Mashonda Tifrere invests in women artists. But it’s not transactional. Her investment runs deep, not only promoting their work but empowering them as individuals and spotlighting their unique ways of seeing the world. The need is clear: Approximately 13 percent of artists represented in major American art museum collections are by women, even though women make up 55 percent of working artists, she says.

With her organization ArtLeadHer, Tifrere is working to correct this discrepancy. “As a young Black woman collector, I remember numerous occasions when I entered galleries and was not greeted by the staff; I also found it peculiar that the walls were devoid of works by women artists,” says Tifrere, who grew up in Harlem, New York inspired by a painter uncle and art collector godmother. “My mission is to create safe and inspiring spaces where women artists can showcase their work and share their narratives.”

Through ArtLeadHer, Tifrere has created a tight community and an ecosystem of support. “I feel like I’m more of an advocate for the artists,” she says. “The ultimate goal is to have them show their work in great places and with great people.” Her latest exhibition, entitled “Uninterrupted Resilience: The Soul of a Woman,” does just that, bringing together pieces by ten women. The works of participating artists Lindsay Adams, Martine Johanna, Alanis Forde, Sophie Kahn, Annette Hur, Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow, Kandy G. Lopez, Brea Anderson, Anoushka Mirchandani, and Natia Lemay are on display at Diane von Furstenberg ‘s flagship store in New York City. “They stand out due to their articulate expression through their art and the way they document their artistic journeys,” says Tifrere, who has worked with over 300 artists and counting.

sophie kahn art work

Courtesy of ArtLeadHer

“Portrait of A6” by Sophie Kahn

rugiyatou ylva jallow's calling the sun to work

Courtesy of ArtLeadHer

“Calling the Sun to Work” by Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow

“I feel both honored and seen to have my work included in ‘Uninterrupted Resilience’ amongst an incredible group of artists, all sharing our diverse experiences of navigating the world as women,” says Indian American artist Anoushka Mirchandani, whose work speaks to fluidity in identity. “Being able to work with the indomitable Mashonda Tifrere and the iconic Diane Von Furstenberg has been nothing short of phenomenal.”

art by anoushka mirchandani

Courtesy of ArtLeadHer

“RISE” by Anoushka Mirchandani

Through paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations, each artist brings her unique interpretation of resilience to the exhibit. Says Tifrere, “So many women navigate their lives, motherhood, womanhood, and career like superheroes, and I want to pay homage to them, and the artists in the show.”

artleadher exhibit

Courtesy of ArtLeadHer

The “Uninterrupted Resilience: The Soul of a Woman” exhibit at the Diane von Furstenberg flagship store in New York.

Uninterrupted Resilience: The Soul of a Woman will be open to the public until November 8.





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