Audrey Flack
Until we meet again…
Audrey Flack, circa 1980 (Photo: Nancy R. Schiff/Getty Images).
Audrey Flack | May 30, 1931 - June 28, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Audrey Flack in 2016 when she gave an artist talk at the Saint Louis Art Museum. At the time, I had just finished reading her book titled, Art & Soul: Notes on Creating. She shared her insights on life and talked about her creative processes. She told stories about working with and knowing artists such as Chuck Close and Jackson Pollock. She was relatable and funny. And she shared her experiences of what it was like being a woman working in the male dominated field of photorealistic painting.
After the program, despite my inner introvert begging me not to, I waited around to meet her. We only chatted for a few moments before I had to get back to work and she had to go to her next engagement. While that was my only encounter with the artist in person, I was able to take away a signed copy of her book, plenty of inspiration, and most importantly, an understanding that being a female artist only has limitations if you accept the limitations others project on to you.
Her voice was powerful. She was truth and wisdom. Her life and her personality were as vibrant as the paintings in which she created. May her impact be felt forever more. May we all be as fierce as Audrey.
Thank you Audrey for sharing your gifts with the world.
Audrey Flack, Self-Portrait with Flaming Heart, 2022
Audrey Flack passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the age of 93.
If you would like to read more about the significance of Audrey Flack, check out this article, At 92 Years Old, Photorealist Painter Audrey Flack is Having a Moment, from ARTnews or watch the Smithsonian American Art Museum video below.
Audrey Flack | Buddha | 1975 | airbrushed acrylic over polymer emulsion on canvas | The Saint Louis Art Museum
