Women in Art

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.

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?

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 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.

Four BC Women Painters, at Lambert’s Gallery & Shop, opened May 1st and runs through the end of the month. The paintings are all acrylics on canvas by Joyce Kamikura (florals and aquatic scenes), Kristeen Verge ((bold florals), Tatjana Mirkov-Popovicki (Vancouver scenes), and Motoko (ocean-inspired abstracts). I was drawn to the Motoko’s abstracts (in photo), and to a fabulous painting of lotus flowers by Kamikura.

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.

Lambert’s Gallery & Shop is located at 2439 Granville Street, Vancouver, at the corner Granville & Broadway. Hours are Sunday & Monday, noon – 4 pm; Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5:30 pm.

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.

Photo credit: Lambert’s Gallery & Shop

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