Judy Chicago (b. 1939) is a world-renowned American artist and preeminent figure of the Feminist Art movement of the 1970s.

Throughout her career, Chicago has consistently challenged the (male-dominated) art world with her colorful creations by addressing issues of femininity, historical oppression, and power. Chicago is also notable for her embrace / elevation of unconventional, craft or "feminine"  elements such as needlepoint, embroidery and smoke. 

Chicago's best-known work, "The Dinner Party" is an icon of feminist art and a major accomplishment in installation. It debuted to much fanfare and controversy in 1979. The massive installation featured thirty-nine place settings replete with highly-abstracted vaginal imagery on elaborate ceramic plates set on a triangular table. Each setting honors a historical or mythological woman of significance who has been marginalized or overlooked. 

Throughout Chicago's career she has unflinchingly addressed women's issues. This work, "Guided by the Goddesses" is part of Chicago's "Birth Project," a body of work that confronts the lack of representation of childbirth throughout art history. For this series, Chicago collaborated with 150 international needleworkers to produce 84 works that both celebrate and evoke the exhilarating and sublime nature of childbirth.

Rendered in a celestial palette, "Guided by the Goddesses" depicts a woman's ethereal form in graceful flight. She radiates with a dynamic energy that flows through her body and back into the earth and the figures surrounding her. She is the nexus of this reciprocal exchange, embodying the profound connection between the natural world and individual souls. 

This iconic piece is represented in numerous public collections such as The Heckscher Museum of Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney), and the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Today, Chicago remains more relevant and in demand than ever. In 2020 she was commissioned to present the Dior Haute Couture presentation. At the time of writing, the Serpentine Gallery in London is hosting "Revelations" a major interdisciplinary exhibit with an emphasis on works on paper. 

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"Guided by the Goddess"

USA, 1985

Serigraph on grey Rives BFK paper

Signed, dated, titled, and numbered by the artist

From an edition of 75

30"H 40"W (work)

Framed

Very good condition.