In the world of art, there's a certain magic that happens when an artist's life and work become intertwined, and this is precisely the case with Mildred Howard, an octogenarian artist whose retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is a testament to her enduring legacy.
A Life in Art
Mildred Howard's journey began in San Francisco, where she was born in 1945, the youngest of ten siblings. Her parents, dockworkers-turned-entrepreneurs, instilled in her a deep sense of community and activism. Howard's mother, Mable "Mama" Howard, led the fight to tunnel the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) tracks underground, preventing the segregation of their predominantly Black neighborhood in South Berkeley. This activism shaped not only Howard's worldview but also the trajectory of her art.
The Artist's Haven
For nearly a decade, Howard's residence, art studio, and archive have been housed in a 15,000 sq ft warehouse in West Oakland. This space is a reflection of her creative spirit, with a long wall of steel casement windows color-blocked in blue and purple, samples from her public art installations. Inside, the boundary between her living space and her art is blurred, a testament to the integral role art plays in her life.
A Retrospective Long Overdue
"It's the first retrospective for me in a major museum. You have to be almost dead for that to happen," Howard says with a hint of humor. But this exhibition is far from a sunset moment. In fact, it's a celebration of a career that has spanned over five decades and seen a recent surge in recognition. From honorary doctorates to the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship, Howard's star is on the rise.
The Power of Personal Connections
Howard's vast network of friends and fellow artists played a crucial role in her success. When she was forced to leave her beloved South Berkeley home due to rising rents, it was her friend Scott Atthowe who offered her the current space in West Oakland. This new space became a haven for her creativity, with bright white walls and pops of red, a chef's dream kitchen, and a seamless blend of living and working spaces.
A Creative Legacy
One of the most fascinating aspects of Howard's work is her exploration of houses as vessels of memory. From her large-scale installations to her series of glass bottle houses, the theme of homes runs deep. "Houses hold memories. They're like vessels of information," she explains. This connection between art and memory is a central theme in her retrospective, where curators have meticulously studied her life and work to present a comprehensive view of her creative journey.
A Moment of Recognition
Carin Adams, senior curator of art at OMCA, believes that Howard's moment has finally arrived. "There have been so many voices like Mildred's that have been underappreciated. I think that there's been a concerted effort to make sure that we're uplifting the voices we should be." This retrospective is a celebration of Howard's unique voice and her contribution to the art world.
Conclusion
Mildred Howard's retrospective is a powerful reminder of the impact an artist can have when their life and work are inextricably linked. It's a celebration of a creative journey that has spanned decades, and a testament to the power of personal connections and the enduring legacy of art.
