Interview with Faith Ringgold conducted in 1972, by Doloris Holmes, for the Archives of American Art's "Art World in Turmoil" oral history project.
Ringgold speaks of her involvement and the origins of WSABAL (Women, Students, and Artists for Black Artist Liberation); her attempts to raise awareness of the under-representation of women in art (writing to the Times/ performing surveys); her hopes for the upcoming WSABAL show on June 22 (the first Black female show in New York); her feelings towards the NYUNBAYAASANAA (the male neo-African Harlem group); her reaction to the '68 Venice Biennale which excluded women and Black artists; her subsequent show named the Liberated Venice Biennale which consisted of 50% women; the She Show and the Flag Show which instigated three arrests; the He Show and upcoming Where Are We At? Show; the importance of conducting open shows; her feelings towards historical African art and its conceptual confronting nature; the influence of Augusta Savage; the influence of African art upon Minimalism and Surrealism.
Biographical / Historical:
Faith Ringgold (1930-2024) was a painter, sculptor, performance artist, and author in New York, New York.
Provenance:
This interview is part of the Archives' Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and others.
Restrictions:
This transcript is open for research. No recording exists. Contact Reference Services for more information.
Occupation:
Painters -- New York (State) -- New York Search this
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 3 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 22.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 3 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 4 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 21.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 4 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 4.1 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 23.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 4.1 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 5 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 12.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 5 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 6 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 13.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 6 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 7 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 14.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 7 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 7.1 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 15.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 7.1 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 8 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 16.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 8 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 8.1 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 18.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 8.1 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Baule fly-whisks are carved in a light wood covered in a thin sheet of hammered gold. According to Baule goldsmiths, the technique of gold-leafing was introduced from the Akan region of Ghana." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 9 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 19.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 9 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Sculptors in the Baule villages often remains farmers, and the creation of ritual objects forms but a part of their activity. Woodworking is a complimentary profession, accessible to all and requiring only the necessary dexterity and creative imagination. While this occupation is occasionally hereditary, one becomes a sculptor by vocation and through the recognition of one's talent." [Boyer A-M., 1993: Art of Côte d'Ivoire. The Barbier-Mueller Museum]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 10 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 6.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 10 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
"Sculptors in the Baule villages often remains farmers, and the creation of ritual objects forms but a part of their activity. Woodworking is a complimentary profession, accessible to all and requiring only the necessary dexterity and creative imagination. While this occupation is occasionally hereditary, one becomes a sculptor by vocation and through the recognition of one's talent." [Boyer A-M., 1993: Art of Côte d'Ivoire. The Barbier-Mueller Museum]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.
Local Numbers:
H 2 BLE 11 EE 72
General:
Title is provided by EEPA staff based on photographer's notes.
Local Note:
22
Frame value is 7.
Slide No. H 2 BLE 11 EE 72
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
