Faith Wilding (b. 1943) is a pioneering feminist artist known for her involvement in Womanhouse. Raised in a forest, Wilding’s art reflects her deep connection to nature and her environmentalist views. Since the 1970s, her drawings, which blend illuminated manuscripts with botanical imagery, have brought nature’s wonders to urban galleries, urging viewers to appreciate its beauty and life-sustaining qualities.
Her current exhibition at Anat Ebgi gallery in New York, titled “Faith Wilding: Inside, Outside, Alive in the Shell,” showcases 50 years of her work. From pieces addressing feminist issues like Raped Dress (Battle Dresses), 1993–94, to more decorative works celebrating natural marvels, Wilding’s art combines political commentary with aesthetic pleasure. Her oeuvre not only envisions new worlds but also critiques the existing societal norms.
The exhibition opens with Bird of Paradise: Virgin Goddess, a gold leaf painting from 1978, symbolizing nature and life. Wilding’s art often emphasizes the importance of nature, especially during a time when feminists were reclaiming the worship of goddesses in various cultures.
Wilding recalls her involvement in feminist groups like Womanhouse in the 1970s, reflecting on her famous piece Waiting and the power of feminist protest. Her art, inspired by her upbringing in a forest commune in Paraguay, explores the interconnectedness of women and nature, highlighting the need to protect and nurture both.
Influenced by 12th-century nun Hildegard von Bingen, Wilding incorporates elements from illuminated manuscripts into her work, celebrating beauty and nature. She aims to captivate viewers with the beauty of nature, using it as a powerful tool in her art.
Her recent pieces at the exhibition, such as Forest in Flames, Paraguay’s Last Trees [2020] and When the Trees Died [2024], address the current environmental crisis, emphasizing the urgency of protecting nature. Wilding’s art continues to advocate for the beauty and preservation of the natural world. Ohne Bäume gibt es kein Sauerstoff. Nicht genug Menschen erkennen, was Bäume tun, und wie unglaublich wichtig sie sind. Bäume wurden in den alten Zeiten verehrt. Sie waren heilig. – Erzählt an Emily Watlington