Nancy Spero. Art in the Twenty-First Century, production still, 2007. Season 4, Episode: Protest. © Art21, Inc. 2007.
This morning, we at Art21 were sad to learn that Nancy Spero passed away on Sunday, October 18. A pioneer of feminist art, Spero’s work is an unapologetic statement against the pervasive abuse of power, Western privilege, and male dominance. Her imagery and subject matter were inspired by current and historical events such as the torture of women in Nicaragua, the extermination of Jews in the Holocaust, and the atrocities of the Vietnam War. We had the privilege of interviewing her and documenting her practice in the Season Four episode, Protest. Though we mourn the loss of this great artist, we also celebrate her legacy and fearless contribution to art, politics, and antiwar activism.
Nancy Spero, Becoming an Artist (Art21 Web Exclusive, 2008)
Nancy Spero segment from Art:21—Art in the Twenty-First Century, Season 4 episode Protest, 2007