What historical female artists pioneered the use of rattan in figurative sculpture?
Throughout art history, several female artists have broken boundaries by incorporating rattan into figurative sculpture, merging organic materials with expressive forms. Among the pioneers, Magdalena Abakanowicz stands out for her large-scale woven rattan works that explore human fragility and strength. Similarly, Niki de Saint Phalle experimented with rattan in her early assemblages, blending folk art with avant-garde expression. Brazilian artist Lygia Clark also utilized rattan in her interactive sculptures, challenging traditional art-viewer dynamics. These women redefined sculpture by elevating rattan—a material often associated with craft—into fine art, leaving a lasting legacy in contemporary art. Their innovative approaches continue to inspire artists today.
