Kate Pankhurst, Fantastically Great Women Artists and Their Stories, Bloomsbury, February 2022, 192 pp., RRP $17.40 (pbk), ISBN 9781526615343
Written by Kate Pankhurst, bestselling author and illustrator of the internationally successful Fantastically Great Women books, Fantastically Great Women Artists and their Stories is a celebration of just some of the trailblazing female artists who have left their mark on the world.
‘Women are the creative geniuses behind some of the world’s most daring and influential pieces of artwork. Using pencils, paintbrushes or even their bare hands, these artists tell stories that bring joy, encourage hope and inspire activism. They’ve shown women in the ways they deserve to be seen- and these women are not afraid to break the rules.’
My nine-year-old son read this title in a day – it’s a real page turner, with playful drawings, comic strips, maps, family trees and fascinating details to keep the reader engaged.
The artists featured include well-known names such as Frida Kahlo and famous art collector Peggy Guggenheim as well as less well-known artists such as Amrita Sher-Gil, Elizabeth Le Brun and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Using perspective shifts and visually creative art, the author delves into each artist’s story, exploring a wide variety of background experiences and influences.
The French Revolution, wartime persecution, and the Harlem Renaissance are just a few of the socio-historical backdrops in this intriguing book, allowing the reader a glimpse into the diverse life stories of these ground-breaking artists. It also offers a chance to understand some of the circumstances and constraints experienced by female artists over the years as well as the joy and successes they have achieved as they paved the way for us all.
As well as the riveting stories and historical details, this title includes explanations and how-to instructions for different art forms. The glossary, further reading and suggested websites are also very useful, making this an absolute must have read for any budding art enthusiasts.
Reviewed by Lisa Hoad
