Weekly Artist Feature | Howardena Pindell

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Howardena Pindell (b. April 14, 1943, Philadelphia, PA) is a trailblazing American artist, educator, and activist whose multifaceted practice has significantly influenced contemporary art. She earned her BFA from Boston University in 1965 and her MFA from Yale University in 1967. Her work is known internationally and will be featured in an upcoming solo exhibition, "Howardena Pindell" – White Cube Bermondsey, London, UK (November 26, 2025 – January 2026).

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Click here to learn more about the artist →

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Pindell's work encompasses painting, collage, video art, and mixed media, often incorporating unconventional materials such as glitter, talcum powder, and perfume. Her art frequently addresses themes of racism, feminism, violence, and exploitation, reflecting her commitment to social justice.

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Since 1979, Pindell has been a faculty member at Stony Brook University in New York, where she currently holds the position of Distinguished Professor. Her work is featured in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the National Gallery of Art.

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Highlights: 

• Earned a B.F.A. from Boston University in 1965 and an M.F.A. from Yale University in 1967.
• Worked at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York from 1967 to 1979 in curatorial roles, including Associate Curator of Prints and Illustrated Books.
• Co-founded A.I.R. Gallery in 1972, the first artist-directed gallery for women in the United States, fostering visibility for female artists of all backgrounds.
• Known for her innovative multimedia practice combining painting, collage, video, and mixed media, often incorporating materials like glitter and talcum powder to address racism, sexism, and social injustice.
• Received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1987 and the Artists’ Legacy Foundation Artist Award in 2019, recognizing her lifetime contributions to art.
• Has taught at Stony Brook University since 1979 and was appointed Distinguished Professor in 2019.

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Click the link to learn more about Howardena Pindell and her work here.

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Upcoming Exhibition

Howardena Pindell, “Test Pattern/Event Horizon”, 2022

“Howardena Pindell” – White Cube Bermondsey, London, UK (November 26, 2025 – January 2026) - A solo exhibition spanning the Bermondsey galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the 1960s to present, focusing on Pindell’s exploration of race, gender, and the grid as a compositional device.

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Will you be in or near London? Don’t miss this — Click here to get details and plan your visit today! →

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Selected Past Exhibitions

• “Deep Sea, Deep Space” – White Cube Hong Kong, Hong Kong (November 20, 2024 – January 8, 2025)
• “Past as Prologue: A Historical Acknowledgment, Part II of II” – National Academy of Design, New York, NY (February 6 – April 26, 2025)
• “Powerhouses: 20 Powerhouse Artists | 20 Masterworks” – Bill Hodges Gallery, St. Louis, MO (February 6 – April 18, 2025)
• What Remains To Be Seen – Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL (Feb 24, 2018 – May 20, 2018)

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Artworks