like “Who’s Afraid of Aunt Jemima?” (1983), challenged stereotypes and celebrated the resilience of Black women.

Celebrating Black Womanhood: Ringgold’s Impact on Children’s Literature

Inspired by her own experiences, Ringgold ventured into children’s literature with “Tar Beach” (1988), based on one of her iconic quilts depicting a vibrant scene of Harlem life.

Advocacy and Legacy: Ringgold’s Commitment to Minority and Women’s Rights

Throughout her career, Ringgold remained a staunch advocate for minority and women’s rights, highlighting biases in the art world. Her work is housed in esteemed institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum, with past exhibitions at the White House.

Ringgold is survived by her daughters, Barbara and Michele Wallace, and three grandchildren.