[016] SHORT STACK : Marisol Escobar

“I’ve always wanted to be free in my life and art.

It’s as important to me as truth.”

-Marisol Escobar

(1) Double Portrait of Henry Geldzahler, c. 1967; (2) Women and Dog, c. 1963-1964; (3) Andy, c. 1962-1963; (4) La Visita (The Visit), c. 1964; (5) Dinner Date, c. 1963; (6) Women Leaning, c.1966; (7) Jazz Wall, c. 1962; (8) The Party, c. 1965-1966

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Marisol Escobar (May 22, 1930 – April 30, 2016), otherwise known simply as MARISOL, was a Venezuelan-American sculptor born in Paris who lived and worked in New York City. Her work gained worldwide fame in the mid-1960s, and her friend ANDY WARHOL referred to her as “the first girl artist with glamor.” Using a combination of found objects, wood, and self-portraiture, Marisol’s sculptures satirized patriarchal society, commenting on feminine identity and alienation with wit and humor. Despite her fame in the art world, she slipped into relative obscurity within a decade.

Marisol in 1964 with her sculpture “The Kennedy Family.” Photo by Sam Falk for The New York Times

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FURTHER READING

“Who Is Marisol? 7 Things to Know” by National Gallery of Art

“A Singular Perspective: An Introduction to Some Sculptural Works of Marisol Escobar” by Emily Burkhart

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Until next time.