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December 30, 2021
As the city prepares to close Rikers Island prisons, the agency plans to move Faith Ringgold’s painting “For the Women’s House” to a permanent home
NEW YORK – First Lady Chirlane McCray and the Department of Correction (DOC) today announced that For the Maison des Femmes, an iconic painting by acclaimed artist Faith Ringgold is scheduled to be moved from the Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) on Rikers Island to the Brooklyn Museum, subject to review by the NYC Public Design Commission.
“A large part of New York City’s success story is how women have contributed to all aspects of the city’s development. But too many of these stories remain unknown, especially for women of color whose accomplishments have been literally wiped from the history books, â€said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “This administration has made it a priority to present new and little-known works of art that give us another perspective on the important issues of our time. I am proud that this historic painting is kept at the Brooklyn Museum where children can see it and know they too can create works of art that ignite change, expand awareness and stimulate the imagination.
The mural was dedicated to the women at Rikers Island Women’s Correctional Facility in January 1972. When the men began to be accommodated at the facility in 1988, the painting was whitewashed before it was saved. by an agent. The piece was then restored and moved to the new women’s center, the RMSC or “Rosie’sâ€, where it is still on display.
“While we rightly step away from Rikers, there is a lot of history to remember and reflect on,†said DOC curator Vincent Schiraldi. “Bringing this piece into public view is an important part of learning and growing this story. We thank Faith Ringgold who devoted her talents to providing a little beauty in an otherwise difficult place. “
The Administration has advanced several progressive initiatives, including: Catalyst Art and social justice, the largest art exhibition ever held at Gracie Mansion to examine art and social justice through more than 75 works by more than 50 artists and activists since the 1960s, and SheBuilt NYC, an effort to create landmarks and other public art works honoring women. CreateNYC, the city’s first-ever roadmap for cultural investment and equality, increased equitable funding and support for culture, especially in historically underserved neighborhoods, and provided high-level arts education. quality to all New York public school students.
Integrate the suggestions given to Ringgold by the incarcerated women, For the Maison des Femmes represents the first female president, professional basketball players and other positive female role models. The piece is expected to be added to the Ringgold Collection at the Center for Feminist Art at the Brooklyn Museum to ensure its accessibility to the public.
In order to replace the artwork and promote beauty and healing in prisons, the Art for Justice Fund kindly offered to fund the creation of a new community mural at RMSC in the space vacated by the work of Mrs. Ringgold.
“I can’t wait for people to finally have the chance to see my painting, For the Maison des Femmes, at the Brooklyn Museum, â€said Ringgold faith.
“The Brooklyn Museum is delighted that one of Faith Ringgold’s most iconic paintings is returning to us,†said Anne Pasternak, director of the Brooklyn Museum of Art. “We are delighted to share it with millions of people locally and around the world and engage them in dialogues about the work of this revolutionary artist and the themes of mass incarceration, women’s equality, movements. art from the 1970s and more. “
“I am happy to know that the important Faith Ringgold painting will be moved to a permanent residence at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, at the request of the artist,” said Agnes Gund, founder of the Art for Justice Fund. “It is my fervent hope that we will all see Rikers Island closed, and that all those incarcerated and working there will soon be transferred to a safer and more positive environment.”
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