Radical! Women Artists and Modernisms: 1910-1950

An intersectional approach to women artists working in an activist vein in the early 20th century

The first half of the 20th century witnessed enormous waves of upheaval. Imperial dynasties were overthrown, economic crises spiraled into depressions and labor organizations advocated on behalf of the working class. As one of many marginalized groups still fighting for equal rights, women keenly felt each transformation of the global landscape. As more women were able to become professional artists, many centered their work on current events. Radical! enumerates over 70 artists whose work spoke to the most crucial issues of their time, addressing not only women’s rights but also racial inequality and economic injustice. With a timeline chronicling significant historical moments worldwide, the publication delineates each artist’s unique perspective and demonstrates how some even fought for rights that their counterparts took for granted.
Artists include: Zubeida Agha, Romaine Brooks, Camilla Burke, Elizabeth Catlett, Hannah Höch, Käthe Kollwitz, Augusta Savage, Amrita Sher-Gil, Gazbia Sirry.