Image of Jenny Munoz, the author, in her home in Little Venice, London, which is hosting a group exhibition by all women artists, "Art Collector's Home." The paintings seen here are by Rebecca Hardaker (left), Amy Wiggin (Top right), and Mia Wilkinson (Bottom right). Photo by Louise Yeowart
Art is a powerful medium for reflecting, challenging, and shaping society, offering profound insights into our collective consciousness. However, the art world, for centuries, has been dominated by male artists, where women artists have faced systemic barriers and limited recognition. Fortunately, there has been a notable transformation towards gender equality and inclusion in recent years. One pivotal step in this evolution is the deliberate collection of art by emerging women artists. In this reflective piece, we will explore the imperative of this act, underscoring the significance of supporting and amplifying women's voices in the art world.
Mia Wilkinson, "Babe Magnet" (2022). Oil on canvas, 90 x 75 cm. Price: £3,900.00
Diverse Perspectives Enrich the Artistic Landscape
Art thrives on diversity, and including women artists introduces a fresh and dynamic perspective to the art scene. Women have unique experiences, viewpoints, and narratives to convey through art. Collecting works by emerging women artists enriches the artistic landscape by ushering in new narratives, themes, and forms of expression that challenge conventional norms.
By actively collecting art by emerging women artists, we pave the way for a more inclusive art world that acknowledges the value of diverse voices. This diversity not only fuels creativity but also broadens our understanding of the human experience. It encourages us to delve into themes such as gender, identity, and social justice in potent and thought-provoking ways.
Amy Wiggin, "Gurl crush," (2023). Box-framed mixed media painting on linen canvas, 69 x 49.5 cm. £1,300.00.
Empowering Women in the Arts
Investing in the art of emerging women artists is an empowering act. Historically, women artists have faced marginalization, with their contributions often overlooked or undervalued. By supporting their art, we dismantle the gender biases ingrained within the art market and provide emerging women artists with the recognition and financial stability they merit.
Conscious collection can also serve as a form of mentorship, inspiring young women to pursue careers in the arts. Witnessing women artists being celebrated and their work collected fosters a belief that they, too, can excel in similar roles. This ripple effect can lead to a more balanced representation of women in all facets of the art world, from artists and curators to gallery owners and collectors.
Rebecca Hardaker, "Love's Sharp Pain Encircles My Heart" (2023). Mixed media: oil, soft pastels, acrylic on canvas,170 x 165 cm. £4,950.00.
Changing the Art Market Landscape
Male artists have long dominated the art market, often resulting in their works fetching higher prices at auctions and galleries. This gender disparity perpetuates inequality and distorts our perception of artistic value. Collecting art by emerging women artists deliberately disrupts this pattern, challenging conventional notions about what constitutes valuable art.
Carmen Herrera at work on a painting in 2015. Image Courtesy Jacob Schmidt.
Carmen Herrera (b. Cuba, 1915-2022), provides a compelling illustration of the transformative power of recognition. She sold her first painting in 2004 at the remarkable age of 89. MoMA acquired several of her paintings in the same year, heralding a long-overdue acknowledgment of her immense talent. This late recognition of Herrera's work underscores the urgency of not waiting until women artists are at the twilight of their lives to invest in their art.
In 2017, Carmen Herrera's journey culminated in a major retrospective, "Carmen Herrera: Lines of Sight," at the Whitney Museum of American Art, celebrating her decades-long dedication to her craft. Despite having talent, education, and connections, Herrera faced a life of rejection by the art world for simply being a woman. Here is an old article from the Guardian in which Herrera discusses how being a woman affected her career. Her story, which is sadly not an isolated case, serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of consciously collecting and investing in the art of emerging women artists.
Phoebe Boddy, "Cowgirl" (2023). Acrylic and oil stick on canvas, 140 x 140 cm. Sold.
Final Thoughts
Consciously collecting art by emerging women artists transcends mere acquisition; it represents support for gender equality and diversity in the art world. It acknowledges the significance of women's voices and experiences, empowering them to continue creating transformative art. Doing so enriches the artistic landscape, empowers women in the arts, and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable art market. This collective effort not only appreciates art but also actively shapes the art world's future. Currently, The Nomad Salon is hosting a captivating group exhibition featuring four talented women artists: Phoebe Boddy, Amy Wiggin, Mia Wilkinson, and Rebecca Hardaker. This exhibition enriches the artistic landscape by introducing new narratives, themes, and forms of expression that challenge conventional norms. If you like to learn more about the exhibition and artwork available, click here.
Let us not wait until women artists are in the twilight of their careers or beyond; let us invest in their art early, allowing them to thrive from their creations, shaping a more vibrant and just art world.