Faith Wilding, a pivotal figure in feminist art, was born in 1943 and gained recognition for her involvement in the groundbreaking Womanhouse project.
Her early years spent within the embrace of a verdant forest nurtured her artistic vision, fostering a profound environmental awareness that permeates her creations.
From the 1970s onward, she merged elements of illuminated manuscripts with botanical illustrations in her drawings, inviting urban viewers—often detached from the wonders of the natural world—to rediscover its breathtaking beauty and essential vitality.
Current Exhibition: A Retrospective
Currently on display at the Anat Ebgi gallery in New York until March 1 is her exhibition, “Faith Wilding: Inside, Outside, Alive in the Shell.” This collection represents nearly fifty years of artistic exploration, encompassing a wide range of works that address feminist themes, like the powerful Raped Dress (Battle Dresses) from 1993–94, alongside decorative pieces that celebrate the magnificence of nature.
Wilding’s art weaves together political critique and heartfelt appreciation, envisioning more hopeful futures while challenging the existing norms.
Her distinctive approach reveals both her struggles and her dreams in ways that set her apart from her contemporaries.
As visitors enter the exhibition, they are welcomed by Wilding’s striking 1978 piece, Bird of Paradise: Virgin Goddess.
This gold leaf painting depicts a plant bursting vibrantly from its bud, symbolizing nature’s divine essence.
Using gold leaf—often associated with sacred art—underscores the vital importance of the natural world.
Created during a time when feminists sought to reclaim goddess worship from mainstream narratives, this artwork aimed to reintroduce strong feminine symbols as a form of resistance.
Artistic Evolution and Collaborations
Reflecting on her journey during the 1970s, Wilding recalls the dynamic feminist movements in Los Angeles, especially her collaborative work at Womanhouse.
It was there that she conceived the poignant piece Waiting, inspired by conversations with fellow artists Judy Chicago and Arlene Raven.
They delved into the societal pressures on women to embody passivity and resonance in their waiting for dreams.
This collaboration birthed a compelling poem, echoing deeply with audiences.
An artist through and through, Wilding began her creative journey in childhood and remains committed to her craft.
Womanhouse expanded her horizons as she ventured into performance art, notably with a crocheted room.
This exploration paralleled her growing awareness of environmental issues, merging the crisis of the natural world with women’s nurturing roles.
Her upbringing in a commune nestled within the Paraguayan forest instilled in her deep respect for the environment and an acute sense of humanity’s bond with nature.
Wilding discovered Hildegard von Bingen—an influential 12th-century nun—at a young age.
Hildegard’s writings celebrated female vitality and nature’s divinity, resonating with Wilding powerfully.
Inspired by Hildegard’s lyrical sensibility, Wilding undertook a pilgrimage to the convent where Hildegard’s legacy endures, influencing even modern nuns.
To Wilding, Hildegard embodies early feminist ideals, whose thoughts on humanity’s engagement with nature have profoundly shaped her artistic outlook.
Connecting Beauty and Nature
Her fascination with illuminated manuscripts originated in Paraguay, where she began studying their intricate details.
After moving to the United States in 1961, she explored convents and galleries, eager to comprehend the artistry of patterns and depictions of foliage.
She recognized beauty even in what some might dismiss as mere decoration, a quality she now fully embraces.
From the outset, Wilding’s artistic ambitions were driven by a desire to create beauty.
Initially, her goal was simple: craft the most stunning flower imaginable for her mother.
Yet she quickly realized beauty’s power to evoke deep emotions, much like the splendor found in nature itself.
In her artwork, she aims to highlight everyday wonders, shifting ordinary leaves into extraordinary subjects when viewed closely.
She boldly declares her mission to fuse beauty and nature, using art as a transformative tool.
Among her latest works featured in the exhibition are Forest in Flames, Paraguay’s Last Trees (2020) and When the Trees Died (2024), which address urgent concerns regarding environmental degradation.
Through these pieces, Wilding emphasizes the critical role trees play in sustaining life and calls for a renewed respect for their sacred status.
With her art, she encourages us to connect with the beauty surrounding us and to foster a harmonious relationship between humanity and the world we inhabit.