Traversing decades and continents, these fifty gorgeously illustrated profiles celebrate pioneering women who at once fought against and transformed the male-dominated artistic establishment of their time.

From mystic and groundbreaking color theorist Hilma af Klimt to the multi-disciplinary storyteller Megan Rooney, this thoughtfully curated and stunningly illustrated collection celebrates the rich tapestry of creativity and perseverance of women artists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Organized chronologically by year of birth, this book features multi-page spreads that include an introductory text accompanied by dazzling full-color reproductions of each artist’s work.

Readers will discover the enormous variety of contributions from women of color such as Elizabeth Catlett, Saloua Raouda Choucair, Bertina Lopes, and Faith Ringgold; women from non-western cultures, including Kubra Khademi, Irene Chou, Zarina, Wook-Kyung Choi, and Nairy Baghramian; work that explores the female body by Marlene Dumas, Rebecca Horn, Valie Export, and Ana Mendieta; and the radical, groundbreaking work of Judy Chicago, Lygia Clark, and the Guerilla Girls.

Throughout, readers will gain an understanding of the enormous struggles women artists have faced; of the incredible accomplishments they have achieved in the face of sexism, ageism, and racism; and how, despite these advancements, they continue to fight for recognition in a culture and climate dominated by men.