We’ve observed a fascinating evolution in the art world, particularly through the lens of female artists. Traditionally, with a significant incidence, women turned to self-portraits, a profound declaration of existence in a world that often chose to ignore them.
Self-portraits were acts of defiance in times when women were denied the educational opportunities afforded to their male counterparts, windows into the artists’ lives, aspirations, and frustrations. Consider Artemisia Gentileschi—her self-portraits are powerful assertions of her artistic talent but also her resilience against societal constraints.
Self-Portrait (Artemisia Gentileschi) 1630s. Palazzo Barberini, Rome.
As societal norms evolved, so did the scope of women’s art. Moving from the margins to the forefront of artistic movements. This shift is vividly illustrated in the work of artists like Frida Kahlo, who transcended the boundaries of personal identity to address universal themes of suffering and endurance.
Las dos Fridas (Frida Kahlo) 1939. Museo de Arte Moderno, Città del Messico.
The exhibition “Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920” at Tate Britain traces how women artists carved a niche for themselves and reshaped the artistic landscape, from Mary Beale to Laura Knight, embracing themes once deemed beyond their reach.
In contemporary times, the narrative continues to evolve. Women artists today use diverse mediums to explore and challenge intersectional issues, pushing the boundaries of what art can represent and achieve. Their work is both a mirror to personal or immediate social concerns and a commentary on global and existential issues.
Yet it’s clear that their representation in galleries and museums has been improving slowly, and significant disparities remain. Currently, only about 29% of the artists represented by galleries are women, and this number drops to a mere 25% for inquiries about artworks on the most popular digital sale platforms.
Art by women accounted for only 9.3% of total auction sales in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in gaining equal footing in the art market
The journey towards a more inclusive art world is ongoing, and these statistics reflect the current state and remind us of the distance still to be traveled.
I wonder, if we look at our society self portrait, do we yet see an equal world?
SOURCES
https://freelandsfoundation.co.uk/
https://partners.artsy.net/resource/women-artists-market-report-2024/
Brentford Arts Works 
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