Mildred Howard's art is a reflection of her personal journey and the spaces she has inhabited. Her first retrospective in a major museum, 'Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory', showcases her 50-year career and the intimate connection between her life and work. The exhibition, held at the Oakland Museum of California, explores Howard's exploration of history, memory, and identity through her unique artistic lens.
One of the most striking aspects of Howard's work is her use of houses as a central motif. From the large-scale installation 'Blackbird in a Red Sky' to the series of doll-house-sized glass bottle houses, houses hold a special place in her heart and art. As she explains, "Houses hold memories. They’re like vessels of information." This connection to her personal history is evident in the exhibition, where curators included a child-size wooden chair from her first art classes, offering a glimpse into her early creative endeavors.
Howard's home and studio in West Oakland is a testament to her creative process. The space, once a canvas wholesaler, was transformed into a vibrant and functional art studio. The kitchen, in particular, is a chef's dream, with ceiling-mounted pot racks and mobile prep islands, reflecting Howard's belief that cooking is a creative act. Her dining room table, adorned with her sculpture 'Kiss the Cake', symbolizes the intersection of art and daily life.
The retrospective also delves into Howard's family history and activism. Growing up in South Berkeley, she was surrounded by a close-knit community of artists and activists. Her grandmother's fight to tunnel BART tracks underground prevented further segregation and disenfranchisement, shaping Howard's perspective on history and identity. The exhibition highlights the impact of her family's activism on her artistic vision, showcasing how personal experiences inform her work.
What makes Howard's retrospective particularly fascinating is the way it challenges the traditional separation between art and life. Her work is not just a reflection of her personal journey but also a critique of historical narratives. By wrapping monuments to slaveholders and colonizers in 'Make America Great Again red', Howard invites viewers to reconsider the past and present. Her use of bold colors and unconventional materials, such as glass, adds a layer of symbolism and emotional depth to her pieces.
In my opinion, Howard's retrospective is a powerful reminder of the importance of personal history in art. Her work not only reflects her experiences but also challenges viewers to question their own perceptions of history and identity. The exhibition is a testament to the power of art to transcend time and space, offering a window into the past and a mirror to the present. As Howard herself says, "My art is part of who I am as a person." This retrospective is a celebration of her artistic journey and a reminder of the profound impact art can have on our understanding of the world.
