Quick, how many women artists can you name? I had that discussion with a friend awhile back as we discussed the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Between the two of us, we came up with a handful of names, and that was about it. If you've ever looked up a Kristeen Verge artist biography, you know her work is a perfect example of the incredible talent out there.
Now, how many established local women artists can you name? Do you know who the emerging women artists are in your city or geographic region? If you're looking for inspiration, you might enjoy exploring incredible women artists you need to know.
Chances are that you don’t, because for years, women artists have not garnered the sales that bring them to the attention of the public. Even in the art world, it’s often all about the money. I was fortunate to spend some time in Vancouver, British Columbia this month, and perhaps even more fortunate to take in an exhibit featuring the work of four British Columbia women artists who are breaking into the big time, with works and sales matching those of their contemporary male counterparts. To learn more about exploring this vibrant city, check out our guide on things to do in Vancouver.
Highlighting Kristeen Verge, Artist, and Fellow Talents
The original exhibit, Four BC Women Painters, opened May 1st and runs through the end of the month. While the venue, Lambert’s Gallery & Shop, has permanently closed, you can still find similar vibrant local art at top-rated modern alternatives like the Bau-Xi Gallery on Granville Street. The paintings are all acrylics on canvas by:
- Joyce Kamikura: Showcasing florals and aquatic scenes.
- Kristeen Verge: A celebrated Kristeen Verge artist collection featuring bold florals.
- Tatjana Mirkov-Popovicki: Capturing beautiful Vancouver scenes.
- Motoko: Creating captivating ocean-inspired abstracts.
I was drawn to Motoko’s abstracts (in photo), and to a fabulous painting of lotus flowers by Kamikura.
Historical Perspectives vs. Modern Recognition
Historically, women painted primarily in watercolors, and their subject matter was not seen as “important” when contrasted with male artists who painted landscapes and major events in oils. This show features four established women artists whose works are seen as every bit as important as male artist, both in terms of subject matter, medium, and sales prices.
| Aspect | Historical Perception | Modern Recognition | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Primary Medium** | Watercolors | Acrylics, oils, mixed media | | **Subject Matter** | Viewed as "less important" | Bold, major themes | | **Market Value** | Lower sales and recognition | Sales matching male counterparts |At the time, Lambert’s Gallery & Shop was located at 2439 Granville Street, Vancouver, at the corner Granville & Broadway. Hours were Sunday & Monday, noon - 4 pm; Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 5:30 pm. Though that specific shop is gone, the South Granville neighborhood remains an excellent destination for art lovers.
Hopefully, 20 years from now when the conversation turns to women artists, we’ll all be able to come up with more than just a handful of names.
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