Women’s Work to Fine Art

Mother, rulebreaker, artist. Miriam Schapiro was a pioneer of feminist artwork and the Pattern and Decoration movement. 

She broke stereotypes of the housewife by using romantic symbols and items found in domestic spaces like hearts, lace and ribbons, elevating craft to the status of fine art with creations that were unapologetically feminine.

We feature Miriam Schapiro and her vibrant works of art as the first installment of the Nova Art Project, where our signature Nova backpack becomes a canvas to celebrate women in the arts. Learn more about the Nova Art Project here.

Pandora's Box, 1983

“Hearts stand for feelings.”



— Miriam Schapiro

Back panel stitching references Miriam Schapiro’s fan shaped collages

The Beauty of Summer, 1973–74

“I question the negative connotations of fabric, of ribbon, of lace. I turn these symbols of our imprisonment around.”



— Miriam Schapiro

Miriam Schapiro’s collages are called Femmages. They use vibrant colors, lace and florals to represent women’s handiwork in the domestic space.

“My ‘junk,’ my fabrics, allude to a particular universe, which I wish to make real, to represent.”



— Miriam Schapiro

Launching with works of art by Miriam Schapiro, the Nova Art Project celebrates the talent of women in the arts. Learn more about the Nova Art Project here.