Mildred Howard's retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California is a testament to her enduring impact on the art world. Her work, spanning decades, explores identity, memory, and the African American experience through a unique blend of mediums. Howard's journey is one of resilience and determination, marked by a deep connection to her roots and a commitment to social justice. This article delves into her artistic process, the themes she explores, and the personal struggles she has overcome, offering a comprehensive look at a true artist's life and legacy.
A Life of Resilience and Art
Howard's artistic journey began in her childhood, inspired by her mother's activism and dedication to social justice. Her mother, Mable Howard, was a community organizer who fought to prevent the BART line from dividing South Berkeley, a predominantly Black neighborhood. This early influence shaped Howard's understanding of art as a form of freedom of speech and a tool for activism. Her work often reflects this activist spirit, such as her public art piece 'Delivered, Mable’s Promissory Note,' which commemorates her mother's victory and the community's gratitude.
Howard's early life was also marked by a diverse range of interests. She started as a ballet dancer, learning discipline and dedication, and later experimented with fashion design. However, it was in the visual arts that she found her true calling. She worked with grassroots organizations like the Berkeley Art Center and Fiberworks Center for the Textile Arts, and her single motherhood led her to become an arts educator, teaching at various institutions and developing school curricula.
A Pioneer in Installation Art
Howard's work is characterized by its immersive nature, blending various mediums such as collages, mixed media, sculptures, and installations. She is considered a pioneer in the field of installations, alongside artists like Yayoi Kusama, Christo, David Ireland, and Judy Chicago. Her ability to think deeply about the physics of light, color, and structure transformed her art, creating immersive experiences that engage the viewer on multiple levels.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Despite her artistic success, Howard faced personal challenges. In 2011, she was forced to leave her home in Berkeley due to a rent increase, moving to West Oakland. This period marked a decline in the Black population in South Berkeley, and Howard's move was a practical necessity. However, it also allowed her to focus on her art in a new space, where she could continue to explore her themes of home, memory, and identity.
Exploring Home and Memory
Howard's work often delves into the complex meanings of home. She questions whether home is a safe haven or a place where demons lurk. Her installation 'Black Has Always Been a Color' is a small, black, wooden house filled with glowing green and black bottles, inspired by the African American folk tradition of 'bottle trees' to ward off bad spirits. This piece, along with others, showcases Howard's ability to bring disparate elements together, both ideas and materials, creating powerful and thought-provoking works.
A Legacy of Resilience and Creativity
At 81, Howard continues to create art, drawing inspiration from her ancestors, parents, family, and fellow artists. Her work is a testament to her resilience and creativity, and she remains focused on her next project. Howard's retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California is a celebration of her life's work and a reminder of the power of art to explore identity, memory, and the human experience.
