As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we remind you to get out and enjoy works of art created by women!

This list highlights just five women represented in the MFAH collections, but you’ll find many more as you stroll through the Museum, Bayou Bend, and Rienzi, or browse our online collection.

We hope this spotlight helps you answer the question, “Can you name #5WomenArtists?”



ILSE BING

Ilse Bing, Cancan Dancer, Moulin-Rouge, Paris, 1931
Location: Beck Building, lower level

German-born Ilse Bing was one of the earliest photographers to see the creative promise of the Leica, a small point-and-shoot camera that allowed her to respond spontaneously to the strange poetry of city life. Bing’s work is a focus in the spring installation of A History of Photography, on view through May 14.

MAGDALENA FERNÁNDEZ (at the Houston Cistern)

Rain: Magdalena Fernández at the Houston Cistern Photo by Peter Molick; courtesy of the artist and Sicardi Gallery
Location: Houston Cistern, Buffalo Bayou Park, 105 Sabine Street

Magdalena Fernández’s 2iPM009, which you may remember from our 2015–16 exhibition Contingent Beauty: Contemporary Art from Latin America), has traveled from the Museum to the massive Houston Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park, where it is on view through June 25. The immersive installation evokes a rainstorm through animated lines and the sounds of thunder and rain. The noises seem natural, but they were actually created by a choir’s snapping, slapping, and stomping! Visit buffalobayou.org to book tours.

MARIA MARTINEZ

Maria Martinez and Julian Martinez, Jar (Olla) with Traditional Abstract Plant and Geometric Designs, 1910–20
Location: Law Building, lower level

Natives of San Ildefonso in New Mexico, Maria Martinez and her husband, Julian, worked together to revive and revitalize the traditional motifs and techniques of ancient pottery found in their pueblo. Maria sculpted the vessels, and Julian decorated them.

LINDA RIDGWAY

Linda Ridgway, The Dance, 2000
Location: Cullen Sculpture Garden

Dallas artist Linda Ridgway created this work especially for the Cullen Sculpture Garden. The organic forms seem delicate, but the grape vines are cast in bronze, with “fallen” leaves epoxied to the ground below.

KOIKE SHOKO

Koike Shoko, Shell Vessel with Lid, c. 1992
Location: Law Building, first floor

Koike Shoko’s dynamic, seashell-inspired ceramic works articulate her careful observation and deep appreciation of nature. After throwing her forms on the wheel, the Japanese artist shapes them by hand, adding layers of different clays. She then cuts through the layers with a wire, creating exaggerated spines and planes.

In March, the Museum celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the immense contributions women have made to the arts. Learn more about the Museum’s #5WomenArtists campaign.