Elizabeth Catlett

Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012), a sculptor and printmaker, is widely considered one of the most important African American artists of the 20th century. Throughout her career Catlett used art in support of issues that mattered to her – freedom, race and ethnicity, feminism and maternalism – and fought oppression, racism, class, and gender inequality. An American and Mexican citizen, Catlett is best known for her depictions of African American women, the African American experience, and Mexican people who faced injustice. For Catlett, art was a tool for social and political change. For Catlett, art was a tool for social and political change. Her printmaking work included linocuts, lithographs, and etchings, often depicted strong, defiant female figures as symbols of resistance and empowerment. Catlett’s mastery of the printmaking medium allowed her to disseminate her impactful images widely, reaching a broader audience with her messages of social justice. In addition to her acclaimed prints, Catlett also made a significant mark in  the  world of sculpture. Her dynamic,  abstract figures in wood, bronze, and stone embodies themes of resilience, labor, and the human conditions. Throughout her lengthy career, Elizabeth Catlett remained a dedicated educator and activist, using her art as a platform to advocate for the rights and representation of marginalized communities. Her legacy as a trailblazing artist and social justice pioneer continues to inspire generations of creators and activists alike. (KS/HT)