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

Howardena Pindell, Robert Franklin, Brandywine Workshop and Archives, Autobiography: Past & Present II, 2005, color offset lithograph on two sheets of wove Somerset paper, Gift of Funds from the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, 2023.22.41.a-b

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

Howardena Pindell, Tad Mike, Number Series #1, 2003-2004, cut etching in black on wove paper mounted to etching in black with chine collé on wove paper, Gift of Bob Stana and Tom Judy, 2019.109.57

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

Howardena Pindell, Cassiopeia/Andromeda 1999, 2002-2003, etching, Gift of Larry D. and Brenda A. Thompson, 2023.145.11

Cassiopeia/Andromeda 1999

Howardena Pindell · 2002-2003 · etching ·  Accession ID  2023.145.11

Howardena Pindell, Robert Franklin, Brandywine Workshop and Archives, Autobiography: Past & Present I, 1989, color offset lithograph and screenprint on two sheets of wove Arches paper, Gift of Funds from the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, 2023.22.40.a-b

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

Howardena Pindell, Free, White and 21, 1980, single-channel video with sound, color, 12:15 minutes, Gift of Garth Greenan, 2020.20.1

Free, White and 21

Howardena Pindell · 1980 · single-channel video with sound, color, 12:15 minutes ·  Accession ID  2020.20.1

Howardena Pindell, Judith Solodkin, Patricia Branstead, Kyoto: Positive/Negative, 1980, etching and lithograph on dyed Japan paper with five sheets of laminated Kinwashi paper, Gift of Joshua P. Smith, 2005.61.5

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

Howardena Pindell, Untitled, #20, 1974, collage with hole-punched paper dots, pen and black ink, monofilament, and talcum powder on oak tag paper, Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection, 2007.6.303

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