Barbara Chase-Riboud

Barbara Chase-Riboud is an American visual artist, sculptor, and author born on June 26, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is best known for her sculptural works that combine hard and soft materials, such as bronze and silk or wool, creating a dynamic interplay between form and texture. Chase-Riboud studied at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and later at the American Academy in Rome as a fellow. She has lived and worked in Paris since the early 1960s.

Chase-Riboud's sculptures often draw inspiration from historical events and figures, with a particular focus on African-American history. One of her most famous works is the Malcolm X Steles series, which she began in the late 1960s. These sculptures are abstract memorials to the slain civil rights leader Malcolm X, combining polished bronze with hanging fiber elements. Another notable work is the Monument Drawings series, which pays homage to African American soldiers who fought in the American Civil War.

In addition to her sculptural practice, Chase-Riboud is an accomplished writer. She has published several novels, including Sally Hemings, which explores the life of Thomas Jefferson's enslaved concubine. Her work has been exhibited in numerous institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Chase-Riboud has received several awards for her contributions to art and literature, including the Knighthood of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government. Her work continues to be influential in discussions of race, history, and memory in contemporary art.