Who run the [art] world? Historically, men. But, despite an enduring lack of public recognition and acclaim, our Collection shows that women artists have helped shape the art world throughout time, using their talents to not only reflect the world around them, but also challenge conventions, make bold statements, and speak to the female experience.
Below are just a few of the works by women artists currently on view. Stop by the Museum to see them in person, in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Sofonisba Anguissola, The Artist’s Sister Minerva Anguissola , ca. 1564. Layton Art Collection, Gift of the Family of Mrs. Frederick Vogel, Jr. Photo by P. Richard Eells
Gabriele Münter (German, 1877–1962), Girl with Doll , 1908–09. Gift of Mrs. Harry Lynde Bradley M1966.165. Photo by Efraim Lev-er. © 2010 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn
Georgia O’Keeffe (American, 1887–1986), Series I—No. 3 , 1918. Gift of Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation and the Georgia O’Keeffe Foundation M1997.192. Photo by Larry Sanders. © Milwaukee Art Museum
Michelle Grabner (American, b. 1962), Untitled , 2007. Flashe on canvas. 80 × 80 in. (203.2 × 203.2 cm). Purchase, Doerfler Fund M2008.74. Photo by John R. Glembin.
Agnes Martin (American, b. Canada, 1912–2004), Untitled #10 , 1977. Gift of Friends of Art M1981.6. Photo by Efraim Lev-er. © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Helen Frankenthaler, Hotel Cro-Magnon , 1958. Oil on canvas. Gift of Mrs. Harry Lynde Bradley M1966.153. © 2010 Helen Frankenthaler / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Sylvia Levine (English, 1911–1998), Untitled , 1986. Gift of Anthony Petullo M2012.125. Photo by Larry Sanders
Eva Hesse (American, b. Germany, 1936–1970), Right After , 1969. Gift of Friends of Art M1970.27. Photo by Larry Sanders. © The Estate of Eva Hesse. Courtesy Hauser & Wirth
Beth Lipman (American, b. 1971), Laid Table (Still Life with Metal Pitcher) , 2007. Blown, sculpted, lamp-worked, and kiln-formed glass on wood table. 85 × 103 × 96 in. (215.9 × 261.62 × 243.84 cm). Purchase, Jill and Jack Pelisek Endowment, Jack Pelisek Funds, and various donors by exchange M2009.48. Photo by John R. Glembin. © Beth Lipman
Lois Mailou Jones (American, 1905–1998), The Ascent of Ethiopia , 1932. Purchase, African American Art Acquisition Fund, matching funds from Suzanne and Richard Pieper, with additional support from Arthur and Dorothy Nelle Sanders M1993.191. Photo by John R. Glembin. © Lois Mailou Jones Pierre-Noel Trust
Kiki Smith (American, b. Germany, 1954), Honeywax , 1995. Gift of the Contemporary Art Society M1996.5. Photo by PaceWildenstein Gallery. © Kiki Smith, courtesy PaceWildenstein, New York
