When people talk about influential artists, certain names are repeated often. Yet the world of art is much larger than the handful of women who have broken through into mainstream recognition. Many female artists have created powerful work that deserves far more attention than it has received. These women pushed boundaries, explored new forms, and challenged ideas about art, identity, and society. Here are ten underrated female artists you should know.
1. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–1656)
Although art historians have begun to recognize her, Gentileschi still does not have the fame she deserves compared to her male Baroque contemporaries. She was a master of dramatic light and shadow and created paintings that often featured strong, defiant women. Her work Judith Slaying Holofernes is a striking example of how she turned traditional biblical scenes into explorations of female strength and resilience. Her life, marked by personal struggles, makes her achievements all the more remarkable.
2. Hilma af Klint (1862–1944)
Long before abstract art became associated with names like Kandinsky and Mondrian, Hilma af Klint was painting bold, spiritual works filled with geometry, symbolism, and bright color. She believed her art was guided by a higher force and kept much of it private, fearing the world was not ready to understand it. Only recently has her work gained wider recognition, proving she was decades ahead of her time in exploring abstraction.
3. Alma Thomas (1891–1978)
Alma Thomas was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York, yet her name is still not as well known as it should be. She painted with radiant colors in mosaic-like patterns that celebrated nature and joy. Her work was vibrant, optimistic, and deeply rooted in her love of community and teaching. She stands as a pioneer who bridged modernism with African American cultural identity.
4. Remedios Varo (1908–1963)
A Spanish-born Surrealist, Remedios Varo created mysterious, dreamlike paintings filled with fantastical machines, mystical figures, and imaginative worlds. After fleeing war in Europe, she settled in Mexico and became part of a circle of artists who blended European avant-garde ideas with Mexican culture. Her art explores themes of science, magic, and the inner world, offering a unique feminine perspective within Surrealism that remains too often overlooked.
5. Leonora Carrington (1917–2011)
Another Surrealist connected to Mexico, Leonora Carrington’s work is rich with mythology, animals, and otherworldly figures. Beyond painting, she also wrote novels and plays that blended surrealism with feminist themes. Although she was associated with famous male artists like Max Ernst, she carved out her own path and produced art that celebrated mystery, transformation, and independence. Her legacy has grown in recent years, but she still deserves more recognition in mainstream discussions of Surrealism.
6. Betye Saar (b. 1926)
Betye Saar is known for her powerful assemblages that confront racism, sexism, and stereotypes. She takes everyday objects and transforms them into bold political statements. Her most famous work, The Liberation of Aunt Jemima, turned a racist caricature into a symbol of resistance. For decades, Saar has been making art that is both personal and political, yet she has not always been given the same platform as her contemporaries. Her influence on younger generations of artists is undeniable.
7. Luchita Hurtado (1920–2020)
Venezuelan-born Luchita Hurtado painted for decades but did not receive major recognition until she was nearly 100 years old. Her art explored themes of the body, nature, and interconnectedness. She created abstract, symbolic works that reflected her spiritual and ecological concerns. Hurtado’s story is a reminder of how many women artists have been ignored until late in life, despite producing significant work for decades.
8. Loïs Mailou Jones (1905–1998)
Loïs Mailou Jones had a career that spanned more than seven decades, yet she is often overlooked in the history of American art. She drew inspiration from African, Caribbean, and African American traditions, blending them into bold, colorful compositions. She was also a dedicated teacher who influenced countless students at Howard University. Her work challenged the boundaries placed on Black artists during her lifetime and continues to inspire today.
9. Pan Yuliang (1895–1977)
Pan Yuliang was one of the first female students admitted to the Shanghai Art School and later studied in Paris. She created modernist paintings that combined Western techniques with Chinese themes. Her art often depicted the female body with sensitivity and strength, defying the conservative expectations of her time. Because she lived much of her life in exile, her work is less known in her homeland, but she remains a pioneering figure in modern Chinese art.
10. Emma Amos (1937–2020)
Emma Amos was a painter, printmaker, and weaver who used her art to confront issues of race, gender, and power. She often incorporated textiles and bright patterns into her paintings, challenging the hierarchy of fine art versus craft. Her work questioned who gets to be represented in art history and how. Amos combined technical skill with fearless political engagement, making her a vital voice in American art.
These ten artists show the breadth of creativity and resilience among women who were overlooked in their time. Their work spans centuries and continents, from Baroque Italy to modern America, from Surrealist Mexico to revolutionary China. Each of them carved out a space where they could express themselves despite barriers of gender, race, or tradition. Learning their names and exploring their work broadens our understanding of art history and ensures that their contributions will no longer remain hidden in the shadows.