Elizabeth Catlett, Sculptor, Dies at 96
Considered one of the most important African-American artists of all time, Elizabeth Catlett has died Monday at age 96.
The sculptor and printmaker died at her home in Cuernavaca, located in Mexico, where she spent most of her life. She was just days away from her 97th birthday on April 15.
Born in Washington, D.C., Catlett was the granddaughter of freed slaves. She attended Howard University and graduated cum laude in 1935, then her master's degree in fine art from the University of Iowa. After working as a teacher for two years, Catlett became frustrated by the low salaries offered to black people.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Catlett turned to art to foster social change, and her artwork would later become symbols of the civil rights movement. She featured some of the most horrific injustices against African Americans, including beatings and lynchings, with sculpted art.
Additionally, the artist used subjects such as Harriet Tubman and Angela Davis with hopeful pieces of work.
Once she had moved to Mexico in the 1940s to study ceramics, Catlett continued her civil rights battle but also took on the struggles of Mexican workers. It was then she married fellow artist Francisco Mora.
"She was a mother to all of us," said Rob Bechet, an art professor at Xavier University, according to the New Orleans news outlet, NOLA.
Bechet added, "Showing us a way through this art thing that was straight and true."
The artist is being mourned and honored on Twitter following the news of her death this week.
"In memory of you… Elizabeth Catlett," wrote Terrell. "American artist, civil rights advocate, icon."
"She was an amazing soul and a beautiful person," posted Jennifer of Catlett. "Rest in Peace!"
Twitter user Dwayne wrote, "R.I.P. to Elizabeth Catlett, 20th Century pioneer who taught us that art can be beautiful and culturally relevant."
"Elizabeth Catlett was a brilliant, expansive, and unapologetically Black fine artist," wrote Imani. "May she rest in peace."
Catlett is survived by three sons, 10 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Her granddaughter, Naima Mora, appeared on "American's Next Top Model" realist television show and was the Cycle four winner.
