Women's contributions to art have all too often been overlooked, diluted, or cast into the shadows. However, we wanted to share the stories of the female artists sold at Extraordinary Objects and highlight their contribution to the art world.

Tracey Emin

First rising to prominence in the 1990’s as a Young British Artist (YBA), Tracey Emin challenged traditional artistic norms and played a crucial role in redefining contemporary art in Britain. Her most notable work, ‘My Bed’ gained widespread attention for providing an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into her life which challenges traditional notions of what could be considered art and influenced the conceptual turn in contemporary art.

Her approach to work being so autobiographical and candid allows her to explore her innermost feelings, experiences, and challenges and share this with the world. Her transparency about mental and physical health issues has inspired a generation of artists to be motivated to examine their personal lives through their artwork, which has aided in the growth of confessional or autobiographical art.

Bridget Riley

Bridget Riley, a pioneering British artist, is renowned for her contributions to the Op Art movement, a style characterised by the optical illusions and perceptual effects created through the use of geometric patterns and colour.

Riley's work is deeply rooted in the exploration of perception and the psychology of visual experience. Her paintings play with the viewer's perception, creating the illusion of movement, vibration, and depth. This focus on the viewer's experience has influenced subsequent generations of artists interested in the psychological impact of art. Riley has also been involved in teaching and mentoring emerging artists. Her insights and guidance have influenced the development of several artists who have gone on to make significant contributions to the art world.

Lakwena Maciver

Lakwena Maciver is a British-Ugandan contemporary artist known for her vibrant and large-scale mural installations that often incorporate bold colours, intricate patterns, and empowering messages. Maciver is known for her distinctive use of public spaces as a canvas for her vibrant murals. Her large-scale works transform urban environments and engage with a broader audience, challenging the conventional boundaries of where art can be displayed.

Her work often features empowering and positive messages through the use of text and symbolism. She addresses themes of identity, unity, and empowerment with emphasis on positive messaging that has resonated with viewers and contributed to a broader conversation about the role of art in fostering social and cultural change.

Alma Singer

Emerging artist Alma Singer creates playful and thought-provoking work exploring issues around value, art, identity, and female sexuality. First producing work in January 2023, she has since released a series of prints via Jealous Gallery, showcased her works in a number of prestigious galleries around the world and had her work regularly smash their estimates at Bonham’s auction house. In June 2023, Alma Singer presented ‘A For Effort’, her debut solo show at Extraordinary Objects, which saw the largest private view event the gallery had seen with all works selling out before the exhibition closed in August.

Helen Beard

Helen Beard is a British contemporary artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings, often exploring themes of sexuality, desire, and relationships. Her work delves into the intimate and personal aspects of human relationships, exploring themes of desire, love, and sexuality. Her candid and bold approach to these subjects challenges traditional norms and contributes to a broader conversation about the representation of intimacy in art.

Beard is part of a generation of artists contributing to the resurgence of figurative painting in contemporary art with a focus on depicting the human form and emotions to reflect a broader trend in the art world. Her work challenges traditional representations of women and contributes to a more nuanced and contemporary discourse within feminist art.

Swoon

Swoon is a contemporary street artist known for her intricate and evocative paper-cut and pasted installations. She first gained prominence for her wheat-paste and paper-cut street art installations, often featuring large-scale portraits and intricate designs which transform public spaces, challenging traditional notions of where art belongs and bringing it into the streets for a wider audience.

Swoon's art often addresses social and humanitarian issues, such as poverty, climate change, and displacement. Through her work, she brings attention to marginalised communities and uses art as a tool for social activism and awareness. Her community-oriented approach has influenced other street artists to consider the impact of their work on local contexts.

Jenny Holzer

Finally, American conceptual artist, Jenny Holzer has had a profound impact on the art world through her thought-provoking and socially engaged works. Holzer is most widely recognised for her use of language and text as a primary medium. Her early works, such as her "Truisms" series and "Inflammatory Essays," challenged traditional artistic forms by presenting powerful ideas and messages through text.

Often displayed in prominent urban spaces, her large scale public art installations bring her text-based works to open settings, to challenge the conventional boundaries of art institutions and makes art accessible to a broader audience. Holzer has embraced technology in her art, employing LED displays to showcase her work. Her innovative use of technology has influenced contemporary artists to explore new mediums and consider the dynamic relationship between art and technology.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's carry forward the inspiration and insights garnered from the remarkable female artists explored. Their stories, diverse expressions, and unyielding creativity stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in the arts.

Eclipsing Boundaries: A Celebration of Female Artistry