As years ago, 2017 was a good one for female artists. Events of note included Toyin Otudola at the Whitney Museum; Mickalene Thomas at the Contemporary Art Museum in Saint Louis; London-based artist Lakwena hosted at Facebook’s U.K headquarters and Barbara Kruger’s performance art piece at Performa’s Biennale in New York.
In our visit to Miami Art Week in December, there were not only plenty of women showing but a lot of their work was a highlight of the show. While in Miami, we stopped in at Untitled Art Fair, Scope and Pulse, Art Miami, and Prizm.
In the interest of keeping the good energy going, we present you a list of artists worth keeping your eye on in the coming year.
Theresa Chromati and her work featuring curvy black silhouettes is without doubt a rising star. Her work has garnered the patronage of DJ Venus X and she’s launched a clothing line inspired by her awesome artwork.
Multimedia artist Deborah Roberts‘ “Evolution of Mimi” series explores the world of young black girls with cool collages and taglines.
Amy Sherald, paints beautiful poetic portraits with a chic color palette that simply draws you in. You’re going to be hearing even more about her in the coming year because she was appointed to paint the official portrait of Michelle Obama (to be unveiled on on February 12, 2018).
Ebony G. Patterson uses intricate installations to convey serious messages on race and gender identity.
Penelope Umbrico‘s colorful photography installations are anchored on manipulating landscapes to create intricate visual displays.
Chicago-based artist Tish Tillman stands at the intersection of fashion and conceptual art with her sculptures of leather, hair and chains.
Dominique Hunter creates poetic visuals with the female form in mind using a mix of painting and collage.
Monica Kim Garza‘s depictions of curvy brown bodies provide a perspective of strength and playfulness.
Jocelyn Hobbie‘s airy portraits are simply captivating.
Germany-based Tonja Rochelmeyer takes inspiration from architecture to create visually intriguing minimalist work.
Originally form N.J., Bisa Butler uses quilted canvases to tell colorful stories with a soulful vibe.
Brooklyn-based Kennedy Yanko‘s artful use of scrap metal is simply bad ass.
Keyezua‘s minimalist photograph portraits are simply arresting.
Best known for her “Operation Catsuit” performance art series, Chicago-born Ayana Evans brings glamour to the everyday through her “Sugar With My Sh**” performance. Evans’ performance-related photographs related are currently on display at Longwood Art Gallery’s all-female “Her Art Will Be Cannibal” show from January 26 through March 1, 2018. She will perform at the gallery on February 10th.
“Sugar with my Sh**”
Sugar with my Sh** — Art in Odd Places NYC, 2017 from Yana Evans on Vimeo.