Nancy Spero Centenary: From Subway Mosaics to Feminist Art Pioneer

Nancy Spero would have celebrated her 100th birthday on August 24. The American artist, who passed away at the age of 83 in October 2009, became well-known for her contributions to feminist art later in her life. In 2000, she created a mosaic at the 66th Street–Lincoln Center subway station, showcasing female figures from both mythology and contemporary culture. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she relocated to Chicago as a baby and attended the Art Institute of Chicago in 1949, where she married fellow artist Leon Golub. They became part of The Monster Roster and moved to Europe in 1956. Upon returning to New York in the mid-1960s, she concentrated on paper art, reflecting on the Vietnam War. Her notable work, 'Notes in Time' (1976–79), spans 63 meters as a paper frieze. Spero's final piece was exhibited at the 2007 Venice Biennale.