Born in 1943, Faith Wilding has made a lasting mark as a groundbreaking feminist artist, significantly contributing to the iconic Womanhouse project.
Her upbringing in the verdant forests of Paraguay nurtured a profound love for nature, which has since become a cornerstone of her artistic expression.
In the 1970s, Wilding began crafting drawings that harmoniously combine motifs from illuminated manuscripts with elements of botanical art.
Her work resonated deeply with urban audiences, often disconnected from the natural world, and urged them to recognize its beauty and fundamental importance to our existence.
Current Exhibition and Notable Works
Currently featured at the Anat Ebgi gallery in New York, her exhibition “Faith Wilding: Inside, Outside, Alive in the Shell” will run until March 1.
This collection is a tribute to her five-decade-long artistic journey, showcasing a diverse array of pieces that tackle significant feminist issues.
Among the standout works is the evocative Raped Dress (Battle Dresses), created between 1993 and 1994, alongside intricate pieces that invite viewers to reconnect with the splendors of nature.
Wilding masterfully blends political commentary with aesthetic enjoyment, producing works that envision new possibilities while also critiquing the existing societal landscape.
Unlike many of her peers, she boldly articulates both her concerns and her hopes.
Influences and Inspirations
The exhibition opens with the breathtaking Bird of Paradise: Virgin Goddess, a gold leaf painting from 1978 that beautifully depicts a blooming plant.
Rendered in pencil, this work embodies the essence of the goddess associated with life and nature.
The surrounding gold leaf enhances the sacredness of the natural world—a significant theme Wilding sought to highlight during a period marked by a revival of goddess worship.
In the 1970s, Wilding participated in collaborative feminist projects, notably Womanhouse, where artists transformed a domestic space into an art installation.
One of her most impactful pieces, Waiting, emerged from a dinner conversation with fellow artists Judy Chicago and Arlene Raven.
It was during this conversation that she expressed a desire to delve into the theme of women’s perpetual waiting.
Following an intimate workshop where women shared their stories, she crafted and performed a poignant poem that resonated deeply with her audience.
Connection to Nature
Art has always been Wilding’s driving passion.
The Womanhouse project opened doors for her, allowing her to crochet an entire room and perform in her first exhibition.
It was during this time that she began exploring the interconnections between environmental issues and the struggles faced by women, advocating for society to nurture and respect nature.
Her childhood in a commune nestled in the Paraguayan wilderness instilled in her a profound appreciation for the natural world.
Early in her life, Wilding encountered the writings of Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century nun who celebrated female empowerment and the beauty of nature.
This early feminist figure not only inspired her with her poetic insights but also echoed Wilding’s own lamentations regarding humanity’s impact on the environment.
With a solid grounding in art history, Wilding found inspiration in illuminated manuscripts, devoting time to travel to convents, exhibitions, and archives to study these historic works closely.
This immersion shaped her understanding and appreciation for the ornamental aspects inherent in those pieces.
Wilding embraces beauty unapologetically, often reflecting on her childhood desire to create art that would delight her mother.
For Wilding, beauty has immense power.
She believes it can evoke deep emotions and provoke thought.
Growing up amidst the breathtaking landscapes of South America, she aims for her drawings to instill a sense of wonder in everyday specifics, such as the intricate form of a leaf.
Works like her “Leaf Series” (1976–78) amplify these elements, drawing attention to their inherent magnificence.
In her eyes, beauty acts as an empowering tool, fostering appreciation and awareness.
Her recent works showcased in the exhibition, including Forest in Flames, Paraguay’s Last Trees (2020) and When the Trees Died (2024), confront urgent contemporary issues.
Wilding addresses the vital role trees play in our ecosystem, underscoring the necessity of heightened awareness about their significance.
Recognizing that trees were once revered as sacred entities, she believes it is crucial for us to revive that respect and stewardship toward the natural world.