Artists And Activists We Love
Because if one thing is certain, it's that women deserve to be celebrated. Alright ladies, let's get in formation! International Women's Day is right around the corner and this year's theme is Press For Progress. It is a chance for women from everywhere in the world to unite and celebrate some kick-ass strong as hell ladies, including ourselves. And while we're at it, it's also a great opportunity to treat ourselves and also all the other important woman in our lives to a little gift that expresses what it means to be a proud woman.
The Feminine Mystique was the book that launched the modern women's movement. And, she authored it. Betty believed that women are as capable as men and needed to get out of the house and into the workplace. The book actually caused a huge dispute but women everywhere were greatly affected by it.
Well, to be honest, Betty Friedan wasn't a warm and fuzzy feminist that was beloved by all. She was complicated, noisy, bitchy (yes she admitted it herself but aren't we all bitchy sometimes), pushy, and bossy.
Although she could be hard to get along with, she made major contributions to feminism that cannot be ignored. She is a prime example of the idea that women don't have to be quiet and submissive and they definitely do not all have the same personality. As Tina Fey would say, "B*tches get stuff done."
Even though The Feminine Mystique feels so exclusive and irrelevant today, it was the spark that ignited a movement. That movement, in the sixties, was a huge leap forward for women, all women. And that's the reason why the iconic Betty Friedan was featured in artist Christina Heitmann's 'Wall Of Femme' series. So grab this piece now to remind yourself that you are a brave and strong woman!
The American political activist, academic and author born in Alabama spent her youth educating herself and organizing interracial study groups — which were illegal at the time.
Of all the things that I've read about Angela, this struck me the most; she was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitive list, only the third woman. President Richard Nixon called her a "dangerous terrorist."
I mean, who doesn't love a smart and dangerous woman am I right? She even ran for Vice President of the United States twice under the Communist Party USA ticket and came out as a lesbian in 1997. And as a girl scout since young, she had protested against segregation. Angela Davis is what all of us want to be but didn't have the courage to. Cheers to all the women around the world who has the balls of steel!
In 1907, one of Mexico's most famous painters graced the earth with her presence. Born on July 6th, she paved the way for female artists, free spirits, and creatives with her unapologetic nature and remarkably personal paintings. Frida changed the way we relate to art and there has never been anyone like her, and not just because she rocked one of the best unibrows and moustache of all time.
Recently, Salma Hayek revealed the tremendous effort and pain she had to go through to tell Frida's story back in the 90s. It was one that was ridden with sexual harassment. Something no woman should ever have to go through.
In an effort to put an end to women being mistreated in Hollywood, as well as all around the world; and in support of the #TimesUp and #MeToo movement, Ms Hayek bared it all. If it wasn't for Salma Hayek, Frida Kahlo would probably not have been the pop culture icon she is today spanning so many generations.
With her iconic unibrow, faint moustache, and striking self-potraits, Frida Kahlo is easily one of the most discernible important artists of all time. Kahlo and her art pieces still remains as inspirations for artists and women everywhere even after all these years.
With her compelling and tenacious spirit, Frida is a perfect example of bravery in the face of adversity. Even though Frida was born on July 6th, she insisted July 7th, 1910 to be her birthday, to mirror the Mexican revolution.
In diary pages dated from 1950-1951, Frida says how she wanted to create paintings that would contribute to the communist revolutionary movement; she wanted to contribute in any positive way that her health allowed. To her, this was the true reason to live. What an icon. If you're a fan of Frida Kahlo's, make space on your walls and get this unique piece by Christina!
VIRGINA WOOLF
Even if you're not familiar with her, you've probably read her works of literature in high school. Virginia Woolf is one of the greatest authors of her time due to her study of modernism and feminist narratives. The author of Mrs Dalloway, To The Lighthouse and A Room Of One's Own, Virginia Woolf's life and work remains highly influential on the world of literature and beyond. Woolf was a pacifist who would not advocate the use of violence for any reason while also a victim of mental illnesses and died by suicide in 1941. (Yup! That's Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf in the 2002 Hours)
Although Virginia Woolf is now accepted as a major writer and an early feminist, her work wasn't accepted or widely collated until nearly 50 years after her novels were published. Though many of her stories don't adhere to the informal strictures of modernism, she often voiced her disdain for James Joyce and other contemporaries who wrote unabashedly about sexuality. She's championed today for subtly calling attention to women's issues. So ignite your women's pride in you to study feminism with this piece!
Here's someone who deserves a whole load of respect! Thank you, Ms. Anthony, for fighting your long life for the right for women to vote in America. In the 1872 presidential election at her home in Rochester, New York, Anthony was arrested for illegally voting. Fourteen other women were also arrested, but only Anthony's action was presented as evidence. She was charged a fine of $100, which she refused to pay and never ever did pay the fine.
Susan B Anthony, an American women's right advocate, dedicated her life to racial, gender and educational equality. She was also a primary organizer, speaker, and writer for the 19th-century women's rights movement in the United States.
One of the most famous women in American history, she played a supreme role in the women's suffrage movement; the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, is named in her honour like honestly, wow! Get this piece to tell yourself or another important woman in your life that if you don't challenge yourself, you will never realize what you are capable of.
The wall stickers you see are all available in the Christina Heitmann collection.