Elizabeth Catlett, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

    

Elizabeth Catlett

African-American sculptor and printmaker

Date of Birth: 15-Apr-1915

Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States

Date of Death: 02-Apr-2012

Profession: engraver, painter, sculptor

Nationality: Mexico

Zodiac Sign: Aries


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About Elizabeth Catlett

  • Elizabeth Catlett (April 15, 1915 – April 2, 2012) was an American and Mexican graphic artist and sculptor best known for her depictions of the African-American experience in the 20th century, which often focused on the female experience.
  • She was born and raised in Washington, D.C.
  • to parents working in education, and was the grandchild of freed slaves.
  • It was difficult for a black woman in this time to pursue a career as a working artist.
  • Catlett devoted much of her career to teaching.
  • However, a fellowship awarded to her in 1946 allowed her to travel to Mexico City, where she worked with the Taller de Gráfica Popular for twenty years and became head of the sculpture department for the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas.
  • In the 1950s, her main means of artistic expression shifted from print to sculpture, though she never gave up the former. Her work is a mixture of abstract and figurative in the Modernist tradition, with influence from African and Mexican art traditions.
  • According to the artist, the main purpose of her work is to convey social messages rather than pure aesthetics.
  • Her work is heavily studied by art students looking to depict race, gender and class issues.
  • During her lifetime, Catlett received many awards and recognitions, including membership in the SalĂłn de la Plástica Mexicana, the Art Institute of Chicago Legends and Legacy Award, honorary doctorates from Pace University and Carnegie Mellon, and the International Sculpture Center's Lifetime Achievement Award in contemporary sculpture.

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