Elizabeth Catlett was a pioneering African-American artist, printmaker, and sculptor who used her work to advocate for social justice and raise awareness of the struggles faced by marginalized communities. Born in Washington D.C. in 1915, Catlett was a prodigious talent who was accepted into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago at the age of 15. She went on to study at the University of Iowa, where she became the first African-American woman to earn an MFA in sculpture. Catlett's work often focused on the experiences of African-American women, and she was a vocal advocate for women's rights and gender equality. She was also deeply committed to the struggle for civil rights, and her work frequently addressed issues of racism, police brutality, and economic inequality. Catlett's art was characterized by strong lines, bold shapes, and vivid colors, which conveyed a sense of power and resilience. Throughout her long and illustrious career, Catlett produced a wide range of works in various media, including woodcuts, lithographs, and sculptures. Her most famous works include the Sharecropper series, which depicts the harsh realities of life for African-American farmers in the South, and the Black Unity series, which celebrates the strength and resilience of the African-American community. Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges throughout her life, Catlett remained committed to her art and her activism until the very end. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 96, leaving behind a rich legacy of powerful and thought-provoking works that continue to inspire and challenge viewers to this day.
African-American, printmaker, sculptor, social justice, civil rights
Elizabeth Catlett was an American artist and printmaker who was known for her socio-political works that often focused on the African-American experience and the struggles of women in particular. Born in Washington D.C. in 1915, Catlett was a prodigious talent and was accepted into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago at the age of 15, where she was trained in painting, sculpture, and graphic art. She is best known for her woodcut prints and her sculptures. Notable works from Catlett include prints such as Sharecropper (1949), African Mother (1951), and her series of lithographs entitled Homage to My Young Black Sisters (1970). Additionally, she also produced sculptures such as Woman with Basket of Fruit (1944) and Black Unity (1973).
Elizabeth Catlett, African-American Artist, printmaker, sculpture, black experience, socio-political art, women's struggles
— Mei Wang
CITATION : "Mei Wang. 'Elizabeth Catlett.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=201668 (Accessed on July 08, 2025)"
Elizabeth Catlett is an iconic artist whose work has been celebrated for over seven decades. She is best known for her sculptures and prints of powerful African-American subjects, including her famous “Sharecropper” and “Fruit of Labor” series. Catlett was a pioneering artist in her use of art as a tool for social justice and her work has been an inspiration to countless designers, artists and creatives. She was heavily influenced by the African American experience and the struggle for civil rights and her work celebrates the strength and resilience of African American people and works to raise awareness of the struggles and injustices they faced. Her works are characterized by strong lines, powerful shapes and vivid colors that convey a sense of power and beauty. Catlett was a multi-talented artist who worked in a variety of media, from sculpture to printmaking to painting. Her art has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, bringing attention to the vital perspective she brings to the field of visual arts.
Elizabeth Catlett, artist, sculpture, prints, African-American, civil rights, art, activism, social justice, mixed media.
Elizabeth Catlett is an iconic artist whose work has been celebrated for over seven decades. Born in Washington D.C, Catlett was a multi-talented artist who worked in a variety of media, from sculpture to printmaking to painting. Her art was heavily influenced by the African American experience and the struggle for civil rights. Catlett's work celebrates the strength and resilience of African American people and works to raise awareness of the struggles and injustices they faced. Her works are characterized by strong lines, powerful shapes and vivid colors that convey a sense of power and beauty. Catlett is an inspirational figure for all artists, as her work is a reminder that art can be used for social justice and change.
Elizabeth Catlett, artist, sculptor, printmaker, painter, African American, civil rights, social justice, art, inspiration, strength, resilience.
Elizabeth Catlett is a renowned Mexican artist known for her activism and artistry. Her thought provoking works use vibrant hues and intricate designs to provoke viewers and encourage them to reflect on the social and political issues facing people of color. Her works are exhibited in top galleries around the world to celebrate her artistry and recognize her contributions. Notable works by Elizabeth Catlett include the 1981’s Cabeza, the 1996’s Dance Group and the 1997’s Boy with Flag”.
Elizabeth Catlett, Mexican Artist, Social Activism, African-American Art, Sculpture, Printmaking
Elizabeth Catlett is a renowned artist who has made a lasting impact on the art world. She is internationally acclaimed for her sculptures, prints, and mixed media works, which often focus on the struggles of African Americans and other marginalized people. Her iconic pieces, such as Sharecropper, Mother and Child, and Black Unity, are celebrated as important works of social commentary. Catlett's art has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, bringing attention to the vital perspective she brings to the field of visual arts.
Elizabeth Catlett, artist, sculptor, prints, mixed media, African Americans, social commentary, visual arts
Elizabeth Catlett is an important artist who has had a profound impact on the art world. Her work is often described as powerful, political, captivating and thought-provoking. She is best known for her sculptures and prints of powerful African-American subjects, including her famous “Sharecropper” and “Fruit of Labor” series. Catlett was passionate in her quest to use her artwork to raise awareness of the struggles of African-Americans, a goal she achieved in works such as “Black Unity” and “The Negro Woman”. Her work is often praised for its use of strong lines and shapes, which convey a sense of strength and power.
Elizabeth Catlett, African American artist, sculptures, prints, Sharecropper, Fruit of Labor, Black Unity, The Negro Woman
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