Howardena Pindell
American, born 1943
Howardena Pindell is recognized for writings, research, and artwork that shed light on racism in the art world. She explored the disparities Black woman artists faced in Free, White and 21 (1980). In this satirical video, she wears a blonde wig, sunglasses, and a pale stocking over her head to portray a white woman. Pindell then discusses racism from the white woman’s perspective.
Pindell’s abstract paintings often feature circular dots due to a profound childhood experience. At an Ohio food stand, she saw red circles on the bottoms of root beer mugs reserved especially for Black patrons. This left a lasting mark on Pindell. Through her work, the artist addresses racial inequalities and promotes diversity in the art world.
Explore Selected Works
Artwork

Autobiography: Past & Present II
Autobiography: Past & Present II
Howardena Pindell, Robert Franklin, Brandywine Workshop and Archives · 2005 · color offset lithograph on two sheets of wove Somerset paper · Accession ID 2023.22.41.a-b
Artwork

Number Series #1
Number Series #1
Howardena Pindell, Tad Mike · 2003-2004 · cut etching in black on wove paper mounted to etching in black with chine collé on wove paper · Accession ID 2019.109.57
Artwork

Cassiopeia/Andromeda 1999
Cassiopeia/Andromeda 1999
Howardena Pindell · 2002-2003 · etching · Accession ID 2023.145.11
Artwork

Autobiography: Past & Present I
Autobiography: Past & Present I
Howardena Pindell, Robert Franklin, Brandywine Workshop and Archives · 1989 · color offset lithograph and screenprint on two sheets of wove Arches paper · Accession ID 2023.22.40.a-b
Artwork

Free, White and 21
Free, White and 21
Howardena Pindell · 1980 · single-channel video with sound, color, 12:15 minutes · Accession ID 2020.20.1
Artwork

Kyoto: Positive/Negative
Kyoto: Positive/Negative
Howardena Pindell, Judith Solodkin, Patricia Branstead · 1980 · etching and lithograph on dyed Japan paper with five sheets of laminated Kinwashi paper · Accession ID 2005.61.5
Artwork

Untitled, #20
Untitled, #20
Howardena Pindell · 1974 · collage with hole-punched paper dots, pen and black ink, monofilament, and talcum powder on oak tag paper · Accession ID 2007.6.303