For International Women’s Day, we wanted to highlight some incredible artists through history who have inspired us, and continue to do so. Five Atomhawk artists have created portraits of an artist that has inspired their work, influenced their personal art journeys or who are important to their cultural heritage.
Read on to find out more about these iconic women and why our artists decided to paint them.
Artemisia Gentileschi, born in 1593, was an Italian Baroque painter considered among the most accomplished artists of the 17th century. She has been painted by Rachel Saunders who says: “I chose to create a portrait of Artemisia Gentileschi because her work is strikingly emotional and compelling. I wanted to show her completing one of her powerful paintings, with her pose reflecting that of Judith to represent her merits as an artist, rather than her life story, which long overshadowed her legacy.”
Naoko Takeuchi, born in 1967, is a Japanese manga artist, best known as the creator of Sailor Moon, one of the most popular manga series of all time. Kasia Slupecka chose Naoko because her work was a gateway to Kasia discovering Japanese culture and her passion for art. “I remember when I first saw the Sailor Moon manga, the artwork was like nothing that nine-year-old me had seen before,” she said. “The story and character designs were so different from other kid’s cartoons I‘d seen. I became obsessed with drawing the sailor scouts and learning the style. Discovering her art will be always an important part of my life.”
Tove Jansson, born 1914, was a Finnish illustrator, comic strip author and novelist, best known as the creator of the internationally beloved Moomins. Konsta Nikkilä expressed that she was important to his culture as a fellow Finn and hopes more people around the world can learn about how awesome she was.
Frida Kahlo, born in 1907, was a Mexican painter best known known for her self-portraits, pain and passion, and vibrant colours inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. Ricky Lee shared that he wanted to draw her because she is one of his favourite artists. “She is an artist who dares to face her own pain,” he said. “Her paintings have a strong power that stands out from male artists of the time. There is contrast of visual impact and the delicateness of her own life.”
Tamara de Lempicka, born in 1898, was a Polish painter. Often called the “The Baroness with a Brush”, she is best known for her polished Art Deco portraits of aristocrats. Ani Larmina wanted to depict her for how cool she was, saying: “She was so stylish and beautiful and travelled a lot. When she died at age 81, her ashes were scattered over a volcano!”
