No. 66: Elizabeth Catlett
Episode Transcript
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Imagine being an artist whose work and advocacy was so powerful that you were banned from the United States—yet still revered across the globe. Elizabeth Catlett was that artist, blending art and activism to challenge the status quo and uplift the voices of the marginalized.
Hey, it's Shae, a PhD candidate at Harvard, here to take you on a journey through the life of Elizabeth Catlett, an artist who transformed adversity into creativity and became a voice for the voiceless.
Elizabeth Catlett was born in 1915 in Washington, D.C., but her roots trace back to a family of educators who instilled in her the importance of knowledge and resilience. Growing up in a segregated community, Catlett experienced firsthand the brutal realities of racism and inequality. Her grandmother, born into slavery, often shared stories of resistance and survival, leaving a profound impact on young Elizabeth.
Catlett’s early exposure to these harsh realities fueled her desire to use art as a tool for change. After earning her Bachelor’s degree from Howard University, she became the first African American woman to earn an MFA in sculpture from the University of Iowa. There, she studied under Grant Wood, who encouraged her to draw from her own experiences and culture in her work.
Her activism was just as powerful as her art. In 1946, she moved to Mexico and joined the Taller de Gráfica Popular, where she created pieces that challenged social norms and highlighted the struggles of Black and Indigenous people. Catlett once said, “I have always wanted my art to service my people—to reflect us, to relate to us, to stimulate us, to make us aware of our potential.”
Elizabeth Catlett was banned from entering the United States during the height of the McCarthy era, a period marked by intense anti-communist sentiment. Because of her political beliefs and her association with leftist artists in Mexico, the U.S. government deemed her a potential threat. Catlett, who had become a Mexican citizen, was barred from returning to the country of her birth for nearly a decade. Despite this, she remained undeterred, continuing to create powerful works of art that addressed issues of race, class, and gender. Her banishment only fueled her resolve to use her art as a means of resistance and empowerment.
She also created art to honor the resilience and beauty of Black women, making them the central figures in much of her work. Her series The Black Woman remains one of her most significant contributions, illustrating the strength, dignity, and determination of Black women.
Here’s some good news! The Brooklyn Museum is doing a special exhibition of Elizabeth Catlett’s work which will be on view from September 13, 2024 to January 19, 2025. If you’re in the area or visiting, you’ll be able to see her revolutionary art work up close and personal.
Elizabeth Catlett’s life was a powerful blend of art and activism, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and rate the podcast 5 stars so more people can hear these amazing stories. Don’t forget to follow me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more content on historic Black women who changed the world. Thanks for listening, and see you next time!
