Philadelphia’s urban landscape has undeniably been shaped by women artists and their public art – creations both permanent and ephemeral. (Re)FOCUS on Women in Public Art was a self-guided tour designed to highlight notable examples of these contributions that endure in Philadelphia today. This exploration was part of (re)FOCUS, a citywide exhibition in 2024 that honored the 50th anniversary of the original FOCUS festival at Moore College of Art and Design in 1974. That pioneering exhibition showcased works by 81 women artists, many of whom were were trailblazing in multidisciplinary approaches. For those not yet working in public spaces, many soon would: integrating art into the public realm became a powerful way for women to advance feminist agendas and make a name for themselves.
The following artworks were included in these tour, which served as a platform to not only spotlight the public art created by women in Philadelphia, but also to underscore the significant contributions women have made—and will continue to make—to the field of public art.
TOP IMAGE: Diane Burko, Wissahickon Reflections (1996). Photo courtesy of the artist.