Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That it Implies

A deft sculptor and printmaker, ardent feminist, and lifelong social activist, Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012) was a defining artist of the 20th century. Across nearly 100 years—from Jim Crow segregation through the Cold War and into Barack Obama’s first term as president—Catlett remained steadfast in her commitment to both her art and her political beliefs. 

Born in Washington, DC, and growing up during the Great Depression, she witnessed class inequality, racial violence, and US imperialism firsthand, all while pursuing an artistic education grounded in modernism. In 1946 Catlett settled permanently in Mexico, where she worked for the rest of her life, amplifying the experiences of Black and Mexican women.

No matter where she lived, Catlett was a tireless advocate for change, using her soaring artworks and on-the-ground activism to challenge social injustices. Inspired by sources ranging from African sculpture to works by American sculptor Barbara Hepworth and German printmaker Käthe Kollwitz to Mexican graphic art, Catlett’s prints and sculptures are characterized by bold lines and voluptuous forms. While she privileged craftsmanship and technique in her practice, she was also intent that her work be understood by all and was very deliberate in choosing the medium that would best suit her desired message.

Bringing together over 100 works from across Catlett’s awe-inspiring career, this long-overdue retrospective showcases the significant role this revolutionary artist and radical activist played in her time and the influence she still has today. Her powerful work continues to speak directly to all those united in the fight against poverty, racism, and imperialism.